Rear Spring
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From: Belleville MI
Rear Spring
Okie i know there are other threads on this but they are not very clear on which to choose. I have a 1979 corvette and am looking at Vette Brakes and Products rear springs because it seems mutal on here there is no change in stock height. My question is what pound rating is the best? This is the question that no one ever answers.
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From: Exiled to Richmond, VA - Finally sold my house in Murfreesboro, TN ?? Corner of "Bumf*&k and 'You've got a purdy mouth'."
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St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Originally Posted by NotPopz
Okie i know there are other threads on this but they are not very clear on which to choose. I have a 1979 corvette and am looking at Vette Brakes and Products rear springs because it seems mutual on here there is no change in stock height. My question is what pound rating is the best? This is the question that no one ever answers.
I would think a 320 - 340 would work fine, in my opinion.
Make sure to get the right shocks to go with it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Myrtle Beach SC
Originally Posted by NotPopz
Okie i know there are other threads on this but they are not very clear on which to choose. I have a 1979 corvette and am looking at Vette Brakes and Products rear springs because it seems mutal on here there is no change in stock height. My question is what pound rating is the best? This is the question that no one ever answers.
For 79 spring GM# 462598 was specified rated at 307 lb/in @1325 design load. Now, this is the heavy-duty spring while in contrast the standard 9-leaf spring was rated in the range of 196 lb/inc at 1420 lb. A 340 lb/in spring would be pretty stiff!
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From: Clearwater FL
You can not compare a steel spring rating to a fibergalss spring rating because the 2 springs act differently. Fiberglass springs flex a lot more than steel springs.
When a customer asks me what spring rate should I get, I ask them what kind of driving do you like to do. Do you drive your vette hard and like going into turns fast or are you just a weekend warrior driver? Do you plan to autx or drag?
A 330lb spring is a good all around spring for cruising and getting on it once in awhile. If your drag racing the car your going to want to get a stiffer spring so you eliminate squat as much as possible. So than you would go with at least a 360lb spring. You can also get custom spring rates if you want something in the middle. Currently you can get a 300, 330, 360 or 420 lb spring. If you call us, Van Steel, or VBP we can get you any spring rate. Custom spring rates are available as well like a 320 or a 350lb spring rate.
Dan
When a customer asks me what spring rate should I get, I ask them what kind of driving do you like to do. Do you drive your vette hard and like going into turns fast or are you just a weekend warrior driver? Do you plan to autx or drag?
A 330lb spring is a good all around spring for cruising and getting on it once in awhile. If your drag racing the car your going to want to get a stiffer spring so you eliminate squat as much as possible. So than you would go with at least a 360lb spring. You can also get custom spring rates if you want something in the middle. Currently you can get a 300, 330, 360 or 420 lb spring. If you call us, Van Steel, or VBP we can get you any spring rate. Custom spring rates are available as well like a 320 or a 350lb spring rate.
Dan
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
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From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
Just to stir things up a bit, if you get the adjustable dual point mounting, you can change the spring rate (somewhat). I.e., the inner mount results in a softer rate, the outermost mounting point stiffens the rate, etc. Right?
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 391
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From: Chicago il
Not to keep stirring but...
I am in need of a rear spring ( I know, I keep saying this and haven't replaced it yet- October. Really.)
How does the dual mount spring work with a non-dual mount front end? I have the VBP 550 lb front springs and complete poly front end. I'm happy with it- considering going with the dual mount rear or a 420# poly spring. Car is a '79 DD (aggressive driving a must!) that will be doing an auto-X a month or so all summer long. Any input? Thanks!
~Kevin
I am in need of a rear spring ( I know, I keep saying this and haven't replaced it yet- October. Really.)
How does the dual mount spring work with a non-dual mount front end? I have the VBP 550 lb front springs and complete poly front end. I'm happy with it- considering going with the dual mount rear or a 420# poly spring. Car is a '79 DD (aggressive driving a must!) that will be doing an auto-X a month or so all summer long. Any input? Thanks!
~Kevin
Instructor
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From: Orlando FL
Van Steel,
Is there a lowering package out there for the C3? I am looking for about a 2" drop all the way around and I would like to purchase a package that would allow me to do this. I like stiff ride but not too stiff if that makes any since.
Is there a lowering package out there for the C3? I am looking for about a 2" drop all the way around and I would like to purchase a package that would allow me to do this. I like stiff ride but not too stiff if that makes any since.
