Rear spring, composite or steel?

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Sep 1, 2004 | 10:47 PM

Garson

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Apr 2001

Posts: 391

Likes: 1

From: Bend, Oregon

Rear spring, composite or steel?

I am in the process of collecting parts for a winter project, I am going to replace the rear spring and rebuild all front and rear suspension parts. I am putting the grand touring coils up front and need advise on a rear spring. I am concerned about the heat from my exhaust on a composite spring. I have tried to get information about heat shields but have recieved many different answers. I know that a steel spring works because the one in the car now is 31 years old. I do not want to change my exhaust to accomadate the composite spring. I use the car as a weekend driver and drive to 5 or 6 shows a year. It is a 1974 small block with 350 hp and a four speed. Any advise is welcome.

Thanks,
Garson

Sep 2, 2004 | 12:25 AM

stingr69

Le Mans Master

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 7,502

Likes: 1,510

From: Little Rock AR

If you are worried about heat getting to the spring, just wrap the spring with header wrap insulation. That will keep the heat off the spring and you can avoid the rust problems that come from wrapping the exhaust pipes.

-Mark.

Sep 2, 2004 | 08:45 AM

Van Steel

Premium Supporting Vendor

Joined: May 2000

Posts: 4,312

Likes: 70

From: Clearwater FL

I agree. Just wrap the inner part of the spring. You will not have to change anything to accomidate a composite spring.

Sep 2, 2004 | 09:02 AM

75rag4sp

Racer

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 399

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From: Chambersburg PA

I just installed a Composite spring last weekend and after feeling the weight difference alone i would definately go composite. VBP recommends a minimum safe distance of 3 inches and it can get a little close under there. I will be wrapping mine.

Sep 2, 2004 | 09:16 AM

VBP

Safety Car

Joined: Jun 2002

Posts: 3,689

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From: St Petersburg FL

St. Jude Donor '07,'13

Quote:

Originally Posted by 75rag4sp

He is correct, a minimum of 3 inches is required for safe clearance.

Tony
VBP

Sep 2, 2004 | 09:56 AM

Garson

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Apr 2001

Posts: 391

Likes: 1

From: Bend, Oregon

At this point I do not have the three inches clearance on the spring from the 2 1/2 inch exhaust, will the header wrap on the spring work or should I stay with a metal spring?

Garson