1985 Z51 Spring and Shock Replacement: Rate?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,925
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From: Albuquerque NM
1985 Z51 Spring and Shock Replacement: Rate?
Hey all, I'm upgrading my front bushing to Energy Suspension Poly while replacing the ball joints, outer tie rod ends, and wheel bearings. Since I am in there, and the car has around 130xxx miles, I am tossing around the idea of upgrading the front spring and shocks.
I was looking at Vette Brakes & Products VB&P sport front spring
http://www.vbandp.com/C4-Corvettes/C...g-1984-87.html
the available spring rates are 450-550 lb/inch?
correct me if I am wrong but my current spring is somthing around 360 lb/inch
If I got this spring in say, 500 lb/inch rate, would stock replacement Z51 "sport" bilsteins work well or should I opt for adjustable shocks?
Thanks everyone
Also would this spring in effect raise my front end? I'm leaving the rear alone and I don't want to screw up the handling.
I was looking at Vette Brakes & Products VB&P sport front spring
http://www.vbandp.com/C4-Corvettes/C...g-1984-87.html
the available spring rates are 450-550 lb/inch?
correct me if I am wrong but my current spring is somthing around 360 lb/inch
If I got this spring in say, 500 lb/inch rate, would stock replacement Z51 "sport" bilsteins work well or should I opt for adjustable shocks?
Thanks everyone
Also would this spring in effect raise my front end? I'm leaving the rear alone and I don't want to screw up the handling.
Team Owner
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Contact Van Steel on Monday and speak with Paul. He will be able to talk to you and sell you the spring rate you need for your driving demands. 
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,925
Likes: 440
From: Albuquerque NM
I talked to Paul and he recommended the "88" sport spring with a rate near 660#/inch
he also said that my z51 85 front spring rate is something near 600. This I found a little confusing though because this webpage http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...usp_chart.html
says my stock z51 front rate is 63.5 N/mm or 360 lb/inch if I converted correctly. He also said that stock Z51 replacement bilstein shocks would pair okay with the "88" with the rate of 660. To me this does not make any sense unless I converted my stock rate incorrectly.
Also if I got the "88" spring I was told I would need different brackets to hold the spring down. VB&P offers a front spring listed 84-87 http://www.vbandp.com/C4-Corvettes/C...g-1984-87.html I assume this means I would not need to change brackets?
he also said that my z51 85 front spring rate is something near 600. This I found a little confusing though because this webpage http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...usp_chart.html
says my stock z51 front rate is 63.5 N/mm or 360 lb/inch if I converted correctly. He also said that stock Z51 replacement bilstein shocks would pair okay with the "88" with the rate of 660. To me this does not make any sense unless I converted my stock rate incorrectly.
Also if I got the "88" spring I was told I would need different brackets to hold the spring down. VB&P offers a front spring listed 84-87 http://www.vbandp.com/C4-Corvettes/C...g-1984-87.html I assume this means I would not need to change brackets?
Any input is appreciated.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
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From: Chicago Executive Airport, formerly known as Palwaukee
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Corvette Action Center lists your spring rate at 63.5.
My math converts this to 561.99.
So, Paul is correct in saying near 600. He is good!
Van Steel sells very good products, IMO.
My math converts this to 561.99.
So, Paul is correct in saying near 600. He is good!
Van Steel sells very good products, IMO.
Last edited by TorchRedlt4man; Jul 17, 2012 at 11:23 AM.
