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Topic: Suspension upgrade.

in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling


Suspension upgrade.

Posted: 3/17/07 11:42am Message 1 of 7
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Jenison, MI - USA
Joined: 10/2/2004
Posts: 198
Vette(s): 2010 Corvette Engine 400 horse 435 FPT,ghost flamed,chrome block,rack&pinion,hooker headers/pipes,lowered,Tremec5spd, 3.73,'67 hood,'72 sld t-tops, cstm logo seats, dualquad 500cfm 383/435hp stroker.VPB susp frt and rear, 1980 CUSTOM CARGO TRAILER
Ok I know most of you are better at wrenching then I am - so I need some experienced help with a decision.  I've got 90% of the frame on reconstruction done and now I am looking to upgrade the front suspension I am looking at two akternatives from Vette brakes and products.  The first is a light weight alluminum upper control arm and then replacing the coil cprings and shocks with their alternatives.  the second option is going a little deeper with their transverse composite monospring system which (according to their ad) puts 2000 handling on a C-3 this alternative eliminates the coil springs.  I see this later option advertised alot and I am wondering if anyone has added it - how difficult it was to install and how noticable the improvement was,   Any suggestions appreciated - Ken


Ken - C3VR Lifetime Member #79

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Suspension upgrade.

Posted: 3/27/07 5:44pm Message 2 of 7
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Charlotte, NC - USA
Joined: 1/19/2007
Posts: 4
Vette(s): 1969 coupe father/son project car. This car is currently in boxes, but the plan it to have it running in 3 yrs
I'm new to the list and have the same exact question. We have just started a rebuild of a '69 coupe. I have read and heard a lot about the composite monospring being used in the rear, but I have yet to find someone who has used this set-up in the front...


Suspension upgrade.

Posted: 3/27/07 6:49pm Message 3 of 7
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20225
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
I hear a lot of good things about the front composite spring set-up, but I haven't actually ridden in one...yet.
Don't know about the 2000 handling part, tho. That might be a bit of a stretch!
There's gotta be a C3VR member that has one of these set-ups...


Joel Adams
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Suspension upgrade.

Posted: 3/28/07 10:46am Message 4 of 7
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Lake Charles, LA - USA
Joined: 1/4/2005
Posts: 1
Vette(s): 1969 Convertible - Can Am White
Hey guys,
 
I just starting an install on a VB&P Grand Touring Plus Kit as well as some other mods.  I considered the Performance Plus kit with the composite front spring, etc. But decided it was a little more kit than I needed.  I've heard it's a great kit and the ride is very close to a C5 if you have modern rubber.  My understanding is the kit is really about racing because of the adjustabilty it gives you.  While I might take an occasional trip down the 1/4 mile track or a lap or 2 on the road course I'm hardly a racer but I do drive farily hard on the road so I'm hoping at $1200 less the Grand Touring Plus Kit will be what I'm looking for.... which is good handling when I want to go fast and a comfortable ride when I want to cruise.  Oh, by the way, I'm also doing a Tremec TKO 500 5-speed conversion from a TH400, steeriods and new wheels and tires 17x 8 torq thrust II' s and though I haven't ordered the tires yet, I think I've decided on Sumitono HTR Z's in 245/45 17 front and 255/45 17 rear.  I already have a ZZ4 crate enginge in the car too.
 
Steve



Suspension upgrade.

Posted: 3/30/07 12:26pm Message 5 of 7
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Charlevoix, MI - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 37
Vette(s): 1981 4speed
I went with the monospring in my 81. That and the rack and pinion makes it a new car in terms of handling. Installation was a snap. You also loose some weight up front when you take out the coil springs etc. I don't know about C5's but my C3 compares quite favorably compared to my brother's '92



Suspension upgrade.

Posted: 4/1/07 1:26pm Message 6 of 7
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Manteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold 1975 L48 4 speed
Excellent imput guys. That gives a guy something to think about. It takes alot of info to prioritize when there is only so much money to work with in a life.


Suspension upgrade.

Posted: 4/8/07 9:44am Message 7 of 7
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Boca Raton, FL - USA
Joined: 3/17/2006
Posts: 3
Vette(s): 1970 Coupe 454 eng.
Ken,
I replaced both springs, Front and Rear, with the composite transverse mono spring.The front one is easy to replace. The car handles much better,is more stiff but is a good improvement. My Vette is a 1970 B/B.
The only disadvantage I noticed is driving on country roads where the pavement is not very smooth the car is a little jumpy.
Good luck
Carlosvette1970



in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling


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