I have had my 2000 C5 6 speed for about 3 years. All stock when I got it. Regarding the suspension, I have replaced the shocks and sway bars. I am sure the springs are original. The car feels to me like it is bottoming out (suspended portion hitting running gear), mostly in rear, when going over road bumps of any significance. It is likely the springs need to be replaced. Car is for street use only and I would like the ride to be as smooth and comfortable as a C5 can be.

Question 1: Is there a way to evaluate the springs to see if they need to be replaced OR should I just assume they do?

Question 2: From my research, their seems to be at least 3 -4 options for replacement springs of various ratings in the 'street use' category, as well as the discussion of composite vs steel construction. I was able to find a number of composite springs, but unable to locate steel. Is steel available, and is that something I should consider? Any Forum Vendors selling springs? For me, cost is somewhat of a factor, but would spend more for an upgrade in quality, ride comfort, and/or service life. I would greatly appreciate any advice you can give, especially regarding the weight rating for front and rear springs, and particularly a specific recommendation for a matched set of springs you think would work for me.

This Forum has solved all my C5 issues. Thanks in advance for a GREAT WEBSITE and the knowledge and advice you will be sharing with me.
Blessings - chuckw

 

Everything wears out, including springs. That said, I can't say I've ever heard of a corvette going through a set of springs. Is your car lowered? Perhaps it could stand to be raised a smidge.

 

Car is not lowered. Combined passenger weight is around 380#. Looking real hard at the Hyperco 12406HPS to start. Any problems if I replace the rear leaf only for now? Tnx - chuckw

 

oharal - you got me on the right track with your comment! Made me check the J and K heights only to find out the car has been lowered! I will be resetting the car to stock height. Wow, thank you so much! You not only saved me a lot of money on parts, additionally saved me a lot of work in labor!
Appreciate your comment and time.
chuckw

 

Glad to hear that is the case after all! I have the HPS rear spring on my car that sees dual duty on the track and street and I like it a lot but wouldn't suggest it to someone just going for a comfy ride.

 

Glad to hear you have good option for the troubleshooting!

In case you want to change springs, one place to get them is ZipCorvette - last I checked they have upgraded Hyperco springs as well as stock. Can reach out to them for advice/purchase, if interested..

 

Thanks Hitman - Seems if I do need a set, Hyperco is the way to go.
Update - Just tightened (or relaxed in the case of the fronts) the bolts on the spring ends. Increased the height of the wheel wells about 2 inches front and rear. Took it for a short drive and seems fine. Didn't experience the bottoming, but need to do further testing. My drive this morning didn't include pavement potholes to really know the difference. Seems like the ride height was the only adjustment I needed.
Thanks to ALL who helped with comments! Especially oharal... your the man!
chuckw

 

Very good. Go get a 4 wheel alignment as soon as you're satisfied with the heights or you will chew up your tires quick!

 

That's a pretty serious amount of rise. How low was it???

 

I am curious, what and where are the heights to look for to check if it is lowered?
I was playing around with my ride control two weeks back. I've only had the car just under 3 months. Set it to Tour. Went to wash it last Friday....cracked paint above both rear wheel wells. I'm guessing it bottomed out at some point with the looser setting and I didn't notice it. Switched back to Sport for now. I know it isn't the stock wheels/tires on the car. So, possibly they lowered it when putting the Grand Sport wheels on it.

 

Hi Terry_opie - I think this will help you. It is what I used to determine my car had been lowered. I DO NOT have the switch controlled suspension you describe, so I'm not sure how that affects your ride height. Ride height on my car is determined by the jack-screws at the ends of the leaf springs front and rear. J and K points to measure are indicated on the attachment below and I got the dimensions in pencil at the bottom from another page in the Shop Manual not shown.

I have to say, the guys on this forum have helped me many times with issues I have faced, so I am happy to help another, and I hope this helps you.
Good Luck as you troubleshoot your suspension.
chuckw

 

Is that a page from a service manual? Something else?

 

leadfoot4 - both the front and rear adjustments were as low as they could go. Fronts retracted as much as the adjustment would allow and the rears were extended as far as that adjustment would go. J + K heights were at only 4". I was hitting speed bumps in parking lots at that height. I replaced the shocks a couple years ago, but until I recently measured it, never realized the car specs were designed to be higher. I get that guys want their cars low, but for me, ride comfort is important. Appearance now is fine to me and as yet haven't been able to really assess the ride (improvement?) due to the need to replace a leaking rear axle shaft boot.
I will try to update with a ride report in a few weeks as I am waiting on some parts. I will be replacing both axle shafts, (I'm at 140K) and thought it would be a good time to replace the rear ball joints, install urethane bushings, and wheel bearings.
chuckw

 

YES - copied from 2000 Chevrolet Corvette Service Manual, Y - Platform
Drawing outline is of a C5.
chuckw

 

You probably didn't have to go up that much, but fully lowered on the bolts will bottom a lot especially on the back. I raised mine some and it really helped.

 

Repairs completed - replaced axle shaft seals, axle half-shafts, rear bushings to urethane, upper and lower ball joints, wheel bearings, and new rear rotors, then 4-wheel alignment (again).
Rides great. Biggest improvement was actually to my parking brake. My old rotors were worn beyond minimum specs. I had tried twice to adjust the parking brake but always pulled full up. It worked, but I wasn't pleased with extreme handle position. Now with the new rotors, full application of parking brake is accomplished after 4 -5 clicks.
A lot of work to accomplish all the above, but I am hopeful the rear suspension will be solid for a few more years.
Thanks again for all the help guys! My success is dependent on your help, suggestions, and advice.
chuckw (Greast)