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Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: WAY DEEP INSIDE AMERICO,YES YOU LIVE HERE TO!! TX
I have the dual mount 
and would never
go back to a single spring! they are exspensive,
but you can adjust it any way you want, ride height to.
It's like buying all spring rates you need in one package
and would nevergo back to a single spring! they are exspensive,
but you can adjust it any way you want, ride height to.
It's like buying all spring rates you need in one package
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Joined: May 2000
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From: Clearwater FL
Z-Man
You are correct.
Evil_1979
I think you'll be better off with the dual mount rear spring. I also think a 420 lb spring is going to be way to much for your application. Thats more for a car that has very high HP and mostly for drag. Your best bet is the dual mount. It will work fine w/your 550's up front.
dtengle
Longer spring bolts will drop your rear. You have a couple of options up front. Cut coils, semi-coilover-they can get you to about 26 1/6 from center of wheel well lip to ground, or transverse front spring.
You are correct.
Evil_1979
I think you'll be better off with the dual mount rear spring. I also think a 420 lb spring is going to be way to much for your application. Thats more for a car that has very high HP and mostly for drag. Your best bet is the dual mount. It will work fine w/your 550's up front.
dtengle
Longer spring bolts will drop your rear. You have a couple of options up front. Cut coils, semi-coilover-they can get you to about 26 1/6 from center of wheel well lip to ground, or transverse front spring.
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Joined: May 2000
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From: Clearwater FL
Yes they are QA1 semi-coilovers. Here's a link w/some pics. They are not the greatest but you'll get the gist of things.
http://www.vansteel.com/photos/index...slideshow&e=16
You'll see a black **** on the bottom of the shock. It's a 12 point adjustment. Turn it to the right and the shock will get tighter and vs to the left. All you have to do is remove the shock bolt nuts off of your lower a-arm and drill the hole to a 3/8" ID and install them like you would a regular coil spring. You will notice how the spring "V's". This is a variable rated spring. When your driving straight(on a SB) the spring rate will be 265lbs and as you corner the spring stiffens and it goes to 365lb. BB springs are 365/465.
There is an article in the new Corvette Enthusaist about them. We actually did the article on my vette, an 80, and it only took a couple of hours. I used to have the front transverse spring but was unhappy w/it. This has made a big improvement in my ride quality and cornering especially. Some like the idea and some don't but to say the least I am very happy with them. I also have 12 point adjustable rear shocks that will work with steel or composite springs.
http://www.vansteel.com/photos/index...slideshow&e=16
You'll see a black **** on the bottom of the shock. It's a 12 point adjustment. Turn it to the right and the shock will get tighter and vs to the left. All you have to do is remove the shock bolt nuts off of your lower a-arm and drill the hole to a 3/8" ID and install them like you would a regular coil spring. You will notice how the spring "V's". This is a variable rated spring. When your driving straight(on a SB) the spring rate will be 265lbs and as you corner the spring stiffens and it goes to 365lb. BB springs are 365/465.
There is an article in the new Corvette Enthusaist about them. We actually did the article on my vette, an 80, and it only took a couple of hours. I used to have the front transverse spring but was unhappy w/it. This has made a big improvement in my ride quality and cornering especially. Some like the idea and some don't but to say the least I am very happy with them. I also have 12 point adjustable rear shocks that will work with steel or composite springs.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,366
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From: Las Vegas NV
Originally Posted by NotPopz
Okie i know there are other threads on this but they are not very clear on which to choose. I have a 1979 corvette and am looking at Vette Brakes and Products rear springs because it seems mutal on here there is no change in stock height. My question is what pound rating is the best? This is the question that no one ever answers.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
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From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
Originally Posted by lostpatrolman
Why are they considered semi-coilovers? What is the difference between the QA1s and a real coilover?
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 420
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From: Lapeer MI
Originally Posted by NotPopz
I have a 1979 corvette and am looking at Vette Brakes and Products rear springs because it seems mutal on here there is no change in stock height.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Mobile AL
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by dtengle
Van Steel,
Is there a lowering package out there for the C3? I am looking for about a 2" drop all the way around and I would like to purchase a package that would allow me to do this. I like stiff ride but not too stiff if that makes any since.
Is there a lowering package out there for the C3? I am looking for about a 2" drop all the way around and I would like to purchase a package that would allow me to do this. I like stiff ride but not too stiff if that makes any since.
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Joined: May 2000
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From: Clearwater FL
Originally Posted by lostpatrolman
Why are they considered semi-coilovers? What is the difference between the QA1s and a real coilover?
