C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

DIY Front Coilover Setup

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 29, 2020 | 10:01 AM
  #121  
Kevova's Avatar
Kevova
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 750
From: near the thumb in the mitten
Default

Originally Posted by Eric Bonds
I wonder if it would be any easier to support the end of the leaf spring with a jack stand take it out with a sawzall...
You don't ever want to cut a " loaded" spring, the sudden release of stored energy will cause bad things.if you cut spring to remove it, you either let the coilovers go with the car or buy another spring to keep them when you're done with the car. Typically coilovers are removed, then sold off separately or transferred to new car.
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2020 | 12:28 PM
  #122  
Eric Bonds's Avatar
Eric Bonds
Cruising
 
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Default

Well, my thought was to jack the car up as to unload the spring first, then place an extra jack stand under the spring to support it before cutting.
Hadn't thought about selling the car as I plan to keep mine forever....lol
Reply
Old Dec 1, 2020 | 01:17 PM
  #123  
jseremba's Avatar
jseremba
Drifting
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,452
Likes: 48
Default

Those springs are very powerful. On my 69 I put jack stand under the leaf. Loosened the nut and lowered the jack. If your front wheels are off the ground. Compressing the spring will lift the the car and pivot it. When I was installing the new leaf. I didn't realize the spring had so much force it lifted the rear of the car about 8 inches of the lift.
Reply
Old Jul 18, 2021 | 09:18 PM
  #124  
daflee's Avatar
daflee
Advanced
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 85
Likes: 29
From: Concord, CA
Default

I am looking at possibly doing this DIY coilover setup as it seems pretty cost effective.

One thing I noticed is I don't see where you find the upper bushings for the stud mount conversion. In the photos on amazon of the stud mount conversion kit from QA1, it doesn't appear to have any bushings. Can anyone point me in the right direction for sourcing just the upper shock mount bushings that would fit on a 92?
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2026 | 01:01 PM
  #125  
icsamerica's Avatar
icsamerica
Intermediate
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 49
Likes: 23
Default Just did this and WOW

I just installed this coilover setup based on the p/n's in the origional post provided but the OP. I'm thrilled how GREAT this worked out as all the parts seemed to still be very affordable and the rusult from the driver's seat is amazing. This is how the car should have been built origionally. Before I knew about coil overs... I looked for a Z51 front spring for 2 years with no luck. I found many sellers trying to pass off a standard spring as a Z51 btw, so lots of wasted time there. Then I came across this thread and found this encomonical way to give coil over a try while not wanting to spend 3000+ on a "kit" which didn't seem as good as this setup for many reason.

1. The ride quality on 2 clicks compression 5 clicks rebound is wonderful. Its comfortable and very forgiving while being more controlled No more the bottoming, and I have it setup much lower that stock ride height.
( I dont understand how this is possible....more control, lower ride height, and better ride quality. )

2. Handles better then stock on very conservitive settings.

3. Far less cowel shake and chassis jiggle compared to stock springs and new bilstein shocks. The car doesn't feel like a junk box over rough roads anymore. Something I no longer have to accecpt. It feels closer to a modern Porsche quality (I have an convertible X brace too). I'm very suprised bu this since I rigid mound the top eyelet.

4. I did need to trim and re-weld the stock sway bar link, I sliced it and simple made it more of a triangle shape by about 1/4 of and inch. I also spaced down the swaybar mount with some 3/4 inch thick delrin sheet. Nothing hits or clunks.

I would like to make a few changes and 1 suggestion reguarding the the upper shock mount. The upper shock mount specified by the OP seems a bit thin.... so where can I get the upper shackle shown in post 89 (https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1600850546). Perhaps I should simply box weld the back and 1/2 the front with some 3/16 plate. And add a larger grade 8 through bolt. I'm also afraid the suppled 3/8 cariage bolt might not be up the stresses of track duty.

I would suggest NOT using a rubber bushing as show in post #1 by the OP and most it solid as in post 89. I thought the solid mount would be harsh since the C4 is already harsh over broken pavement and I was willing to accept that since I use my C4 only for track days. In reaility it is far less of a harsh ride then the stock setup. I cant really comprehend this at the moment. It's often said, "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic" and "magic is just science we don't understand yet". This setup is magic.


3/4 delrin spacer with M10-1.5 x 60mm bolts.
3/4 delrin spacer with M10-1.5 x 60mm bolts.

Not loving this upper shock mount, will been to be boxed and need a stronger bolt.
Not loving this upper shock mount, will been to be boxed and need a stronger bolt.



The OP is my hero and I'd like to give'em a hug, buy him a nice fine meal and I tip my hat to him. Respect.
Reply




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:23 PM.

story-0
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-1
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-20 17:58:41


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-3
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

Slideshow: 10 things C8 Corvette owners hate, but won't tell you.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-01 18:36:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

Slideshow: Should you add one of these incredible Corvettes to your garage?

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-01 18:14:05


VIEW MORE
story-7
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

Slideshow: Every Corvette Grand Sport explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-26 07:13:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

Slideshow: Breaking down the 2027 Grand Sport, Grand Sport X, Stingray, and LS6 V8.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-26 13:48:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

Slideshow: 5 reasons bad drivers crash sports cars & 5 ways to avoid a costly shame!

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-25 16:32:55


VIEW MORE