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Topic: another coil spring question

in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling


another coil spring question

Posted: 5/29/04 7:12pm Message 1 of 9
Former Member
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Miramar, FL - USA
Joined: 3/16/2004
Posts: 672
Vette(s): 1972 coupe/350 cid/mild cam/4 spd/20 ft. paint (looks perfect from 20 ft.), but it sure runs nice.
QUESTION: If I was to walk into my local Chevy dealer's parts dept. and ask for replacement front coil springs for a 72 Corvette, what spring rate would these be? I know there are certain variables here (w/ a/c vs w/o, big block vs small), but don't they hover around 288 lbs. There are internet parts stores (rockauto.com comes to mind) carrying coil springs with a HD label on them, meaning stiffer than stock? Here's why I need to know. One of my predecessors(previous owners) went to a very stiff set of front and rear springs. Another replaced the rear with a stock 9 leaf, creating a discrepancy. Besides, speaking from experience with my own body, having those monster coils in the front might be transmitting too much shock throughout the body and chassis, possibly jarring things loose. Am I doing the right thing here?


JR |headscratch|


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another coil spring question

Posted: 5/29/04 8:14pm Message 2 of 9
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Eastern part of, CT - USA
Joined: 1/29/2002
Posts: 319
Vette(s): White 73 convertible - 350/auto, A/C PS, PB, PW, leather, t/t, two tops Also had a 69 t-top 20 years ago
I'm a firm believer in soft springs and a stiff chassis, not the other way around. I don't know the stock spring rates, but I think you are doing the right thing. Joe

PS, the optional "gymkana" suspension had filling rattling springs, are you sure they are aftermarket?


another coil spring question

Posted: 5/30/04 4:05am Message 3 of 9
Former Member
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Miramar, FL - USA
Joined: 3/16/2004
Posts: 672
Vette(s): 1972 coupe/350 cid/mild cam/4 spd/20 ft. paint (looks perfect from 20 ft.), but it sure runs nice.
 joe73vette said: the optional "gymkana" suspension had filling rattling springs, are you sure they are aftermarket? 



I can't say for sure, but judging by all the VBP suspension components on it, it's an educated guess. There are poly bushings throughout which I'm not sure Gymkhana brought. Thanks for your input, we share the same phylosophy on spring tension.

JR |saluteflag|


another coil spring question

Posted: 5/30/04 6:12am Message 4 of 9
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COLUMBUS, MS - USA
Joined: 1/11/2004
Posts: 331
Vette(s): 1972 Coupe; 350 4-speed with GM sidepipes; Classic White/Saddle
JR

Stock smallblock springs are rated at 293 lb/in. The factory-optional performance springs (Gymkhana F-41) are rated at 550 lb/in. The major resto parts houses are offering "Grand Touring" springs rated at 460lb/in.

John


another coil spring question

Posted: 5/30/04 9:21am Message 5 of 9
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Hot Springs, AR - USA
Joined: 4/24/2004
Posts: 3236
Vette(s): 69 Conv #'s match 427, TKO-600/.64, 3.36HD-Posi, HT, T/T, PS, PB, PW, SP, Leather, Comp XE264HR & Roller Rockers & Lifters, Air-Gap RPM intake, Holley St Av 770 VS, MSD 6AL+Dist+Blaster SS, K&N, Jet-Hot Hooker Side-Pipes, Steeroids, Al Rad, Spal Fans
I put F-41 springs in my SB 69 and honestly i didnt notice too much difference.. it was stiffer and handled better.. but didnt rattle my fillings out..

never drove on the highway though... might have been a big difference..


another coil spring question

Posted: 5/30/04 1:43pm Message 6 of 9
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PERRYSBURG, OH - USA
Joined: 4/23/2004
Posts: 317
Vette(s): 1975 T-Tops,Lite Custom work,Many engine mod. 700R4 trans. body is shaved,17" wheels bf goodrich g-force tires,heavy sway bars front&rear rack&pinion steering,550 slolom springs with gas shocks.
I put 550 slolom front springs from VBP they droped the front of my 75 about 2" and this was ok by me. Along with all of the other modafications to the suspention the car handels as good if not better than my brothers 2003 vette. and thats no bull! He can't get over it either. No bone jaring here!!!! |thumb|


another coil spring question

Posted: 5/30/04 7:40pm Message 7 of 9
Former Member
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Miramar, FL - USA
Joined: 3/16/2004
Posts: 672
Vette(s): 1972 coupe/350 cid/mild cam/4 spd/20 ft. paint (looks perfect from 20 ft.), but it sure runs nice.
 gellisvette said: I put 550 slolom front springs from VBP they droped the front of my 75 about 2" and this was ok by me.|thumb| 


Interesting! All this time, I thought going back to stock springs would provide the added benefit of lowering the front end, since softer springs compress more.

Thank you all for your invaluable advice.

JR |saluteflag|


another coil spring question

Posted: 5/31/04 7:05am Message 8 of 9
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sonoma, CA - USA
Joined: 8/9/2002
Posts: 784
Vette(s): 72 LT-1 AC coupe,69 l-36 coupe
Sometimes less coils lends itself to a stiffer suspension,got f-41 and still have my fillings, teeth, well thats another subject, by the time you add poly bushings, big sway bars front and rear,heavey shocks, things will get a little stiff,was wondering how those Elderbrock shocks that give a stiff ride on a smooth road but when you hit a bump they have valving that lets them go to a soft ride instantly, then back to stiff, work?

|UPDATED|5/31/2004 7:05:47 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|



another coil spring question

Posted: 5/31/04 5:21am Message 9 of 9
Former Member
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Miramar, FL - USA
Joined: 3/16/2004
Posts: 672
Vette(s): 1972 coupe/350 cid/mild cam/4 spd/20 ft. paint (looks perfect from 20 ft.), but it sure runs nice.
 anips said: by the time you add poly bushings, big sway bars front and rear,heavey shocks, things will get a little stiff 


Ok, that's what I'm talkin' about. I'm not looking for a totally mushy ride, I just want to soften the blows to my chassis on bumpy roads. I've got good-size sway bars, poly bushings and modest shocks, and the addition of softer springs should give me the package I'm looking for.

JR


in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling


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