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Topic: new suspension and brakes

in Forum: C3 Handling Components


new suspension and brakes

Posted: 3/2/14 9:03pm Message 1 of 29
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Canada
Joined: 2/28/2014
Posts: 20
Vette(s): 1975 Orange Flame . I have owned car for 20 years now . Had 44000 miles when I first bought now just about to hit 60000. Had new motor built in 2012 upped hp to around 350 . New paint and front and rear fiberglass bumpers also 2012 .
Hello to all . New to this site and my first post . I have been working on my car that I have owned for last 20 years  . 2012 had new motor built added around 200 extra hp over stock . New paint with fiberglass bumpers finished in spring of 2013 . Next was trans shop , total rebuild of turbo 400 adding 2800 3000 stall convertor . Also in 2013 had new leather seat covers and foam for seats , also had door panels and new motors and regulaters installed for power windows . This year will be working on brakes , suspension , front end  and wheel bearings . I have purchased most parts from Ecklers and now looking for extra advice on problems I may encounter and if others have used same parts with good or bad results. Suspension is 550 lb front springs with 330 lb fiberglass for rear . Bilstein sport shocks front and back . 1 1/8 anti sway bar for front and 3/4 for back . Poly bushings for A arms and rear trailing arms . Also have inner and outer tie rod ends and idler arm , rear adjustable strut rods. Brakes I have bought are Wilwood aluminum calipers with Wilwood drilled and slotted rotors . Have also purchased wheel bearings for front and back . Any advice or suggestions would be of great help . Thanks             


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Re: new suspension and brakes

Posted: 3/2/14 11:13pm Message 2 of 29
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Lemon Grove, CA - USA
Joined: 10/17/2007
Posts: 2041
Vette(s): 1982 C3 Collectors Edition 44000 miles, sat in the sun most of its life, My wife purchased it for me for Father's Day in 2007 from her girlfriend that had it for 19 years. It is on the road again. I'm retired but it is now my daily driver.
Sounds like you are building a monster.  Wow! 


Re: new suspension and brakes

Posted: 3/3/14 10:35am Message 3 of 29
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20218
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
Welcome to C3VR! Clap
Front springs might be a bit too stout, rear one is a little stiffer than stock, but might be ok. Everything else looks like good choices. If you have never done rear spindle bearings on a '63-'82 Corvette, you might consider paying someone to do them for you. They are pretty tricky to set up properly, and require some specialized tools. They can be done by a fair mechanic, with patience, and the right tools, but if they are not set up correctly, the possibility for early failure is great. Just my .0002 Approve



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Re: new suspension and brakes

Posted: 3/3/14 7:26pm Message 4 of 29
Former Member
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Canada
Joined: 2/28/2014
Posts: 20
Vette(s): 1975 Orange Flame . I have owned car for 20 years now . Had 44000 miles when I first bought now just about to hit 60000. Had new motor built in 2012 upped hp to around 350 . New paint and front and rear fiberglass bumpers also 2012 .
I hope it does not turn into a monster  . Just looking for more of a feel and power that would have come stock with a 1970 LT 1 with the F 41 suspension and upgrade brakes option .  


Re: new suspension and brakes

Posted: 3/3/14 7:34pm Message 5 of 29
Former Member
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Canada
Joined: 2/28/2014
Posts: 20
Vette(s): 1975 Orange Flame . I have owned car for 20 years now . Had 44000 miles when I first bought now just about to hit 60000. Had new motor built in 2012 upped hp to around 350 . New paint and front and rear fiberglass bumpers also 2012 .
I hope the front springs will not be to stiff. Was all bought from Ecklers as a package they call the premium street and handling kit . I will be hiring a good mechanic to do a lot of the work . Found someone who has owned and worked on c3 vettes  in past. Takes pride in restoring old cars and I feel he will treat me fairly and do a good job . Thanks for your 00002 all help will be needed.   


Re: new suspension and brakes

Posted: 3/3/14 11:32pm Message 6 of 29
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Carson City, NV - USA
Joined: 12/4/2013
Posts: 239
Vette(s): Numbers matching 1972 350 4 speed, silver pewter body with blue interior
I say put it together and drive it! Get at least 500 miles on the springs before deciding they are too stiff. The coils will break in some. I have no idea if fiberglass leafs "break in" or not. With the extra HP you will probably need an aluminum rad. Maybe even a pusher electric fan up front (keeping the mechanical in the rear).
Got pics?



My Christmas present to ME! Bought Sat 11-30-2013. 72, 350 4 spd, Silver with blue interior...Can't you just hear Pablo Cruz playing in the background?

Re: new suspension and brakes

Posted: 3/4/14 6:51pm Message 7 of 29
Former Member
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Canada
Joined: 2/28/2014
Posts: 20
Vette(s): 1975 Orange Flame . I have owned car for 20 years now . Had 44000 miles when I first bought now just about to hit 60000. Had new motor built in 2012 upped hp to around 350 . New paint and front and rear fiberglass bumpers also 2012 .
Thanks for reply Dave . I will try and see what happens with springs hope all will be good. I did put new rad in when motor was rebuilt also added tranny cooler with high stall convertor . I put around 4200 miles on last year no over heating problems . I do have photos in my profile as well in the registry still trying to figure out how to add more .  


Re: new suspension and brakes

Posted: 3/4/14 10:25pm Message 8 of 29
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Red Lion, PA - USA
Joined: 10/27/2006
Posts: 1182
Vette(s): 1974 White 350 Corvette, TH400 Automatic 1972 Tangerine /Go Mango Convertible 383 Stroker, 2004r Automatic
I did the poly bushings on both my vettes when I rebuilt the front ends. I have no complaints. Although I have talked to many that used them and they said they got noisey as they get older. I would recommend putting grease on inside and out side of bushings before installing them. I have not had any noise with mine. Cant speak to the rear spring as I did an original back there. Many here have changed and seem to like them. As for the rear bearings and spindles, yes they can be a handful. I ordered new trailing arms from baers so I knew they would be trouble free and I didnt have the headaches.
Welcome aboard the group and ask questions and enjoy yourself.
Rodney  



Re: new suspension and brakes

Posted: 3/5/14 1:32pm Message 9 of 29
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Grapevine, TX - USA
Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1528
Vette(s): 1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air. 2017 Black Rose Grand Sport convertible.
Do you shop around or do you only buy from Ecklers?  There are lots of Corvette aftermarket suppliers/websites out there.


   

Re: new suspension and brakes

Posted: 3/5/14 7:09pm Message 10 of 29
Former Member
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Canada
Joined: 2/28/2014
Posts: 20
Vette(s): 1975 Orange Flame . I have owned car for 20 years now . Had 44000 miles when I first bought now just about to hit 60000. Had new motor built in 2012 upped hp to around 350 . New paint and front and rear fiberglass bumpers also 2012 .
Hello Garry . Yes I have shopped around . When I bought parts for interior and body work I purchased from Corvette specialties . When I purchased the suspension and brakes I did look at quit a few different sites , prices were very similar on most sites . I did find Ecklers had all parts and I thought I would save on freight buy ordering from one spot instead of two or three for different products. Long way to ship to Northern BC .  


in Forum: C3 Handling Components


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