Topic: TRW Rear Spring
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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I just finished up assessing my rear suspension. The car has an old fiber glass spring that the previous owner said he couldn't remember when he replaced it. He owned the car for 20 years before I purchased it last April.The spring appears to have a 300lb rating according to a marking I found on the upper part of the drivers side. All the rubber bushings on the spring mountings and strut rods are shot. The shocks are new but are AC Delco. Does anyone have an opinion on the VBP spring with Bilstein shocks vs. a TRW spring with Koni's? Fastcorvette sell the TRW for a resonable 259 including shipping. The Koni's on the other hand are 196/pair. BTW, this all started out when I began to think about having the trailing arms rebuilt. 
PS I moved this question from the General Discussion.

PS I moved this question from the General Discussion.
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I have a VBP glass spring on my 78 it was installed just b-4 I bought the car,they also put Bilstein shocks on ,I dont like the shocks at all.putting Delco gas shocks asap 

C3VR Lifetime Member #93
What don't you like about the Bilsteins?
Hi
My understanding is that when you go to a higher spring rate the TRW spring raises ride height,which you will have to correct with spring bolts,where the VBP springs do not change ride height.
I went with a 360 lb VBP spring and Delco Reactec shocks
all around and am very pleased with the results.
Steve
My understanding is that when you go to a higher spring rate the TRW spring raises ride height,which you will have to correct with spring bolts,where the VBP springs do not change ride height.
I went with a 360 lb VBP spring and Delco Reactec shocks
all around and am very pleased with the results.
Steve

I've got a TRW spring with Delco shocks. Seems to ride fine to me. Nice and firm, but not too harsh.
I did have to put on 8" hanger bolts. It was riding about 31". Was able to adjust down to 28 1/2.

The difference between men and boys is the cost of their toys!!
Guys, thanks for the replies. Seem like both the VBP and TRW springs are about equal. Shocks on the other hand may be a different story. It comes down to (as always) bang for the buck.
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
The previous owner of my '78 installed a TRW spring with Delco shocks. I find it gives a good ride with good handling, though on a long trip it can be tiresome (but most Vettes are like that).
If I was going to replace the shocks, I'd be interested in the Edelbrock IAS shocks as I've heard nothing but excellent things about them, but they are pricey.
If I was going to replace the shocks, I'd be interested in the Edelbrock IAS shocks as I've heard nothing but excellent things about them, but they are pricey.
I ordered a TRW spring and strut rods with poly bushings. I spoke with Chris from Fast Corvette who said they are in the process of replacing the Koni's with Carrera's. He sited some distribution problems and cost in dealing with Koni. I guess I'll stick with the delco's for now. 

in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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