Topic: Why did GM use half shafts for the rear on C3's ?
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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Crestview (near Pensacola), FL - USA
Joined: 9/16/2015
Posts: 22
Vette(s): 1970 built 454 coupe., M21, 336-1 rear, numbers matching . Approx. 550 hp/600 tq. #2 Condition . For Sale : $32,000 very firm . Have a full write up with closeup walk-around video for the serious minded only please.
Couldn't they be designed with conventional axle shafts like a Chevelle ? Whats the deal behind this design ? Thanks, Dave.
1970 built 454 coupe., M21, 336-1 rear, numbers matching . Approx. 550 hp/600 tq. #2 Condition .
For Sale : $32,000 very firm .
Have a full write up with closeup walk-around video for the serious minded only please.
For Sale : $32,000 very firm .
Have a full write up with closeup walk-around video for the serious minded only please.
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20229
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
It's called Independent Rear Suspension(IRS). Other true sports cars of the era had had IRS for years. With the new body/frame that came out in 1963 Zora was able to incorporate an IRS into the new design, giving the Corvette the "world class" handling it so deserved. Packaging issues forced them to use the half-shaft as the upper control arm in the design. Not the best design, admittedly, but the best they could make work in the space available. The design works as is, but it carries with it a few flaws, and maintenance issues. In the end, it's the best they could do with what they had....and it's worked for many years('63-'82). The '84-'96 cars still use the same basic design, but more room allowed a 4 link set-up that worked much better.
A solid axle in the rear of a Mid-Year or Shark car would not have been feasible.
A solid axle in the rear of a Mid-Year or Shark car would not have been feasible.
Joel Adams
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Well stated and informative reply. Even I mostly understood it. Thank you!
Dave
Lakeside 49
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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