Coilover Questions
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 241
Likes: 2
Coilover Questions
If you're replacing all 4 shocks on a high-mile Corvette, and considering new fiberglass springs, should a coilover setup be considered? What are the advantages/disadvantages of coilovers?
Secondly, do coilovers simply supplement, or entirely replace, the transverse mounted fiberglass springs? If they replace, how does the C4 chassis withstand the new spring mounting locations? It seems like with coilovers you are putting the stress of "sprung wieght" and load stress where it wasn't really designed to be. It must not be a concern, becuase most of the autocrossers go coilover.
TIA for any comments.
Secondly, do coilovers simply supplement, or entirely replace, the transverse mounted fiberglass springs? If they replace, how does the C4 chassis withstand the new spring mounting locations? It seems like with coilovers you are putting the stress of "sprung wieght" and load stress where it wasn't really designed to be. It must not be a concern, becuase most of the autocrossers go coilover.
TIA for any comments.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,348
Likes: 233
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
I've always thought the same thing: high loads feeding through areas of the chassis (and suspension) that weren't designed for it.
But....there are a few guys on the CF who have been running C/O's for thousands of miles and report no issues.
The C/O's replace the stock spring.
Advantage: (and there's only one, the way I look at it) easily adjusted ride height.
Disadvantages: expense and installation issues.
A spring is a spring, it's only job is to support the car. ( Okay, a stiffer spring will limit body roll.) Handling improvements come from the shocks....and you can get that without going to coilovers.
My $.02
Larry
code5coupe
But....there are a few guys on the CF who have been running C/O's for thousands of miles and report no issues.
The C/O's replace the stock spring.
Advantage: (and there's only one, the way I look at it) easily adjusted ride height.
Disadvantages: expense and installation issues.
A spring is a spring, it's only job is to support the car. ( Okay, a stiffer spring will limit body roll.) Handling improvements come from the shocks....and you can get that without going to coilovers.
My $.02
Larry
code5coupe
Last edited by rocco16; Oct 18, 2005 at 04:41 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 3,494
Likes: 36
From: Livermore Ca
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
I have installed the coilover setup on my 89.
I'm not running transverse spring anymore.
Disadvantages - Cost
Advantages - Eazy to change the spring rate and height.
I'm not running transverse spring anymore.
Disadvantages - Cost
Advantages - Eazy to change the spring rate and height.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 1
From: Weymouth Dorset
I have coilovers on mine and I have to disagree a spring is not just a spring.....there is a vast difference to roadholding and comfort between the fiberglass springs and the coilovers.
For a start the coilovers are more progressive and also they are FULLY independant, on roads that are uneven the car is much less unsetteled and therefore you are more in control.
Downside of the coilovers is the initial expence and they can be a little bit of a PITA to fit, but I would'nt think twice about doing the conversion again tomorrow, it is one of the best mods ive done to the Vette combine it with a Camber Brace and you wont regret this mod
.
For a start the coilovers are more progressive and also they are FULLY independant, on roads that are uneven the car is much less unsetteled and therefore you are more in control.
Downside of the coilovers is the initial expence and they can be a little bit of a PITA to fit, but I would'nt think twice about doing the conversion again tomorrow, it is one of the best mods ive done to the Vette combine it with a Camber Brace and you wont regret this mod
.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,149
Likes: 303
From: Timra, Sweden
My main consern with coilover on the C4 Corvette is the lower shock mounting bolt on the rear knuckle. That aluminum knuckle does not look very strong there, and the bolt is replaced with a longer one to clear the spring. That will create even more stress on top of the added weight.
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