Spring rates
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From: Out Where the Buses Don't Run, Eglin AFB/ Niceville FL
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Spring rates
I have a 96 LT4 conv. with the base FE1 suspension. The front leaf spring is cracked. I was considering upgrading to the Z51 springs. Does anyone know the difference in the spring rates or are they the same? Thanks
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: Out Where the Buses Don't Run, Eglin AFB/ Niceville FL
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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I found my answer. They are the same. The stabilizer bars and the shocks are different.
Race Director
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From: Texas
Your info source is wrong. Z51 springs are stiffer than the base springs. How much stiffer depends on year. '89-'90 & '91 Z07 front springs are the stiffest relative to the later year (88 & up) C4s.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,752
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From: Indiana PA
Here you go:
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...usp_chart.html
What do you do with the car? What will determine if it is worth getting the stiffer springs.
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...usp_chart.html
What do you do with the car? What will determine if it is worth getting the stiffer springs.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 16,509
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From: Out Where the Buses Don't Run, Eglin AFB/ Niceville FL
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 Corvette of the Year Finalist -- Modified
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2020 C7 of the Year Finalist -- Modified
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Per the link given by 93Rubie the rates are the same for the front spring at 73.2 for FE1 conv. and Z51. What numbers do you show?
Race Director
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From: Texas
So in fact, I may be incorrect and by virtue of it using the '95 base spring, you have the equivalent of the '96 Z51 spring (p/n difference aside). FWIW, The '96 Z51 coupe was essentially the '95 base suspension. Just goes to show how soft the car got.
Last edited by 96GS#007; May 4, 2012 at 05:05 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,752
Likes: 190
From: Indiana PA
Unless you plan making other changes I would NOT change the front spring rate. The 73.2 is very common and should be easy to find.
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