[C1] Questions regarding C1 suspension upgrades
#1
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Questions regarding C1 suspension upgrades
I would like to have feedback regarding what I have done and if there are any additions or changes I can do to improve the handling of this car. I don’t want to deviate much from stock with things like a 4 link or such as I try to keep my car looking as close to stock as possible within reason as I drive this car often and use tires that are not necessarily soft and sticky but more for reasonable tire life from them.
I am asking about MY 57.
So far what I have done to my car is to add an 11/16” front sway bar, KYB HD shocks, Cooper 22570Rx15” radial tires on 6” wide rims, completely rebuilt stock front suspension with Moog rubber parts, rebuilt original steering box and shortened the column 2” and (although not a handling feature) Traction Masters.
I am asking about MY 57.
So far what I have done to my car is to add an 11/16” front sway bar, KYB HD shocks, Cooper 22570Rx15” radial tires on 6” wide rims, completely rebuilt stock front suspension with Moog rubber parts, rebuilt original steering box and shortened the column 2” and (although not a handling feature) Traction Masters.
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I am asking about MY 57.
So far what I have done to my car is to add an 11/16” front sway bar, KYB HD shocks, Cooper 22570Rx15” radial tires on 6” wide rims, completely rebuilt stock front suspension with Moog rubber parts, rebuilt original steering box and shortened the column 2” and (although not a handling feature) Traction Masters.
So far what I have done to my car is to add an 11/16” front sway bar, KYB HD shocks, Cooper 22570Rx15” radial tires on 6” wide rims, completely rebuilt stock front suspension with Moog rubber parts, rebuilt original steering box and shortened the column 2” and (although not a handling feature) Traction Masters.
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I assume that you do not have the later rear anti-sway bar and Radius Rods.
With the Traction Masters, you would not want them any how.....been there, done....
I did change out the front spindle supports for the 53/54 Chevy passenger car versions, which lowered the front about 3/4", which helped handling.
Plasticman
With the Traction Masters, you would not want them any how.....been there, done....
I did change out the front spindle supports for the 53/54 Chevy passenger car versions, which lowered the front about 3/4", which helped handling.
Plasticman
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No I put new king pin in, rubber A frame bushings, tie rod ends, 3rd arm bearing, etc. No squeeky polygraphite. I have not done anything with the rear spring bushings. Will that be any handling improvement? I doubt it.
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I assume that you do not have the later rear anti-sway bar and Radius Rods.
With the Traction Masters, you would not want them any how.....been there, done....
I did change out the front spindle supports for the 53/54 Chevy passenger car versions, which lowered the front about 3/4", which helped handling.
Plasticman
With the Traction Masters, you would not want them any how.....been there, done....
I did change out the front spindle supports for the 53/54 Chevy passenger car versions, which lowered the front about 3/4", which helped handling.
Plasticman
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Also confused about your response to Jim, since the C1 front suspension uses solid metal on metal bushings (as Jim stated). The only rubber in the A arm front bushings are the grease seals. I have never heard of any rubber bushings available for the front. The rear leaf springs do use rubber bushings at both ends.
And only the 53/54 passenger car spindle supports are lower (not the spindles, but the spindle supports).
And if your rear leaf spring bushings are in poor shape, replacement could only help handling.
What handling issues are you trying to improve? Some times, just a change in tires (or even air pressure & balance - front/rear) can help.
Plasticman
Last edited by Plasticman; 01-20-2018 at 10:51 PM.
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Don't know if those tires would be an issue, but have never had any contact issues with my 215R60x15s (on 6" wide rims). Note that my front tread width is wider by about 1/2" per side, due to the disc brake kit I used, so the tires are closer to the fenders.
Also confused about your response to Jim, since the C1 front suspension uses solid metal on metal bushings (as Jim stated). The only rubber in the A arm front bushings are the grease seals. I have never heard of any rubber bushings available for the front. The rear leaf springs do use rubber bushings at both ends.
Plasticman
Also confused about your response to Jim, since the C1 front suspension uses solid metal on metal bushings (as Jim stated). The only rubber in the A arm front bushings are the grease seals. I have never heard of any rubber bushings available for the front. The rear leaf springs do use rubber bushings at both ends.
Plasticman
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The 49-54 pass car and 53-62 Corvette spindles are the same. And the 49-52 pass car and 53-62 Corvette spindle SUPPORTS (uprights if you prefer) are the same.
BUUUUUUUUUUUUT, The 53-54 pass car spindle supports have the king pin knuckle about 1in higher. Thus, this will LOWER the front end.
Below is a comparison of the spindle supports.
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