Showing my ignorance
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Instructor
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From: Tampuhhh Floriduh
Showing my ignorance
I just learned that the Corvette features leaf springs in the rear suspension. Leaf springs?!?! 
I had assumed a standard damper/spring package and was frankly shocked to learn they are still running leaf springs on these things. I guess I'll be looking into coil-overs when the times comes...it just seems sacreligious to put some much power on top of 1950s suspension technology. 
I'm not criticizing, as I'm really only interested in making big power with a Corvette anyway, but damn...leaf springs? It's enough to make a grown man cry...since coil-overs run about $2300 on these cars. 
Please, PLEASE correct me if I'm wrong. I may have just misunderstood what the boys at Top Gear were saying after their tests or what I have been reading online. I'm actually disturbed at the idea of running on leaf springs since I have been on coil-overs for years in my other cars. Sorry to go on about it...I was just genuinely surprised.
I had assumed a standard damper/spring package and was frankly shocked to learn they are still running leaf springs on these things. I guess I'll be looking into coil-overs when the times comes...it just seems sacreligious to put some much power on top of 1950s suspension technology. I'm not criticizing, as I'm really only interested in making big power with a Corvette anyway, but damn...leaf springs? It's enough to make a grown man cry...since coil-overs run about $2300 on these cars. Please, PLEASE correct me if I'm wrong. I may have just misunderstood what the boys at Top Gear were saying after their tests or what I have been reading online. I'm actually disturbed at the idea of running on leaf springs since I have been on coil-overs for years in my other cars. Sorry to go on about it...I was just genuinely surprised.
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You understand correctly - transverse monoleaf front and rear........ 
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St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
Yeah, I saw that Top Gear, they were ripping the car, until it finnished in the top 10 in their list and they shut up real quick.
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'11
Hi TampaWRX?? -
Top Gear sucks in my opinion - let's get that right out there for 'ya.
In the comparo where they tested the new (C6) vette, they did mistakenly (probably on purpose...) infer that the Corvette uses leaf springs (plural) on the rear, also inferring that the design was the same old design used in say, 65 mustangs etc.
Not the case - the Corvette has IRS, not the older design of a live axle with two leaf-assemblys. The Corvette uses one composite transverse leaf spring that is constructed so as to act independently, and progressively, for suspension action. Another transverse leaf is used on the front suspension.
Remember, the top gear show displayed a test driver trying to slide the car around corners to acheive a good lap time.
The top gear show is laughable in almost all respects. I liken the show to the "Benny Hill" of the automotive press world.
Best Regards -
mqqn
Top Gear sucks in my opinion - let's get that right out there for 'ya.
In the comparo where they tested the new (C6) vette, they did mistakenly (probably on purpose...) infer that the Corvette uses leaf springs (plural) on the rear, also inferring that the design was the same old design used in say, 65 mustangs etc.
Not the case - the Corvette has IRS, not the older design of a live axle with two leaf-assemblys. The Corvette uses one composite transverse leaf spring that is constructed so as to act independently, and progressively, for suspension action. Another transverse leaf is used on the front suspension.
Remember, the top gear show displayed a test driver trying to slide the car around corners to acheive a good lap time.
The top gear show is laughable in almost all respects. I liken the show to the "Benny Hill" of the automotive press world.
Best Regards -
mqqn
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From: Tampuhhh Floriduh
I know the show is biased guys, just as the US press is generally biased toward American cars, within reason. Top Gear is more about entertainment and general hooliganism, not hardcore, objective comparos. I love the show. 
All of that is no excuse for using a leaf spring of any design on a modern sports car. The new Vette is potent, but there is a reason all racecars use a coil-over setup. The least they could have done is a spring/damper setup, no??? I was just amazed to hear that leaf springs were still in use in anything but trucks. It genuinely took me off guard. Assuming I find a way to make this Vette purchase happen, I will be budgeting money for coil-overs as well. The thought of putting all the power and torque I want to make through a leaf spring design makes me cringe.
All of that is no excuse for using a leaf spring of any design on a modern sports car. The new Vette is potent, but there is a reason all racecars use a coil-over setup. The least they could have done is a spring/damper setup, no??? I was just amazed to hear that leaf springs were still in use in anything but trucks. It genuinely took me off guard. Assuming I find a way to make this Vette purchase happen, I will be budgeting money for coil-overs as well. The thought of putting all the power and torque I want to make through a leaf spring design makes me cringe.
