Suspension--springs
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Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,884
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From: Walnut CA
Suspension--springs
I have a question which is in part curiousity and in part to help me decide what I'm going to do to improve the handling of my car currently equipped with the F45 suspension. I have posted suspension questions before so thanks if you've previously responded. I am currently planning to get '04 Z06 shocks, Z06 swaybars and Z06 springs installed (Z06 swaybars are much less cost wise than Hotchkiss or T1).
My question is that why do Corvettes use leaf springs as opposed to the more traditional springs and will going to coil overs make a bigger difference in the handling of my car? I'm not a fan of the side stepping my car does when it goes over a bump. Thanks in advance for responses. :cheers:
My question is that why do Corvettes use leaf springs as opposed to the more traditional springs and will going to coil overs make a bigger difference in the handling of my car? I'm not a fan of the side stepping my car does when it goes over a bump. Thanks in advance for responses. :cheers:
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 53
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From: Norcross, Ga
Re: Suspension--springs (Paras)
Paras,
I have been working on this for a while also but I believe it truly boils down to the EMT tires and their directional thread and sidewalls. Another issue is bump steer which has to do with A arms and tie rod arcs and angles as the suspension moves through its range of motion. I believe this is an issue when the suspension moves up or down like with bumps perpendicular to the wheel. This causes the steering angle to change because the tie rod pulls or pushes the angle. The issue of side stepping seems to happen when you hit uneven pavement parallel to the wheel. Change in alignment can help this but I don't believe cure it. The tires are the secert here. I think I am going to try the Goodyear F1 GS D3. The thread is not parellel to the wheel direction more at a ~30 degree angle. They are not run flats. I've heard that the new C6 is going to have an improved EMT design according to GM that reduces the ills of the current design. Maybe it will and it will be produced in C5 sizes. :cheers:
[Modified by 57xray, 1:22 PM 1/8/2004]
I have been working on this for a while also but I believe it truly boils down to the EMT tires and their directional thread and sidewalls. Another issue is bump steer which has to do with A arms and tie rod arcs and angles as the suspension moves through its range of motion. I believe this is an issue when the suspension moves up or down like with bumps perpendicular to the wheel. This causes the steering angle to change because the tie rod pulls or pushes the angle. The issue of side stepping seems to happen when you hit uneven pavement parallel to the wheel. Change in alignment can help this but I don't believe cure it. The tires are the secert here. I think I am going to try the Goodyear F1 GS D3. The thread is not parellel to the wheel direction more at a ~30 degree angle. They are not run flats. I've heard that the new C6 is going to have an improved EMT design according to GM that reduces the ills of the current design. Maybe it will and it will be produced in C5 sizes. :cheers:
[Modified by 57xray, 1:22 PM 1/8/2004]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,183
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Re: Suspension--springs (57xray)
This is great info! I've been looking for a solution to this problem also. It really hampers the driving experience when you're going 100mph, and go to lane change only to get the side stepping action that scares the begeezus out of you. It's actually really embarrassing too when you can see the 350z in front of you do the same lane change effortlessly.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,884
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From: Walnut CA
Re: Suspension--springs
57 Xray: Thanks for the insight. I'm planning to go with the Kumhos next time I need tires. I was wondering if some of this had to do with the leaf springs and if the replacement of these would help significantly. Changing the alignment of my car helped it to stop following all the ruts in the road but the bump steer is still rather apparent.
VectorZ: I hear you loud and clear about bump steer scaring the bejesus out of you. My bump steer is not so bad that it scares me when changing lanes but bigger bumps on narrower roads are a little unnerving. Bumps on the twisties I like to take at speed are more unnerving. I've seen a 350Z on the road in front of me and it seemed to move back and forth very tight but that was only after I let it catch up after smoking it... :)
VectorZ: I hear you loud and clear about bump steer scaring the bejesus out of you. My bump steer is not so bad that it scares me when changing lanes but bigger bumps on narrower roads are a little unnerving. Bumps on the twisties I like to take at speed are more unnerving. I've seen a 350Z on the road in front of me and it seemed to move back and forth very tight but that was only after I let it catch up after smoking it... :)
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 53
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From: Norcross, Ga
Re: Suspension--springs (Paras)
Guys
Vette Brakes has a kit for both the front and rear tie rods. I don't undserstand yet how they cure the problem but I will. I don't know if you ever watch Dream Car Garage on Speed channel but they are rebuilding an L88 Corvette for the 70's and doing a beautiful job. They have put a bump steer kit on it to cure it's issue.
When I experience bump steer is accelerating in corners with rough pavement. This only occurs on tight roads when I am getting it.
Side step seems to occur generally it straighter lines at higher speeds say on the interstate. Tire should solve this. I don't believe springs will help here.
Vette Brakes has a kit for both the front and rear tie rods. I don't undserstand yet how they cure the problem but I will. I don't know if you ever watch Dream Car Garage on Speed channel but they are rebuilding an L88 Corvette for the 70's and doing a beautiful job. They have put a bump steer kit on it to cure it's issue.
When I experience bump steer is accelerating in corners with rough pavement. This only occurs on tight roads when I am getting it.
Side step seems to occur generally it straighter lines at higher speeds say on the interstate. Tire should solve this. I don't believe springs will help here.
