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C4 steering/suspension geometry..

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Old Aug 1, 2008 | 04:59 PM
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Default C4 steering/suspension geometry..

Hey Guys...

I was told there is a difference in the front suspension/steering geometry on the 85-87 C4's vs the 88-96 C4's?

I need to know if this true as I am considering building a '61 restomod with a C4 suspension. I really need to use the earlier suspension because I want to run as small a wheel as possible, in order to maintain a stock appearance. The earlier models have a 11.5 " rotor that is necessary for a near stock wheel.

Can anyone enlighten me on this geometry thing...or point me toward some information regarding same?

Thanks and best regards...Stan M.
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Old Aug 1, 2008 | 09:56 PM
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84-87 suspension design was optimized for cornering/driving, anti-lock brake add-on in 86 produced some undesireables so 88+ was degraded perf-wise to appease anti-lock complaints
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Old Aug 1, 2008 | 09:58 PM
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Originally Posted by redrose
84-87 suspension design was optimized for cornering/driving, anti-lock brake add-on in 86 produced some undesireables so 88+ was degraded perf-wise to appease anti-lock complaints
Thank you redrose...is that the only difference? That shouldn't be hard to eliminate......


Anyone else..?

Best regards...Stan
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Old Aug 1, 2008 | 10:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Stan's Customs
is that the only difference? That shouldn't be hard to eliminate......
actual change made was to move the wheel bearings outboard abt 3/4 inch for 88+...that reqd a bunch of small mods to accomodate, as in almost 'everything' is different between early/late.
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Old Aug 1, 2008 | 10:26 PM
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Later model cars are call zero-scrub.

They actually handle better with reduced spring stiffeness.
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Old Aug 1, 2008 | 11:16 PM
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Originally Posted by BrianCunningham
Later model cars are call zero-scrub.

They actually handle better with reduced spring stiffeness.


Thanks for the post Brian..

Do they handle a "lot" better or marginally so. If I had to run large wheels I wouldn't do the C4 build....and I don't see a way to use a small wheel with the later suspension.

You mentioned spring stiffness..I guess it is more difficult to get a quality ride with the earlier suspension also? I think the spring is trimmed to soften the ride on some after market frames...but don't know the particulars. I asssumed to tune the ride height, but it may be to soften the ride a little too.

Thanks...Stan...
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Old Aug 1, 2008 | 11:48 PM
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Alot of the changes were because of the Challenge series and driver complaints in 84-87 of ride quality.

Earlier ride is harsher, they managed to get the same handling on later cars with softer springs by the geometry change and larger sway bars. The difference is going to be minimal...I've driven later cars and its hard to notice. You could always use custom springs to soften it up.
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Old Aug 2, 2008 | 01:01 AM
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Originally Posted by vader86
Alot of the changes were because of the Challenge series and driver complaints in 84-87 of ride quality.

Earlier ride is harsher, they managed to get the same handling on later cars with softer springs by the geometry change and larger sway bars. The difference is going to be minimal...I've driven later cars and its hard to notice. You could always use custom springs to soften it up.


Thanks Vader...

That sounds acceptable...if the handling is not drastically different. I think you are right about the spring change for better ride quality...seems like a later model spring can be used on the earlier suspension with minor mods or something....now that I think about it.

Anyone else have any comments?

Best regards...Stan
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Old Aug 2, 2008 | 10:31 PM
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Default Go with a C5

If your going to perform a restomod on a 61', I'd go with the C5 suspension. The fron tsuspension crossmembers are available with aftermarket companys and putting a C5 rear into an older fraim is a little easier than a C4 (in my opinion). And right now the C5's rock.
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Old Aug 2, 2008 | 10:34 PM
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Originally Posted by cli59vette
If your going to perform a restomod on a 61', I'd go with the C5 suspension. The fron tsuspension crossmembers are available with aftermarket companys and putting a C5 rear into an older fraim is a little easier than a C4 (in my opinion). And right now the C5's rock.
...will a 15" wheel fit a C5 suspension?
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