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From: Edmond Ok
IMO you could do the coilovers, but unless you are going to be spending all your time at the track its not worth it. Just get a Vette equipped with the Z51 suspension, and you will be amazed how well it sticks to the road. Ive been in the twisties with Evo's, Sti's, S4's, and even Ferrari's and 911's. My poor little leaf spring equipped Vette would hang or surpass every single one of them in the twisties, and smoke all of them in the straights.. I wouldnt put much faith in the blokes at top gear... I mean come on, they bagged on the Ford GT because they used a whole tank of gas at the track. Nevermind it was in the top 5 cars they had ever tested. Actually performance results mean little to those guys.
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May be old technology, but it works, at least on the C5. You can always go to the coil over suspension if you like. 
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From: the GOCC are everywhere, even back from "band camp"
The Corvette composite transverse mounted leaf spring on an independent rear suspension setup has nothing in common with conventional stacked metal leaf springs on a live axle other that the words "leaf spring". (I have a very graphic analogy, but am sure the mod would censor it out - use your imagination) It is totally different, totally! Yes, you can buy nice coil overs, but try the factory suspension, especially with just a few improvements and an agressive alignment and I'm guessing you too will agree you don't need coil overs.
Bruce
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From: Jacksonville Florida
Originally Posted by TampaWRX??
I know the show is biased guys, just as the US press is generally biased toward American cars, within reason. Top Gear is more about entertainment and general hooliganism, not hardcore, objective comparos. I love the show.
All of that is no excuse for using a leaf spring of any design on a modern sports car. The new Vette is potent, but there is a reason all racecars use a coil-over setup. The least they could have done is a spring/damper setup, no??? I was just amazed to hear that leaf springs were still in use in anything but trucks. It genuinely took me off guard. Assuming I find a way to make this Vette purchase happen, I will be budgeting money for coil-overs as well. The thought of putting all the power and torque I want to make through a leaf spring design makes me cringe.
All of that is no excuse for using a leaf spring of any design on a modern sports car. The new Vette is potent, but there is a reason all racecars use a coil-over setup. The least they could have done is a spring/damper setup, no??? I was just amazed to hear that leaf springs were still in use in anything but trucks. It genuinely took me off guard. Assuming I find a way to make this Vette purchase happen, I will be budgeting money for coil-overs as well. The thought of putting all the power and torque I want to make through a leaf spring design makes me cringe.
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From: Tampuhhh Floriduh
I'm just amazed anyone would continue to use such a design when there are more advanced options available. I like the look of ALLKAR's coupe, so I have been considering the coil-over approach anyway. Regardless, I won't have a choice at the beginning, since I plan to do the motor stuff first and get the suspension out of the way afterward. Just took me by surprise, as this is the only sports car I know of that does not run an aggressive spring/damper setup. I like the idea of swapping in Eibach performance springs, rather than swapping transverse leaf springs.
Le Mans Master
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From: Norfolk VA
Originally Posted by StephenT
If the leaf spring works why fix it? The setup in the Vette is more sophisticated then you think.
Put some good tires on it, and we can out corner most of the cars built in Europe for 1/2 the cost. New technology is fine if it's needed, but obviously the old stuff is still working fine.
Last edited by Lancer033; Feb 6, 2005 at 07:56 PM.
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St. Jude Donor '03-'11
Originally Posted by TampaWRX??
All of that is no excuse for using a leaf spring of any design on a modern sports car. The new Vette is potent, but there is a reason all racecars use a coil-over setup. The least they could have done is a spring/damper setup, no??? I was just amazed to hear that leaf springs were still in use in anything but trucks. It genuinely took me off guard. Assuming I find a way to make this Vette purchase happen, I will be budgeting money for coil-overs as well. The thought of putting all the power and torque I want to make through a leaf spring design makes me cringe.
The setup the corvette uses has less unsprung weight. Most of the weight of the spring is between the mounting points, which makes it sprung. It is also very well packaged with the chassis setup and the mass of the spring is at a lower center of gravity than a coil spring setup.
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From: Athens GA
wrxman. why don't you document racing a corvette on a track in stock form. Then upgrade it to your acceptance. Then document racing the same track in similar conditions in upgraded form and post the results for all to see.
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St. Jude Donor '03
Get your Vette down to a shop that will let you put it up on a lift. I think you'll be surprised at the suspension setup. It is anything but 50's technology. You obviously don't believe us and are stuck on your coilover technology. Spend the money if you want but it's a waste unless you're going to spend a large amount of time at the track. Someone has obviously sold you on coilovers
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19
Originally Posted by Corvette00Car
In addition to the leaf springs the engine also has push rods and is naturally aspirated. OMG.
Leaf springs......push rods......pop-up headlights......this car sucks.
