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I would like some help understanding Corvettes early ‘70s suspension segmentation with regards to the F41 suspension bits still in the parts bin from the ‘60s and the soon to be named Gymkhana [FE7] suspension that modestly dominated the ‘70s.
How, did these suspensions [springs, bars, shocks] compare to the suspension included in the STANDARD LT-1??I’ve tried to find the answer myself. Mike Mueller notes that in 1970 the LT1 option code added “. . . a stiffer suspension along with a muscled-up mouse [small block]. . . And for those with fatter wallets, there was an even meaner version of the LT1 Corvette, the race ready ZR1."
Presumably the ZR1 got the FE41 bits that had been on the L88s; does anyone know how the standard LT1 suspension differed from the ZR1 and base models? Did the standard LT1 [not ZR1 LT1s] get merely a big block sway bar or was it a complete package reminiscent or even identical to the F41?
Last edited by 85nova; 12-08-2018 at 04:04 PM.
Reason: line spacing
F41 springs were stiffer. The front sway bar was same size, and may have had a rear bar. Shocks were different as well, and had J56 brakes. The rear spring would be 7 leaf vs standard 9 leaf.
F41 springs were stiffer. The front sway bar was same size, and may have had a rear bar. Shocks were different as well, and had J56 brakes. The rear spring would be 7 leaf vs standard 9 leaf.
Thanks. Okay, I am guessing that your first sentence compares the F41 to the LT1-standar and the rest of your comments compare the LT1-standard to the base cars.
Please let me know if I am interpreting that incorrectly.
Last edited by 85nova; 12-09-2018 at 12:14 AM.
Reason: re-read prior comment
The LT1 engine options was purely an engine option, it did not have mandatory additional options such as F41 and J56. The LT1 had the same suspension as the L46 and the base engine unless the buyer ordered the optional packages..
85nova, yes. The ZR1 was required to have F41, J56, and M22. The suspension was the same as standard F41 though.
Yes, the ZR1 is well documented. Mueller notes for the 1970 ZR1 "Three items were exclusive to the ZR-1 Corvette, and all three were carryovers from the L88s of 1967-1969: the M22 trans, F41 special suspension, and J56 heavy-duty brakes. The F41 suspension consisted of shorter, stiffer coils up front, a seven-leaf spring in back, and heavy-duty stabilizer bars at both ends, at least on paper. Officially listed early on, that rear stabilizer bar apparently didn't make it beneath any ZR-1 cars in 1970."
What’s more confusing is the suspension of the 1262 cars in 1970 (1287 LT1s less 25 ZR1s) with the LT1 engine option that were not ZR1s. I am referring to these as “LT1-standard” and Mueller suggests in many books (example: Complete book of Corvette –and- Chevy Small BlockV-8) that these car’s had heavier duty suspensions than base cars but not as heavy as the ZR1.
From the link that jb78L-82 sent – pdf page 81 and 109 for example – it suggests GM intended to give the 370-hp Turbo-Fire 350 [the LT-1] a stiffer suspension but it doesn’t specify how. Presumably, if the rear bar was left off the ZR1, the 1262 LT1-standards also lacked a rear bar. Because – based on Mueller’s comments – GM didn’t follow its initial template in manufacturing, as even the ZR1s from 1970 lacked a rear bar.
As far as suspension perhaps GM intended to treat LT1-standard cars as big-blocks – since the power-level was comparable – but that decision was partially or completely changed in the factory. The easiest way to shed more light on this might be to take calipers to the front stabilizer bar of an original LT1 car. Of course a caliper test would require any original 1970 LT1 other than a ZR1, since the ZR1’s apparently were supposed to have the F41 bars [F41 not listed as a standalone option in 1970 but the 60s parts bin was utilized on the ZR1s] in place.
Originally Posted by MelWff
The LT1 engine options was purely an engine option, it did not have mandatory additional options such as F41 and J56. The LT1 had the same suspension as the L46 and the base engine unless the buyer ordered the optional packages..
MelWff is suggesting that LT1-standard cars were produced with the same suspension as the base cars [with the 300 ghp 350] ; perhaps with GM apparently failing or adjusting its original intention to add heavier equipment to LT1-standard cars.
I would like some help understanding Corvettes early ‘70s suspension segmentation with regards to the F41 suspension bits still in the parts bin from the ‘60s and the soon to be named Gymkhana [FE7] suspension that modestly dominated the ‘70s.
Gymkhana FE7 was first introduced in 1974 and yes, borrowed bin parts from F41. In 1975, Gymkhana became quite beefier with a larger front sway bar and a rear sway bar installed on 350s. In 74, 350s did not include the rear sway bar. Ironically, the later 70s were equipped with the beefiest suspensions ever coupled with 350s that were the lowest horse powered motors in decades.
12-08-2018, 04:04 PM
Suspension ?'s: LT1 alone vs. ZR1
