Husband wants to buy me a new leaf spring for my B-Day and I checked it out...it is a 9 leaf and is 2 1/2"...checked my handy dandy restoration guide and it says that the FE7 suspension had a 6 leaf and 2 1/4"...can someone check there stock Pace Car and see what they have...somewhere along lines it either was an oversite at the factory or the first owner changed it which I find unlikely since he never did anything else to the car. Now...should we get a fiberglass or try for the stock...and recommendations on lbs. (if we get a fiberglass)....thanks!

 

Why do you want to replace the OEM rear leaf spring?

Duke

 

doing the rear suspension over...ride is a little stiffer than we would like....

 

Nicky, you and hubby wouldn't be seeking that fluffy ride of a classic Cadillac, now would you? :D

Whether or not you opt for a fiberglass rear spring all depends on which priority is more important to you: keeping your Corvette all Corvette or improving your ride quality. For Corvettes, the fluffy ride always (well, usually) took a back seat to handling performance since it is difficult to have both. Except for long driving trips, the only production Corvette that really got a black eye for harsh ride was the 84, and the suspensions were redesigned to be a little "fluffier" the next year.

I have read both good and bad about improving ride with fiberglass springs. I think that getting good results is almost totally dependent on choosing the right spring. You will find more interest and experience in fiberglass springs over on the C3 Forum, since most of us here are interested in "Factory Correct".

After doing a little research, I think I can put your mind to rest about the assembly plant making an oversight and equipping your Pace car with the standard suspension rather than the FE7 Gymkhana suspension. According to "Corvette Black Book", FE7 was NOT INCLUDED in the Pace car package ". In fact, author Antonick seems to indicate that the extra-cost options that could be ordered with the Pace car were limited, and they did not include FE7, but that is my interpretation of his words.

The Pace car package included: A31, AU3, CC1, C49, C60, D35, N37, QBS, UA1, UM2, U75, U81, YJ8 (with red accent), and ZX2. I found it interesting that you COULD order the Pace car with option ZN1, Trailer Package (Say it ain't so, Zora!). :D :D


[Modified by Chuck Sangerhausen, 7:12 AM 3/1/2002]


[Modified by Chuck Sangerhausen, 7:20 AM 3/1/2002]

 

The primary cause of ride harshness and rear sag is compression and hardening of the four rubber spring link cushions. Likely, yours are original as many are. Try replacing them. It's about a one hour job and the cushions are still available from GM.

Unless the rear spring appears to be severely corroded it is likely fully serviceable.

I always try to convince people to replace worn or deteriorated OEM parts with new OEM parts rather than doing an amateur "re-engineering" job with aftermarket parts to solve a problem.

Install four new spring link cushions and let us know the results.

Duke

 

thanks for the recommendation on the replacing of the parts...that would probably be the best thing to do and probably the least expensive...and keeping it all stock would be the best thing to do for resale...when and if.

2) in reference to the Caddy.....it just so happens that he likes Caddies and we just got rid of our 93.......hmmmmm.....wonder if that is it....

 

If the cushions don't help your ride enough, swap your Pace car for a late C4...that would be the best of both worlds. The C4s have road handling like they are on rails, and have a Caddyesque ride for those long drives...nice and fluffy. :D :D