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Yes, there is a search bar and yes I have seen the threads I want condensed input.
I am looking for commentary from those that have these on their car or had them.
I am having my car redone and almost ordered all new suspension upgrades but now considering coilovers before ordering the composite springs etc.
I would like to know if you can really stiffen the car up with them, and or if you need to be a tech to adjust them properly etc.
If they are a pita to deal with I'll just stay stock / upgraded configuration.
Am I correct in saying there is still no direct bolt in kit, and that the sway bars and or rear shock bolts need to be moved?
Thanks,
UPDATE: I decided to go with VBP and forget the coil over stuff. Way over priced compared to diy stuff like some have done here from summit etc. Not that This option is not expensive but unless tuning lots for me it's not worth it and jerking around with sway bar stuff.
Last edited by pologreen1; Dec 31, 2014 at 05:42 PM.
I don't know enough about the differences between the years of the C4 to say what will or wont work.
However I am using QA1 Coilovers. I have 450 lb/in spring on the front, and 350 lb/in in the rear. I have not reconnected the front sway bar. IMO it handles far better then it did with the monoleafs, and the sway bar connected.
No mysteries about setting up coil overs. Set them at the ride height you want and forget them. There is, however a minimum height which will be in the instructions, you are not supposed to go shorter (lower) than that spec. I was told by Exotic Muscle that there is no need to move the rear shocks but they were wrong. I had to move mine but even that is not rocket science. IMO there is not a leaf spring available that will make the car handle like it does on coilovers.
Coilovers are for those who want to tinker with their suspension and change it up with ease. It also lets you fully corner balance the car for best handling. They will add a a little more weight and have a higher purchase price that the factory leaf. Leaf is cheap, simple and reliable. I set my track car up with Z51 springs, lowered with re-valved shocks and a mix of poly/rod-end bushings. Could not be happier and at no time do I ever wish that I went coilover. 250 shipped for take off springs is a lot less than the CO sets I was looking at. The right decision depends on your budget and intended use, you will be happy with an updated suspension regardless of the option you go with.
I set my track car up with Z51 springs, lowered with re-valved shocks and a mix of poly/rod-end bushings. Could not be happier and at no time do I ever wish that I went coilover. 250 shipped for take off springs is a lot less than the CO sets I was looking at.
Speaking in terms of aesthetics here, what is your ride height like with that combo? Are you able to get it down to a visually appealing height?
First pic is under acceleration, second I have the drivers side loaded up. Doesn't move much, but that's what I wanted. Cutting the pads alone got it low enough to just get my low profile jack under, then I adjusted the back to match.
I'm just starting to research options for a track/autoX fun car for next year, and this sounds like a nice setup. Would you happen to have a shot sort of like your avatar pic handy where the car is just sitting?
First pic is under acceleration, second I have the drivers side loaded up. Doesn't move much, but that's what I wanted. Cutting the pads alone got it low enough to just get my low profile jack under, then I adjusted the back to match.
Couldn't resist - the advantage to running these wheels in the incorrect rotation is? Maybe just conversational?
Depending on the coilover regarding moving the front sway bar forward, With my Koni coilovers i changed the link that goes from the sway bar to lower control arm. The standard one is very bulky, it all depends on the diameter of the spring on the coilover.
i did not have to move the sway bar, but you really need to see how it fits. the VanSteel kit has the adapter for the rear shock absorber to fit without any modification to the car.
There was someone on this forum that did a great step by step pictorial of their coilover install quite some time ago, have searched but couldnt find it.
Talk to Vansteel they have had plenty of experience with guys on this forum fitting QA1's to their C4.
Both coil over and non (conventional) coil over c4 corvette suspensions have in common; a spring and a shock so if you don't adjust the coil over suspension what is the advantage?
Both coil over and non (conventional) coil over c4 corvette suspensions have in common; a spring and a shock so if you don't adjust the coil over suspension what is the advantage?
I assume you mean adjust ride height?
There more spring options, then you get with the monoleaf. The other is advantage is most coilovers are single or double adjustable.
My 93 is on stiffest gm springs. Cut spring pads and cut brackets in the middle to get the desired ride height. Custom length bilsteins for the lowered height.
My 94 is on Vansteel coilovers. Advantages? to be able to lower more, and maintain shock travel (standard qa1s don't allow me to go lower than my 93 without comprosmising shock travel).
If I have to be honest, my 93 rides better than my 94 hands down. I like the Bilsteins. With the big sway bars out back the car is just sharp how I like it and is very very composed at higher speeds. The 94 I had to play with the dampening settings quite a bit to try and match them to the spring rate. It does hit the front sway bar and requires relocating either with machining or new brackets. I still have to install the 32mm bar and do poly bushings and change out the springs to try and get it to my liking. Possible disadvantages are the age old argument of the front shock towers and rear shock mounts not being designed to handle the weight of the car. Im low, with low profile tires and like the stiff springs and shocks. Im keeping an eye on the mounts but so far so good.
Part of the reason I got the rear mounts I did was the bend issue. The factory shock mounts were starting to bend with my springs. I don't think it is the weight that is the problem, but rather the added shock from bumps that is added by the spring.
The mount I have bolts inside of the dogbones. It also has a spacer to bolt on at the factory shock mount location. I think they would also allow the factory rear sway mounts to be used, but I already changed them out and cant say for sure.
coilovers
