C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Gymkhanna suspension ?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 16, 2004 | 10:32 AM
  #1  
JBR's Avatar
JBR
Thread Starter
Racer
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
From: NE PA PA
Default Gymkhanna suspension ?

Could someone please describe what the difference is between the standard susp. and the gymkhanna. :withstupid:
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2004 | 10:38 AM
  #2  
Neo Fender's Avatar
Neo Fender
Drifting
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,411
Likes: 2
From: St. Louis, Missouri
Default Re: Gymkhanna suspension ? (JBR)

Standard suspension = 9 leaves on rear spring

Gymkhana (AKA RPO FE7) = 7 leaves


[Modified by Neo Fender, 9:49 AM 3/16/2004]
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2004 | 10:43 AM
  #3  
Ganey's Avatar
Ganey
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Default Re: Gymkhanna suspension ? (JBR)

Higher rate springs, larger front sway bar, adds a rear sway bar & special shocks.
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2004 | 05:46 PM
  #4  
L82-JWS's Avatar
L82-JWS
Racer
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 280
Likes: 0
From: Poughkeepsie New York
Default Re: Gymkhanna suspension ? (Ganey)

Question on the Shocks...if you were going to replace these Gymkhanna shocks, what would you recommend....I have a 79, would like to upgrade the shocks/.....i think the originals are tired....27K miles, but 25 years old.. :crazy:
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2004 | 08:16 PM
  #5  
phxraptor's Avatar
phxraptor
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 930
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix Az
Default Re: Gymkhanna suspension ? (L82-JWS)

Question on the Shocks...if you were going to replace these Gymkhanna shocks, what would you recommend....I have a 79, would like to upgrade the shocks/.....i think the originals are tired....27K miles, but 25 years old.. :crazy:
Bilstein :yesnod:
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2004 | 10:54 PM
  #6  
BacaBill's Avatar
BacaBill
Racer
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 361
Likes: 0
From: Toms River New Jersey
Default Re: Gymkhanna suspension ? (Ganey)

Higher rate springs, larger front sway bar, adds a rear sway bar & special shocks.
Are you saying ONLY the Gymkanna has the rear sway bar? I have a rear on my '79 but it's real small in diameter, like 1/2". Do I need to get a hold of the tank sticker to find out for sure? Thanx
Reply
Old Mar 16, 2004 | 11:17 PM
  #7  
LiveandLetDrive's Avatar
LiveandLetDrive
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
Liked
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,000
Likes: 22
From: Boulder Creek California
Default Re: Gymkhanna suspension ? (BacaBill)

I believe in your case it's either aftermarket or Gymkhana. I think only Big Blocks came with rear swaybars without the Gym. option.

-Chris
Reply
Old Mar 17, 2004 | 12:39 AM
  #8  
LT1driver's Avatar
LT1driver
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,209
Likes: 33
From: Texas-out west
Default Re: Gymkhanna suspension ? (RUXperienced)

probably a 7/16 sway on back :cheers:
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Mar 17, 2004 | 06:40 AM
  #9  
nuolitie's Avatar
nuolitie
Heel & Toe
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Espoo Finland
Default Re: Gymkhanna suspension ? (JBR)

-------------QUOTE--------------------

The consensus of many is that no small block including the ZR1s were ever delivered with an F41 suspension. In fact, F41, was a standard big block suspension broadcast when a big block RPO was specified.

Front Sway Bar: 3831972 15/16"
Rear Sway Bar:3923676 9/16"
Rear Spring: 3828811 7 Leaf
Front Springs: 3832518 EA 550 lb
Front Shock: 3171488
Rear Shock: 3171489

--------------------QUOTE----------------------------

The content varies a bit during the years... :jester

------------------------------QUOTE-------------------------
For the 1969 model year, the following parts were included in the Corvette F-41 suspension:

15/16" front sway bar (standard bar was 7/8") - #3831972
9/16" rear sway bar (same as other 1969 big blocks) - #?

