VBP smart struts and spreader bars
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 30,183
Likes: 313
From: Lake Norman NC
VBP smart struts and spreader bars
Going with the smart struts for sure, and thinking about the spreader bar. Any modded rear spring for the smart struts needed? can they go with a stock leaf? any pics? suggestions or comments? thanks guys! :cheers:
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
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From: San Jose CA
Re: VBP smart struts and spreader bars (Redshark6974)
The spring won't be a concern, but exhaust might. My smart struts rub right up against the exhaust pipe. I really need to reroute that system one of these days.
I think the spreader bar would actually help MORE than the smart struts, but I do think the smart struts helped QUITE a lot. (I had -1.5 degrees camber before the struts, and went up to -0.5 after, ultimate grip did not change at all, but the car was much more stable heading down the road.)
-Steve
*edit* Your exhaust heat shield (if you have one) will no longer mount up because the mounting holes are in the stock strut bracket.
[Modified by Pacin'California, 9:33 AM 10/27/2003]
I think the spreader bar would actually help MORE than the smart struts, but I do think the smart struts helped QUITE a lot. (I had -1.5 degrees camber before the struts, and went up to -0.5 after, ultimate grip did not change at all, but the car was much more stable heading down the road.)
-Steve
*edit* Your exhaust heat shield (if you have one) will no longer mount up because the mounting holes are in the stock strut bracket.
[Modified by Pacin'California, 9:33 AM 10/27/2003]
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Re: VBP smart struts and spreader bars (Redshark6974)
You won't get any arguments from me on that one!
You might want to consider just shimming the strut bracket instead of going for the smart struts- you'll get the same effect. The smart struts are designed to maximize exhaust clearance while giving the strut rods a lower mounting point.
-Steve
You might want to consider just shimming the strut bracket instead of going for the smart struts- you'll get the same effect. The smart struts are designed to maximize exhaust clearance while giving the strut rods a lower mounting point.
-Steve
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,000
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From: Boulder Creek California
Re: VBP smart struts and spreader bars (Pacin'California)
How thick should this shim be to be equal to the SmartStruts? Won't the strut rods need to be significantly shortened when you do this? It seems like the cam might not be enough adjustment.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Re: VBP smart struts and spreader bars (RUXperienced)
Shorter rods give less play, thus less camber change. I am not sure how much the shims need to be. I know that FauxRS has talked about this in the past, as well as Chuck Harmon.
-Steve
-Steve
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,253
Likes: 1
From: East China MI
Re: VBP smart struts and spreader bars (Redshark6974)
It's not the best picture for the struts, but it's the only one I have. No offense, but I don't like the shim idea. That just makes a part weaker. The smart Struts are stronger than stock. The only problem I have had is loosening of the rod. Make sure you use blue Loc-tite.
:smash:
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,951
Likes: 1
From: Shore NJ
Re: VBP smart struts and spreader bars (jpatrick636)
I'm curious, what shims are you talking about using. I've installed the smart struts and have no clearance problems at all and the camber adjustment is simple. The only problem that I have had was the loosening of the nuts which was corrected with lock-tite blue...here's some pics http://members.cardomain.com/73jst4fun
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,000
Likes: 22
From: Boulder Creek California
Re: VBP smart struts and spreader bars (73jst4fun)
Talking about shimming above the stock strut bracket, effectively lowering the mounting points like the smart struts do. I agree it would weaken the assembly, but perhaps not so much if the spacer was welded on. The smartstrut bracket is rather expensive, so I think a number of things could be done cheaper... maybe even having one custom fabbed? But VBP rocks, so give them your money anyway :D
-Chris
-Chris
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,951
Likes: 1
From: Shore NJ
Re: VBP smart struts and spreader bars (RUXperienced)
Lowering the strut bracket will bring you closer to the exhaust, how much are you thinking of lowering the bracket? I've installed the smart struts on a few vettes and we never had an issue. I agree, and think that would have an affect on strength, better use a steel plate for a shim and grade 8 bolts, the mounting holes on the differential can strip out easy. Just my 2 cents... :iagree:
C6 the C5 of tomorrow
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,665
Likes: 2
From: Twin Cities Minnesota
Re: VBP smart struts and spreader bars (RUXperienced)
Use a 1/2" plate between the strut plate on the Diff and the diff, Longer bolts are needed too...
Plate can be aluminum or steel.
Plate can be aluminum or steel.
