550 vs. 460 Spring on 74 SB
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 429
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From: Oak Harbor WA
550 vs. 460 Spring on 74 SB
Got a lot of mixed feedback on this topic, my Corvette mechanic swears by the 550 lb spring, but VBP techs advised that on certain 72-74 smallblocks with stock suspension, the ride height will be too low, and the ride too harsh. VBP recommends the 460 Spring on my car. My mechanic thinks the 460 will give me a too tall ride height.
But I do want to upgrade from stock, and I'll also be installing a VBP spreader bar on top.
Any 72-74 SB out there with the 460 Spring care to comment on its ride height? I'd rather not have to install, then remove to cut, then reinstall, etc.
Presently, I have stock springs, Delco gas shocks, stock rims/tires, and my ride height is 27 5/8". Anything that height or 1/2" lower will be fine.
Thanks
[Modified by kenko74, 8:33 AM 3/9/2004]
But I do want to upgrade from stock, and I'll also be installing a VBP spreader bar on top.
Any 72-74 SB out there with the 460 Spring care to comment on its ride height? I'd rather not have to install, then remove to cut, then reinstall, etc.
Presently, I have stock springs, Delco gas shocks, stock rims/tires, and my ride height is 27 5/8". Anything that height or 1/2" lower will be fine.
Thanks
[Modified by kenko74, 8:33 AM 3/9/2004]
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,711
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From: San Antonio TX
Re: 550 vs. 460 Spring on 74 SB (kenko74)
I have the VBP 550 springs. The height is neither too low or too harsh. The springs dropped the height maybe an inch or so from stock which is about right the way I wanted it. The only time I can say the springs created a harsh ride was when I hit a significant rut in the road and it about knocked my teeth out. Over the normal bumps and irregularities, it feels just fine. A lot of it has to do with what shocks you're using anyway. A firm shock can make even a 260in/lb spring feel like a dump truck.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
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From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Re: 550 vs. 460 Spring on 74 SB (kenko74)
I don't know if they do anymore, But Vette Brakes and products used to sell both of the 1 inch short 550 & 460 springs.
IMO - the 550's are to short to use sub 26 inch diameter front tires. I had trouble scraping down going in and out of gas stations with 50 series 15 inch wheels.
IMO - the 550's are to short to use sub 26 inch diameter front tires. I had trouble scraping down going in and out of gas stations with 50 series 15 inch wheels.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 334
Likes: 1
From: Averill Park N.Y.
Re: 550 vs. 460 Spring on 74 SB (gerry72)
Is there a way to tell which spring I have. Maybe by measuring the diameter of the stock? I know they are not original. 2 years ago when I put in the ZZ4, I also rebuilt the front end, but the springs looked almost new so I put the same ones back in. Now the car rides too high because of the lighter engine. I am planning on cutting them this spring but maybe I should replace them with something different.
:confused:
:confused:
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 12,975
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Re: 550 vs. 460 Spring on 74 SB (kenko74)
I had the 550's in my Pace. It did drop the height by at least an inch. Use a Bilstien shock and get ready to be amazed at the improvement in ride/handling. I also ran 17 inch rims too. Yes, I scraped the front chin spoiler, but it didn't bother me. The car's stance really looked mean.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 16
From: absecon nj
Re: 550 vs. 460 Spring on 74 SB (Double Aught)
i put the 460's in my 73 and it raised the ride height up,so i cut one coil off now im almost happy with them.I might just get the 550's and try them,but i want to drive it a bit and see how it rides first with the bilstien shocks.
