Daily Slideshow: Leaf Springs or Coilovers?
Coilovers and leaf springs have long been bitter rivals. For years if you said you drove a sports car on leaf springs, people were more likely to laugh at you than compliment your ride. Are the myths about leaf springs true or can they perform? We’re about to find out.
Understanding the Architecture
GM did utilize a leaf spring on models like the C5, but it should be noted that it is about as good as a leaf spring system can get. For starters, they aren’t heavy blundering pieces you’ll find on a mac truck. These are lightweight fiberglass pieces that mount. It’s very trick stuff that shouldn’t be dismissed before having a look underneath on a lift. Having independent rear suspension is critical to good handling on a circuit.
Tip: If you don’t know why you need coilovers or can’t explain to someone else why you need them then you do not need them. Save the money and invest in a good instructor.
>>Join the conversation about the leaf springs vs coilovers debate right here in Corvette Forum.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages of coilovers include a reduction in unsprung mass (important), improvement in ride quality over stock, better road holding capabilities if the right spring rates are chosen and quicker install times which can be a lifeline at the race track. If you race, you know all about those last minute changes when the clouds start rolling in or the weather forecast suddenly changes.
Tip: Coilovers have big gains, but you can do a lot with minor upgrades to the stock platform. Think sway bars.
>>Join the conversation about the leaf springs vs coilovers debate right here in Corvette Forum.
Cost
Here’s where you should be honest in understanding what real value is. Great deals on used stuff pop up all the time if you know where to look and do a little digging in the forums. You’ll want to keep an eye on people who race as they upgrade or part out builds. Maybe you prefer to have the best of everything. In this case, expect to shell out a minimum of $1,500 with the real quality showing through in the $2,000 to $3000 bracket. Coilovers that utilize high-end brands such as Penske can eclipse $4,000 before any optional extras are applied.
Tip: most people are more than fine on a set of single adjustable coilovers ($1,500).
>>Join the conversation about the leaf springs vs coilovers debate right here in Corvette Forum.
What Spring Rates
As with most things Corvette, the factory has done a great job at matching spring rates that deliver on all fronts. These cars are as comfortable from the factory as they can be while still doubling as a weekend track car that clocks serious lap times. Damping is tremendously good from the factory as well which is very clear by any newer Vette lap times at the Nurburgring. Increasing spring rates should be done modestly if utilizing 200 treadwear tires and the car is still driven on normal roads.
>>Join the conversation about the leaf springs vs coilovers debate right here in Corvette Forum.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading to coilovers is a good choice if you have already done minor modifications with seat plenty of seat time in your car. If you haven’t been to the track or local autocross some care should be taken before going out and spending money on upgrading any suspension part. Always remember bushings are a fundamental part of the suspension system. If your wheels and tires are not free to move and suffer any binding then a $3,500 dollar set of coilovers isn’t going to do you much good. Be smart and spend your money wisely. Thanks for reading!
>>Join the conversation about the leaf springs vs coilovers debate right here in Corvette Forum.
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