550 lb/in rate front coil springs - #3832518 (broadcast code "EA")
152 lb/in (per side) rear leaf spring (seven leaf) - #3828811 (broadcast code "EB")

Special shock mounts (provided clearance for larger diameter shock absorbers) - #3829265 (left) and #3829266 (right)
------------------------QUOTE

And:

-----------------------QUOTE------------------
Gymkhana on a 78 includes the following:
1 1/8" front sway, 550 lb front coils
7/16" rear sway, 300 lb 7-leaf rear spring.
-----------------------QUOTE------------------

:party:
Reply
Old Mar 17, 2004 | 07:32 AM
  #10  
Ganey's Avatar
Ganey
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Default Re: Gymkhanna suspension ? (BacaBill)

Are you saying ONLY the Gymkanna has the rear sway bar? I have a rear on my '79 but it's real small in diameter, like 1/2". ... Thanx
Yes, in your case should be 7/16" as LT1driver said.


Reply
Old Mar 17, 2004 | 07:34 AM
  #11  
Ganey's Avatar
Ganey
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Default Re: Gymkhanna suspension ? (L82-JWS)

Question on the Shocks...if you were going to replace these Gymkhanna shocks, what would you recommend....I have a 79, would like to upgrade the shocks/.....i think the originals are tired....27K miles, but 25 years old.. :crazy:
Evidently the factory spends a lot of time getting shocks right. 1 example, replaced the FE-7 shocks at low miles less than 30K w/ Koni adjustable. I drive very hard- no difference. Later went w/ VB rear spring for less weight & Delco Performer shocks.
Reply
Old Mar 17, 2004 | 12:59 PM
  #12  
Vader953's Avatar
Vader953
Instructor
 
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Columbia, SC, USA
Default Re: Gymkhanna suspension ? (Ganey)

YOU ALL ARE MISSING THE POINT :yesnod:

The real difference is the gymkhana makes the car ride like a truck :lol:

I love the stiff suspension, but man it is rough. My back hurts after long road thrips.
Reply
Old Mar 17, 2004 | 05:26 PM
  #13  
BacaBill's Avatar
BacaBill
Racer
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 361
Likes: 0
From: Toms River New Jersey
Default Re: Gymkhanna suspension ? (Ganey)


Yes, in your case should be 7/16" as LT1driver said.
Ok, next question,,, how else can I tell for the F41 (is that the designation?) suspension? I know the tank sticker, but is that it? It's an early '79 L82, I'm 3rd owner & just about everything, was kept original as possible as far as I can see, except the engine is a crate GM.
ps: I count 6 leafs in the rear, unless it's 5 & the top leaf is actually a flat mount bracket. I'll put it up on the lift this weekend to get a better look.


[Modified by BacaBill, 5:27 PM 3/17/2004]


[Modified by BacaBill, 7:46 PM 3/17/2004]
Reply
Old Mar 18, 2004 | 04:26 AM
  #14  
hunt4cleanair's Avatar
hunt4cleanair
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
Default Re: Gymkhanna suspension ? (BacaBill)

Yes, in your case should be 7/16" as LT1driver said.

How else can I tell the F41 (is that the designation?) suspension? I know the tank sticker, but is that it? It's an early '79 L82, I'm 3rd owner & just about everything, was kept original as possible as far as I can see, except the engine is a crate GM.
ps: I count 6 leafs in the rear, unless it's 5 & the top leaf is actually a flat mount bracket. I'll put it up on the lift this weekend to get a better look.
BacaBill:

Nuolitle gave you lots of info but the F41 was no longer available after the 1969 production year. If you're looking to stiffen up your suspension the FE7 is the template you may wish to follow as others described above. Sounds like you have an FE7.

1. Count the number of leafs in your spring...if it comes up 6 (as you indicate) you got FE7.
2. If you've got original shocks...see what the numbers are...another indicator of FE7 (tell us the number). Check rear...it's easier will have 22012402 if FE7.
3. Look for tags on front springs...green with black alphanumber look for AHY or ANY.

Tell us what you find.

Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Gymkhanna suspension ?





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:48 PM.

story-0
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 most overrated Corvette track packages ever.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:46:45


VIEW MORE
story-1
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

Slideshow: Every 2027 Corvette engine explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:16:31


VIEW MORE
story-2
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-08 19:53:43


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE