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Old Oct 24, 2004 | 07:17 PM
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Default Suspension Ideas

I have big plans for the finished version of my project, but with the reality of presently being without work, if I want to have my Vette on the road anytime in the near future, I need to re-think they way I build it.

I don't want to cut any corners that will dictate the final version of the Vette of being any less quality than the original plans.

My original plans for the suspension was to get the Performance Plus package offered by VB&P. I like the idea of adjusting the ride height of the body. But this kit cost around 2 grand.

If I restore and use my existing A-Arms, and get fresh springs for the near future, is the Performance Plus kit easily installed with the Vette body on the frame?



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Old Oct 24, 2004 | 08:02 PM
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What is the Performance Plus package offered by VB&P?
Do they just replace the springs or is it the transverse spring, the old buggy spring??
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Old Oct 24, 2004 | 10:38 PM
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I think the performance plus setup has the springs that are adjustabe for ride height and rate (adjusting the length of the cantilever). It looks to be a good setup imho. It doesn't really change a whole lot suspension-basics-wise, but it's definitely an improvement over the stock system.
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Old Oct 25, 2004 | 09:32 AM
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Originally Posted by ddecart
I think the performance plus setup has the springs that are adjustabe for ride height and rate (adjusting the length of the cantilever). It looks to be a good setup imho. It doesn't really change a whole lot suspension-basics-wise, but it's definitely an improvement over the stock system.
Is this the fiberglass travers spring, same as the back but adjustable?? Harmonics from one side travel to the other. The springs hangs down below the front crossmember making jacking a problem. The turning radius I believe is increased.
I worked on a car this spring with a complete setup like I think we are talking about and I thought he wasted alot of money.
It is going backwards. The old buggy spring was used in the 40's and 50's and we are going back to this old system????
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Old Oct 25, 2004 | 09:39 AM
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The C4, 5 & 6 use that system also, you should have seen the comments on the new C6 in car magazines here, they almost wet their pants from laughing. I agree with Norval, I wouldn't want one either because of the ground clearance, the harmonics and the steering radius. Also, the adjustability is just a couple of positions, does anywone know the scale of adjstmen? How much difference between the 2 outermost positions?
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Old Oct 25, 2004 | 12:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Twin_Turbo
The C4, 5 & 6 use that system also, you should have seen the comments on the new C6 in car magazines here, they almost wet their pants from laughing.
You're joking right? Where's "here"?
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Old Oct 25, 2004 | 12:13 PM
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Here is Europe, I am not joking. I think some of the members here have seen the Top Gear report on the C6. They were bashing the interior, cheap plastics they say, the suspension was also laughed over.
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Old Oct 25, 2004 | 12:14 PM
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Originally Posted by norvalwilhelm
It is going backwards. The old buggy spring was used in the 40's and 50's and we are going back to this old system????
Going backwards?? Get real. Are you aware that every Vette from 84 up uses this system? It must be doing something right as these are among the best handling cars in the world.
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Old Oct 25, 2004 | 12:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Twin_Turbo
Here is Europe, I am not joking. I think some of the members here have seen the Top Gear report on the C6. They were bashing the interior, cheap plastics they say, the suspension was also laughed over.
Oh, that explains it then.
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Old Oct 25, 2004 | 12:16 PM
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Why is the vette the only sportscar using that system? You can not deny that there are no problems w/ harmonics and the suspension not being truely independant same as running a big sway bar. IT's probably cheaper than a coil over system like almost any other serious sports car uses, you won't find those springs on porsches, ferraris, bimmers and so on.
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Old Oct 25, 2004 | 12:43 PM
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Originally Posted by Twin_Turbo
Why is the vette the only sportscar using that system? You can not deny that there are no problems w/ harmonics and the suspension not being truely independant same as running a big sway bar. IT's probably cheaper than a coil over system like almost any other serious sports car uses, you won't find those springs on porsches, ferraris, bimmers and so on.
Whether the system has inherent problems or not, the car is still among the best handling cars in the world with that system. Of course cost is a factor, always has been. It's silly to even bring that up. Sure, you can put the best in a Ferrari when you asking $250,000 for it.
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Old Oct 25, 2004 | 12:46 PM
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The corvette handles pretty good but there are many cars that will outdo it and they aren't even necessarily more expensive (considering what they cost here, not what they cost in the US). If you have to think about plunking down 120.000$ for a corvette w/ a bucky spring or a decent Porsche, a fast Bimmer or a Maserati, a lotus..whatever...what do you tihnk people here will choose?
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Old Oct 25, 2004 | 01:08 PM
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I think the operative word here is 'price-point'.

For the money - the C6 is the best value. Sure, you can spend $30 - $50K more for a Viper, Porsche or the like, but dollar-for-dollar the Corvette has the most HP with the best handling in a true two seat sports car - add to that, great re-sale.

Just MHO

Cheers
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Old Oct 25, 2004 | 01:12 PM
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Yes, but here a vette costs 120.000$ new, for that you can buy a pretty decent Porsche. Re sale is also terrible, a 5 year old 120.000$ vette will maybe do as little as 40K.
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Old Oct 25, 2004 | 01:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Twin_Turbo
The corvette handles pretty good but there are many cars that will outdo it and they aren't even necessarily more expensive (considering what they cost here, not what they cost in the US). If you have to think about plunking down 120.000$ for a corvette w/ a bucky spring or a decent Porsche, a fast Bimmer or a Maserati, a lotus..whatever...what do you tihnk people here will choose?

Handles pretty good, hahaha? Have you ever even driven a late model Vette? My guess is no. But anyway . . .

Are you still talking about Europe?? Who cares what goes on over there. To be honest I would put my cash on the Vette every time. It's a car you can pack full of luggage, take on a trip anywhere and not have to worry about it breaking down.

If you are so anti-Corvette, why are you even in this forum??? I have an idea, why not go post your views on the C6 in the C6 section, that should be good for a few laughs.
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Old Oct 25, 2004 | 01:17 PM
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Originally Posted by johnboy89
I think the operative word here is 'price-point'.

For the money - the C6 is the best value. Sure, you can spend $30 - $50K more for a Viper, Porsche or the like, but dollar-for-dollar the Corvette has the most HP with the best handling in a true two seat sports car - add to that, great re-sale.

Just MHO

Cheers
Good post John. Some people just don't get it . . . . .
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Old Oct 25, 2004 | 01:19 PM
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tt, is that 120k us dollars or 120k euro?
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Old Oct 25, 2004 | 01:23 PM
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Twin Turbo stop beating your head against the wall. Let everyone think as they please. You and I will stick to the coil overs.
The forum seems to be getting hostile lately
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Old Oct 25, 2004 | 01:32 PM
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For the record, I'm with Norval and TT.

My Lincoln will spank my sister's C4 in the corners. Don't confuse stiff and powerful with good handling.
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Old Oct 25, 2004 | 01:56 PM
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Originally Posted by JLinNY
Handles pretty good, hahaha? Have you ever even driven a late model Vette? My guess is no. But anyway . . .
Laugh all you want, what the hell do you think this is? (the thing in the background), sure looks like something you could recognise


There's a difference between being anti corvette and realistic, you are just being naive thinking the vette is the be all end all of sportscars, it is not, sorry for that wake up call. What the corvette does have is a unique character and appeal that you will not find in other cars of the same price range, porsches have never appealed to me.

Why would I post my views in the C6 section? No need to start something there, I don't like the C6 anyway.

But since you seem to know it all, tell me what the benefit in handling is of the transverse monoleaf over a coil over system. If it's so damn good why is the corvette the only car to use that system?

And as for 120K, that's dollars not Euros. A new one with no options is around 90K euros here without a couple of economy taxes and other doo dads on top of that.

Last edited by Twin_Turbo; Oct 25, 2004 at 02:59 PM.
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