Sorry for the long post, but if you could help me I'd appreciate it. I'd like as many opinions and experiences as possible for some suspension rebuilding options that I'm planning. I'm starting in about 2.5 months and figure it'll take until at least mid summer to get it all done. Right now its pretty much all stock, but if anybody has seen my website and looked at the pic of my flat rear spring, knows that its time for some new hardware. I'm going for the best performance I can possibly get and planning to have a lot of horsepower via a big block or modified small block soon after I graduate (if that ever happens). First on the list is a new rear spring. I'm going to go with a composite spring and probably a 360# rating. I've seen them at Ecklers for $300 and Vette Brakes for $340. Anybody know if they are the same? Also at Muskegon Brake they have a 355# fiberglass for $260, how would that compare? I'm going to get 550# front coil springs and Bilstein gas shocks all around. I have a question with sway bars. What is the stock size in the '77? Are there any ill effects of putting a rear sway bar on? And what are good size choices.. I've heard 1" (front) and 3/4" (rear), and also 1.25" (front) and 3/4" (rear). I'm also going to be replacing ball joints and also replacing rubber bushings with poly. Give me some feedback please. Tell me what you thinks best, what you've done, or what you've heard. One thing to keep in mind is that I don't care one bit about ride comfort. I actually prefer to feel my bones rattle while I drive.

I replaced the rear spring on "The Toy" a year ago - went with the steel replacement for two reasons - cost and originalty. I'm not going to be doing any serious "hot rodding" or track work, so didn't think the upgrade to the composite spring would be necessary. I've heard stories on both sides of the composite spring issue - you either love them or you hate them (sounds familiar doesn't it?), so I'm not much help there.

I did go with the poly bushings though and will gradually replace all of them with poly. Again, not expecting to enter into any NCRS judging so decided to go with the durability factors of poly.

Sounds like an ambitious project - keep us posted on your progress.

You been out to Vette Brakes to look at individual pricing of items, but did you look at their complete packages? I think it might even be a good idea to give them a call and discuss your options with them. They sell a kit called "Advanced Street and Autcross for just under $1,000.00 that has the monospring, Bilsteins, adjustable strut, 1.125" front sway bar and .75" rear sway bar including all poly bushings, etc., and 550# powder coated coils. (This should flatten your tailbone for you!)

They have a toll-free number (800-237-9991) so you should be able to call and talk to some of their service techs to discuss your current situation and where you want to go with it.

The biggest thing I found when I changed out my spring for a new 330# composite was that even though most of the other guys offered the monospring, only VB&P had it in stock and ready to ship next day. Yes, it was slightly more expensive, but that's because I'm not buying in bulk like the Eckler's, Summit's, JCW's, etc. of the corvette world, besides the fact that they're buying from VB&P just like I did, only they're reselling.

I think if you buy a complete package for what you want to do you'll end up saving money in the long run versus buying the parts separately.

Good luck, take pictures, and figure out a good Tip/Trick for the rest of us!

Thanks for the advice. Hopefully, I'm one of those people who likes the monospring. I'd like to go with a full performance kit. I was looking at them advertised in Vette Brakes, but I just don't think I can afford it all at once. So I'm probably going to take it one step at a time. We'll see what the funds look like because I definitely want it all. Any info on sway bars? Is there any negative effects?

I would not go with the composite spring unless you want to replace it again in a few years. My experience with composites is that they eventually start to come apart and then you are rubbing your rear tires on the fender wells. Of course, if it's not going to be a daily driver, and you are not going to race it, it might last awhile.

Haven't heard too many horror stories of a composite spring. I heard they are supposed to last longer and react better than steel springs. I'm definitely going to try one, but thanks ofr your advice. Just don't say "I told you so" if I switch back soon!!

Woody may be right, in certain circumstances. Monosprings are susceptible to high heat. Anything above 220(?) and I think they start to breakdown.

What this means is that you have to have a good clearance on your exhaust where it runs under the spring. VB&P recommends 3" clearance from any heat source. Mine is about 2-2 1/2" and the local Vette shop said not to worry. They have had no problems with others who were that close. I did try to insulate it with some reflective exhaust tape but the adhesive didn't hold (of course I didn't clean the spring real good before applying either - ok, so I was in a hurry!). Am thinking about wrapping it in exhaust tape just to be safe. Shouldn't affect the spring at all as I won't be wrapping tightly, just to insulate.

Of course, if it looks like S%$T I'll be wrapping the exhaust for a foot or two around the spring area instead. Actually the reflective tape looked pretty sweet from the rear. Almost looked like it was chromed!

I think you'll be pleased with the mono.

Thanks for the advice on the exhaust clearance, I'll check it next time I'm home. I think it'll be fine.

Mark,
I can not remember where I read this, but I do remember reading it. The article ( or whatever ) recommended NOT wrapping your exhaust with the heat tape. It said that it actually CAUSES the pipes to deteriorate at a faster rate than normal. Actually as I write this, I think the article was about headers. It seems logical that if it effects headers like that , it would also effect the exhaust pipes the same way ???

Thanks Glenn, it's nice having you "experienced" guys out there looking out for us boneheads. I still want to protect the spring from as much heat as I can though, so I'll probably take off the tape that's on the spring now, clean it real good, and put it back on.

I love the feel of the monospring, and know I'll love it even more when I get the money to put the correct variable rate shocks specially manufactured for monosprings on.

I'm aware not everyone likes the monospring, and those who want to keep their Vettes original will always use the leafs, but I would still recommend it to anyone who asked.

Thanks again,