New Components for 85 Vette - Your Views Please.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Te Kauwhata New Zealand
New Components for 85 Vette - Your Views Please.
Guys,
I am looking at doing some work on my 85 Vette, and was doing some searching on Ebay to see what was available. I have attached links to the Ebay auctions to view.
I would like any views on these if you care to leave a comment.
I had a look at the rubber bushings around the car, and they appear to be the original ones with 87K. Some look as if they are cracking/splitting, they could also be hard now too, so I am guessing this could be part of the reason for my hard ride.
I am thinking of changing them for Neoprene type (think thats what they are called), but saw these ones, Prothane Polyurethane.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/390348851464...84.m1438.l2649
I did think of installing coil-over, first for the front and then the rear, but this might have to wait a little due to the cost and the fabrication work needed.
Also I want to look at changing the rear muffler and extensions from the single off-set to a twin out.
This set looks nice and made from Stain-less steel as well. And it says its a direct swap out and will fit to the standard mounts.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tchlink:top:en
Thanks for taking the time for any replies.
Kevin
I am looking at doing some work on my 85 Vette, and was doing some searching on Ebay to see what was available. I have attached links to the Ebay auctions to view.
I would like any views on these if you care to leave a comment.
I had a look at the rubber bushings around the car, and they appear to be the original ones with 87K. Some look as if they are cracking/splitting, they could also be hard now too, so I am guessing this could be part of the reason for my hard ride.
I am thinking of changing them for Neoprene type (think thats what they are called), but saw these ones, Prothane Polyurethane.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/390348851464...84.m1438.l2649
I did think of installing coil-over, first for the front and then the rear, but this might have to wait a little due to the cost and the fabrication work needed.
Also I want to look at changing the rear muffler and extensions from the single off-set to a twin out.
This set looks nice and made from Stain-less steel as well. And it says its a direct swap out and will fit to the standard mounts.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tchlink:top:en
Thanks for taking the time for any replies.
Kevin
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 16,838
Likes: 341
From: Database Error Indiana
Those bushings will tighten things up but it wont ride any softer. Thats in the shock/spring/tire package.
Exhaust is a very individual thing. I can only say, my 40 series Flowmasters are damn loud.
Exhaust is a very individual thing. I can only say, my 40 series Flowmasters are damn loud.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,660
Likes: 22
agreed...
the bushings only control how well the car handles, not the ride quality. You have a hard ride because you have an 85 vette....the 1st yr following the harshest suspension ever placed on a production Corvette...the 84 Z-51. You barely got the benefit of a huge public demand for softer suspension. It took another few yrs to get a selection of springs and suspensions kits that everyone enjoyed. The 84 came with a rear spring that was as much as 499 in/lbs...similar to stone. By 96 there was a rear spring that was as soft as approx 220 in/lbs...less than half what the original was. The public demanded a fast, agile car that they could sip a Latte in....and they got it.
the bushings only control how well the car handles, not the ride quality. You have a hard ride because you have an 85 vette....the 1st yr following the harshest suspension ever placed on a production Corvette...the 84 Z-51. You barely got the benefit of a huge public demand for softer suspension. It took another few yrs to get a selection of springs and suspensions kits that everyone enjoyed. The 84 came with a rear spring that was as much as 499 in/lbs...similar to stone. By 96 there was a rear spring that was as soft as approx 220 in/lbs...less than half what the original was. The public demanded a fast, agile car that they could sip a Latte in....and they got it.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Te Kauwhata New Zealand
So, what is the best option to go with here then?
Do I look for a spring out of the latest model C4 or do I take the plunge and start changing over to coil-over shocks?
But looking at your comments, they got it right at the end of the C4 life.
Or even find an after market spring that will improve the ride?
Honestly I don't think I will ever be using the car for fully racing, might take it to the track on Muscle Car open days and the Drag strip on the odd day, but that will be about it. It will be used on the open road for cruising.
Thanks Kevin.
Do I look for a spring out of the latest model C4 or do I take the plunge and start changing over to coil-over shocks?
But looking at your comments, they got it right at the end of the C4 life.
Or even find an after market spring that will improve the ride?
Honestly I don't think I will ever be using the car for fully racing, might take it to the track on Muscle Car open days and the Drag strip on the odd day, but that will be about it. It will be used on the open road for cruising.
Thanks Kevin.
