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Topic: C3 handling question

in Forum: C3 General Discussion


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C3 handling question (1/6)
 12/1/15 1:22am
kbrin
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coral springs, FL - USA

Vette(s):
81 beauty all original (not anymore!!) Its more fun now!


Joined: 3/25/2014
Posts: 71

hi guys,
My 81 C3 handles fine except for a "darting" issue. I hear that this is pretty normal for our C3s.
I have put in new bushings, ball joints, control arms, steering box and rags and it has helped a bit.....But its still a 2 handed driver!
It isn't really terrible But I would like to fix it if i can. Any advice 
Thanks all.... 



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Re: C3 handling question (2/6)
 12/1/15 7:25am
Sarge81Lifetime Member
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WEST SENECA, NY - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Blue Ice Met. w/pearl ghost flames TKO500 5speed. LS1 Swap 3.45 Dana 44.


Joined: 12/3/2001
Posts: 2379

How are the trailing arm bushings?

I replaced every single bushing years ago. The car was darty. Then I found a local guy that specializes in Corvette alignments. After 8 hrs. of dialing in the front and especially the rear suspension, the car was no longer darty. It wasn't cheap, ($350) but the results were night and day. I can leave my hands off the wheel and nail the gas and the car will track straight down the road. 


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GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.
3.54 Dana 44
'69 "N11" Sidepipes
Borgeson Steering Box
Born 8/1981
Sequence #3975




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Re: C3 handling question (3/6)
 12/1/15 9:34am
johnu
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Scottsdale, AZ - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Corvette Two-Tone Claret color, 4 spd, C7 Vert


Joined: 5/23/2007
Posts: 614

I think Sarge nailed it.  Mine was not bad but after it's first alignment in 20+ years it was much better.  There are certain section of worn asphalt highway that will make the car track in the groves.

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Re: C3 handling question (4/6)
 12/1/15 2:08pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20126

+3....I'll bet the rear alignment is off by a mile. If the car is "twitchy" on curves, or seems to over-react to steering inputs, it's usually the rear alignment that is causing it. You need to find someone that KNOWS HOW to do the rear alignment on these cars, and is willing to do it, because......it's NOT an easy job. The front end alignment is standard fair for most alignment shops, but the rear is a totally different animal. Thumbs Up

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Re: C3 handling question (5/6)
 12/2/15 2:21pm
kbrin
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coral springs, FL - USA

Vette(s):
81 beauty all original (not anymore!!) Its more fun now!


Joined: 3/25/2014
Posts: 71

Thanks all
I have new trailing arms so the issue is probably as you think, Alignment. I live in south florida so I need to find someone who knows what he's doing.  Anybody know of a good shop for this??
Thanks


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Re: C3 handling question (6/6)
 12/2/15 2:42pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20126

Click on the "Research" button at the top of the pages, and scroll down to "Mechanic Directory", then click on that. Enter your state, and then city(or one closest to you), and it will bring up any recommended shops near you. The database hasn't been added to for a while....ya'll need to add in any recommended shops so we can keep the list updated. Wink

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Joel Adams
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My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)
             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

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