gleninsandiego

I am about to order a 360 lb rear spring for my 69. Any recommendations on the best one to get or are they all pretty much the same? I also see some are called "low arch" Is that helpful?

Same question for 550 lb front coil springs

Thanks
Glenn in San Diego

terrys6t8roadster

I put the shorter version 330# from VP&B in my 69. Also went with the longer bolt kit. That 'low arch' is a new one on me. Achieved excellent ride height, about 2 in. of clearance from body to tire. I went with the 330# because I was looking for a softer ride. T

Alan 71

Hi Glenn,
Perhaps you might want to talk to the folks at Eaton Detroit Springs.
You can google them for their site and contact information.
Regards,
Alan

(Their site also has some interesting and informative info about front and rear springs in general.)

Jeff k

Allen, thanks for the info on that spring company. I quickly took a look at their website, wow! Lots of great information. Will be doing some reading tonight over coffee.
Jeff

NewbVetteGuy

VB&P is one of the suppliers with "low arch" springs. I would go with (and have for my C3) the VB&P 360lb composite spring that's been shortened 1" on each side to help with tire clearance.

You will need fast reacting shocks that are appropriate for use with a composite spring. -The Bilstein Sports (not HD) fit the bill quite nicely.


Adam

jb78L-82

I have had a VBP 360 monospring since 1986 on my 78...sits perfectly...FWIW I would never go back to a steel spring since the composite has a MUCH superior ride (even my 360 spring), has much better reaction time for better handling AND weighs 8 lbs versus 50lbs for a steel spring. My ride is firm but not harsh at all, almost too soft for me..may go with a 420 composite if this one ever wears out..not looking that way today!

After years of experimentation I found the sweet spot with Bilstein Sports in the rear only and the Bilstein HD's in front with my 550 gymkhana coil springs. Highly recommend this combo...

CheezMoe

Another vote for the VB&P 330# with Bilstien Sports! Excellent hookup, handling and ride. I cut a new pair of OEM springs on the front. BSports up there as well.

jb78L-82

I originally had Bilstein HD's all around with my 360 monospring and 550 front springs but noticed 2 things about the ride with HD's:

1. The front Bilstein HD's with the 550 springs were very firm primarily due to the 550 springs.

2. The rear HD's did not provide sufficient damping for the 360 monospring. Since the Bilstein Sports are 30% stiffer than the HD's, I purchased a set of the Bilstein Sports for the rear only and kept the HD's in the front only along with the Sports in the rear.

I was looking for the holy grail of great ride with superior handling. I found it!

7t9l82

I have the 550 front 360 rears rings from VBP QA1 custom valve a set of thier non adjustable shocks for me based on the car and how I drive,the car is on rails compared to stock and the ride is very nice.

gleninsandiego

Thanks for the replies
I am wondering about the size of the spring. Is there any reason I need to go with a narrower spring? I am going to be running 255/45/17 on torque thrust II wheels.

mrvette

On my '72 vert, the wheels/tires are much larger, 17x 9.5 '89 vette wheels with 275/50 in rear and 255/50 in front, my car had later shark flares on it from P/O ... the rear spring is a 360 VBP, longer version on there since '95......Billy Stein sport shocks and 460 coils......

the ride is much improved over any steel spring....second off is that I kept the same wheel centerline, so the increase width on the wheels is 3/4 inch per side...moved the ebrake cable.... the spring clears the tires and VBP 8" bolts work fine.....'