VikingTrad3r

In watching some of the old Corvette challenge and world challenge races, particularly the one that Kim Baker one at lime rock, it appears that the C4 may have been lowered.

Does anyone know if the cars were lowered?

pacoW

Here's a picture of the #42 I took at Carlisle last year, it was in the corral (for sale). I don't remember it being noticeably lowered, maybe a little.

tequilaboy

From the old Van Steel catalog:

"Corvette Challenge Front: HCO12401HP Designed for the famous Corvette Challenge this front spring is an exact copy for the track usage with a firm ride. Additionally, for even lower more aggressive ride height you may consider VS32309 lower-ing kit. For the front 1984 -87 applications require an installation kit (p/n HCO-F-8487-Mount)"

HCO12410HPS 1988-96 Front FE1 K=343 Hyperco Composite Spring, FE1, OEM Replacement $429.99
HCO12403HPS 1988-96 Front Z51 K=660 Hyperco Composite Spring, Z51, OEM Replacement $429.99
HCO12401HPT 1988-96 Front Low K=660 Hyperco Composite, Corvette Challenge $429.99
HCO-F-8487-MOUNT 1984-87 Front – – Installation Kit - Lake Spring in Early Cars $119.99
HCO12411HPS 1984-96 Rear FE1 K=228 Hyperco Composite Spring FE1 OEM Replacement $429.99
HCO12404HPS 1984-96 Rear Z51 K=326 Hyperco Composite Spring, Z51 OE Replacement $429.99

So it suggests that the Challenge spring had the Z51 rate with a lower arch which would tend to lower the ride height.

VikingTrad3r

thanks guys. have read that lowering a car doesnt mean its going to perform better handling wise on a track. but i have my suspicions some of the c4’s were infact lowered in these races.

more to learn...

krackenvette

They did 2 things to lower them. One was the standard cutting of eye bushings at tips of springs and center bushings/rubber on where most of us have done via lowering kits.
But, I have a picture somewhere where they took the lower control arm and cut the flat piece the ends of the springs lay on and added material to effectively lower it. I have a picture somewhere. I will post soon

krackenvette

Page two of this link if this doesnt go to page.
http://www.showyourcorvette.com/1990...rvette_photos/

krackenvette

Maybe this will work better to see what they did up front.

MatthewMiller

^^^ Wow! It's funny to see the innovation and fabrication that a rule set will encourage. It's much easier to just get a spring with less arch and/or adjustable end posts, but I'm sure the rules didn't allow for that.

krackenvette

If ya aint cheating, you aint trying.
Seriously, I bought a challenge spring set years ago from a person who had Reher Morrison stuff laying around. It showed up in perfect condition, and had No rubber on the spring at all. I had to effectively raise the car to get it to 25.5 inches front from fender lip center to ground.
I also got some wheel bearings with Mobil 1 synthetic grease inside too.. hmmm..

krackenvette

Brake calipers were different. Aluminum spacer to bring front sway bar down further. Rear spindles were bent where toe link bolts up to..
So many little tricks for a short loved era.