Topic: Boy, that was a mistake...
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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I'm sooooo glad I'm reading this thread. I've been thinking for a while now about replacing mine. My steel spring is just about done in. Getting the wrong composite shipped to Oz and finding out it is the wrong one would be a real hassle.
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According to their website, Mid America sells the TRW spring. Maybe your 340# TRW compared to Suncountry's 315# TRW is a little too stiff and that is why yours is high, but his is at a good ride height.
1977 Corvette EX-L48
383 Stroker, Holley MPFI, MSD Ignition, BTO 700R4, VBP Street/Slalom, Hooker Sidepipes with JCL Spiral Baffles, Corbeau A4s w/ Shark Bar and Simpson 5-Points, 17" AR TTII's, Kumho MX's
(click to see a bigger version)
383 Stroker, Holley MPFI, MSD Ignition, BTO 700R4, VBP Street/Slalom, Hooker Sidepipes with JCL Spiral Baffles, Corbeau A4s w/ Shark Bar and Simpson 5-Points, 17" AR TTII's, Kumho MX's

(click to see a bigger version)
Another thing I noticed is that the Heat Shield leaves a lot of the spring exposed to the exhaust heat...thoughts?
Lifetime Member #73
The Money Pit.... and my niece
(click to see a slightly larger version)

Grand Blanc, MI - USA
Joined: 8/7/2002
Posts: 544
Vette(s): 1979, 350sb, as my kids affectionately call it "shit brown" Corvette purchased in 1996. 84,000+ miles. Not a show car, but I love her just the same.
Your exhaust needs a minimum of 2" clearance around the spring. If not, you will notice delamination over time due to excessive heat. I have the 330# mono from VBP and did not notice any significant change in ride height after it was installed. I would personally return the one you bought and purchase from VBP. They offer complete suspension packages revolving around the damping rate of a specific spring. And, just in case, I believe they also offer the metal replacement springs as well.
Good luck on this project and let us know how it turns out!
i got a mono from vbp too and ride height looks perfect to me... not sure if it was a 330 or higher rated
art-corvette
I talked to our local vette guy and he showed me in the Ecklers Catalog the two different types of springs they sell. The one on the top left of the page is the cheaper one, around $200 or $299. Ecklers staff tells him that they have a lot of complaints of that spring splintering.
The one below it on the page is what he called a beavertail design, in other words it gets somewhat wider out toward the wheel ends, like a beavers tail. It is around $300 or $399 and comes with a kit that has the longer screws and the center pad piece mentioned above.
According to his Ecklers rep, the second one I mentioned is their quality spring. I will be receiving their catalog in a few days and will post the part numbers when I get it.
The one below it on the page is what he called a beavertail design, in other words it gets somewhat wider out toward the wheel ends, like a beavers tail. It is around $300 or $399 and comes with a kit that has the longer screws and the center pad piece mentioned above.
According to his Ecklers rep, the second one I mentioned is their quality spring. I will be receiving their catalog in a few days and will post the part numbers when I get it.
Mine is the Beavertail design....
I'll be home on Friday night late and if I can pry the camera back from my wife I'll go out and take a few pics and post them..
JimG 2007-02-07 06:45:20
I'll be home on Friday night late and if I can pry the camera back from my wife I'll go out and take a few pics and post them..
Lifetime Member #73
The Money Pit.... and my niece
(click to see a slightly larger version)
a friend here has a Beavertail 360 i think.. he has the same problem.. his rear (of his corvette ;-) ) is too high
art-corvette
It would be pretty easy to make a new heat shield that covers a little more area. Maybe add some insulation on it too for a little extra protection. Or you could switch to sidepipes and not have to worry about it at all!!
The "Beavertail" design is how the TRW springs are. Maybe its just something with their heavier rated springs that make the rear sit up higher. I've heard it a few times before and each case it was a TRW spring.

1977 Corvette EX-L48
383 Stroker, Holley MPFI, MSD Ignition, BTO 700R4, VBP Street/Slalom, Hooker Sidepipes with JCL Spiral Baffles, Corbeau A4s w/ Shark Bar and Simpson 5-Points, 17" AR TTII's, Kumho MX's
(click to see a bigger version)
383 Stroker, Holley MPFI, MSD Ignition, BTO 700R4, VBP Street/Slalom, Hooker Sidepipes with JCL Spiral Baffles, Corbeau A4s w/ Shark Bar and Simpson 5-Points, 17" AR TTII's, Kumho MX's

(click to see a bigger version)
I have installed the TRW spring(much lighter and smother ride) and it sits up higher also.I have adjusted the bolt out all the way and still is a little higher than stock. I was told that the spring will settle in after driving for a while. How many miles I don't know but I have about 200 on it now and it does seem to be getting lower.
You will definatly be needing heat shielding near the rear end/spring. Use the shield that was given in the kit or make one out of a aluminum sheet. You can also buy exhaust pipe wrap which would be easier.Just wrap it around the exhaust pipes at this area.custom76 2007-02-12 00:54:34
You will definatly be needing heat shielding near the rear end/spring. Use the shield that was given in the kit or make one out of a aluminum sheet. You can also buy exhaust pipe wrap which would be easier.Just wrap it around the exhaust pipes at this area.
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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