Coil-over install question
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 87
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From: Brisbane QLD
Coil-over install question
Hi everyone....
I have noticed that most people putting coil overs on are installing in around 1988+ cars... I remember reading people talking about changing shock tower...
So:
1) On a 1986 couple, can I simply remove my upper/lower control arms and replace them with later model ones
2) Is there any difference in cross-members in the C4's...ie. Can I bolt a newer shock tower up to my 86?
Thanks in advance.
I have noticed that most people putting coil overs on are installing in around 1988+ cars... I remember reading people talking about changing shock tower...
So:
1) On a 1986 couple, can I simply remove my upper/lower control arms and replace them with later model ones
2) Is there any difference in cross-members in the C4's...ie. Can I bolt a newer shock tower up to my 86?
Thanks in advance.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,719
Likes: 60
From: Fremont Oh
Vetteboy,
On my 96 I only had to open up tower to keep the springs from rubbing.
I like you, have read about some folks moding the earlier C4 shocktowers.
I believe what they did was take them to a weld shop and just had them reinforced. Mine have been fine with almost 2 years of use and drriving cross the USA twice over some pretty harsh roads.
good luck, you'll enjoy the difference...
mo
On my 96 I only had to open up tower to keep the springs from rubbing.
I like you, have read about some folks moding the earlier C4 shocktowers.
I believe what they did was take them to a weld shop and just had them reinforced. Mine have been fine with almost 2 years of use and drriving cross the USA twice over some pretty harsh roads.
good luck, you'll enjoy the difference...
mo
Pro
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 664
Likes: 119
From: Albany OR
There may be direct bolt in kits for the early C4's (84-87) now, I don't know for sure though. However, I have read a few tech articles in some of the Corvette magazines that detailed the install of coil over's on C4's. They all indicate that the early C4 (84-87) shock towers are to narrow for the coil over setup. They indicated it was necessary to replace the shock towers with ones form later C4's (89-96 apparently there is something unique about 88's). As stated by Mo_Bandy it is still necessary to open up the shock towers on the later C4's for clearance for the coil spring. I have read some post where people have added additional material to the shock towers for stiffening, but that does not seem to be required.
Brian
Brian
