VBP suspension question
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,037
Likes: 520
From: Texas
VBP suspension question
New guy here with a question...
I currently have a Z51 suspension in my 1991 Corvette. In my quest to find specs for my suspension and possible upgrades, I called VBP and got the specs for their suspension packages. The sport package is not as great but the Xtreme suspension (aptly named) has a whopping 1100-1250lb front spring with a rear spring just as stiff!!!
My question is this: Has anyone ever run the Xtreme suspension on anything other than race tracks? I have heard that you can run it on the street but you have to have double adjustable shocks to help "compensate" for the extremely stiff suspension. I am not afraid of a little bumpiness on the road; however, I like my fillings to stay in my teeth.
I currently have a Z51 suspension in my 1991 Corvette. In my quest to find specs for my suspension and possible upgrades, I called VBP and got the specs for their suspension packages. The sport package is not as great but the Xtreme suspension (aptly named) has a whopping 1100-1250lb front spring with a rear spring just as stiff!!!
My question is this: Has anyone ever run the Xtreme suspension on anything other than race tracks? I have heard that you can run it on the street but you have to have double adjustable shocks to help "compensate" for the extremely stiff suspension. I am not afraid of a little bumpiness on the road; however, I like my fillings to stay in my teeth.
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
Likes: 71
From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
If you want a firmer, flatter feel upgrade your sway bars. Also poly bushings, products like R-D Racing's Cross Bar, Cross Frame and their camber brace will make for the precision feel I think you're after. These cars are plenty stiff for anything except all out competition use.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,137
Likes: 5
From: Howard PA
Wow, some people must live where the roads are really good to want more than the Z51. I've finally got used to mine, it's great on a smooth road, but get into those secondary less maintained roads and you're hating it.
For example where I live there is a 5 mile stretch of road I have to travel if I want to go anywhere. It's and old highway that used to be concrete. They just paved over it with no other prep. The expansion joints in the concrete underneath have become uneven. So for 5 miles I feel every single crack as if it were a small pothole.
Out on the interstate and ramps it's dream. If you already have the Z51 personally I'd leave it alone unless your roads are perfect.
JMHO.
For example where I live there is a 5 mile stretch of road I have to travel if I want to go anywhere. It's and old highway that used to be concrete. They just paved over it with no other prep. The expansion joints in the concrete underneath have become uneven. So for 5 miles I feel every single crack as if it were a small pothole.
Out on the interstate and ramps it's dream. If you already have the Z51 personally I'd leave it alone unless your roads are perfect.
JMHO.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 626
Likes: 0
From: Lake Lure NC
I have the VBP extreme spring. Mine is actually 1400 lb spring in front with adjustable ride height (Custom made). This is the spring Danny Popp used to win SCCA events. Don't get me wrong it is a stiff ride. I compensate with the QA-1 shocks at full soft. Not so bad here in Florida.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,037
Likes: 520
From: Texas
Originally Posted by Corvette Kid NC
If you want a firmer, flatter feel upgrade your sway bars.
Originally Posted by Corvette Kid NC
Also poly bushings, products like R-D Racing's Cross Bar, Cross Frame and their camber brace will make for the precision feel I think you're after. These cars are plenty stiff for anything except all out competition use.
Originally Posted by mothersworry
I have the VBP extreme spring. Mine is actually 1400 lb spring in front with adjustable ride height (Custom made). This is the spring Danny Popp used to win SCCA events. Don't get me wrong it is a stiff ride. I compensate with the QA-1 shocks at full soft. Not so bad here in Florida.
Thanks for all the input guys.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 626
Likes: 0
From: Lake Lure NC
Picture of the spring
Yes I went with the upgraded rear spring. Forgot what the rate was there. The front spring is 1397 so I round up to 1400. I am also using a 32 mm front sway bar and a 26 rear bar. Some people do not like the 32 bar and claim it is two stiff. I have not had that problem yet. Call Gary at VB&P and he will explain everything to you. Tell him Matt sent you. Below is a picture of the spring. As you can see it is double the thickness and straight as a board. It has flexed very little since this picture was taken. I do not want you to get me wrong. This spring is stiff but with the QA-1's on the softest settings, the ride is decent on the street. Hope this helps.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,037
Likes: 520
From: Texas
Ha, that isnt a spring... its a 2x4 with bolts at the end! I think I will call VBP again and talk with Gary. BTW, that front suspension looks really nice. Must of taken a long time!
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