Topic: which suspension kit to get?
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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Lifetime MemberHot Springs, AR - USA
Joined: 4/24/2004
Posts: 3236
Vette(s): 69 Conv #'s match 427, TKO-600/.64, 3.36HD-Posi, HT, T/T, PS, PB, PW, SP, Leather, Comp XE264HR & Roller Rockers & Lifters, Air-Gap RPM intake, Holley St Av 770 VS, MSD 6AL+Dist+Blaster SS, K&N, Jet-Hot Hooker Side-Pipes, Steeroids, Al Rad, Spal Fans
if i remember right the 550 lb springs lower the front end about an inch..
this limits tire size choices
I put the Street and Slalom kit from VBP on my '77 last summer. My suspension was shot before I put it on, so I put on that kit with all new polyurethane bushings and the ride is great now. (From what I remember..... since I've been working on the engine since then.
) I'd recommend it. I don't feel the ride is very harsh with the 550 lb coil springs and 360 lb composite rear spring, but that type of stuff is all personal preference. You may not like a slightly rougher ride. My suspension was so bad though, it was an improvement. The kit did lower the car about 1.25 inches, which is nice and shouldn't significantly reduce the choice of tire sizes since the stock tires still fit nicely and you probably wouldn't want to go much higher than a stock height tire anyway. I have 255/60/15s in there now but will be replacing them with a similar size tire (width and height) but moving up to 17 inch wheels for even better handling.
) I'd recommend it. I don't feel the ride is very harsh with the 550 lb coil springs and 360 lb composite rear spring, but that type of stuff is all personal preference. You may not like a slightly rougher ride. My suspension was so bad though, it was an improvement. The kit did lower the car about 1.25 inches, which is nice and shouldn't significantly reduce the choice of tire sizes since the stock tires still fit nicely and you probably wouldn't want to go much higher than a stock height tire anyway. I have 255/60/15s in there now but will be replacing them with a similar size tire (width and height) but moving up to 17 inch wheels for even better handling.1977 Corvette EX-L48
383 Stroker, Holley MPFI, MSD Ignition, BTO 700R4, VBP Street/Slalom, Hooker Sidepipes with JCL Spiral Baffles, Corbeau A4s w/ Shark Bar and Simpson 5-Points, 17" AR TTII's, Kumho MX's
(click to see a bigger version)
383 Stroker, Holley MPFI, MSD Ignition, BTO 700R4, VBP Street/Slalom, Hooker Sidepipes with JCL Spiral Baffles, Corbeau A4s w/ Shark Bar and Simpson 5-Points, 17" AR TTII's, Kumho MX's
(click to see a bigger version)
My 2 cents of what I learned so far, since I am also shopping :
-any kit will be a huge improvement from dead shocks and worn out bushings.
-suspension alone might not be enough, you should also evaluate trailing arms & differential AT THE SAME TIME. If you piece meal it for budget reason, don't leave too much time in between.
and finally,
it really depends on your usage; if mostly cruising and hitting it once in a while (like I do), an adjustable one might not do much for you exept digging a bigger hole in your wallet (budget is one of my criteria).
Another consideration, you might want to bring it directly to them and have them rebuild most of your own parts. This way, you wouldn't need the whole kit. Just shocks, bushings, spring and a few other small hardware. Your sway bar, struts and springs could be simply refreshed. With the money saved, you could have your trailing arms and differential rebuilt.
My 2 cents!
Lifetime MemberBismarck, ND - USA
Joined: 10/1/2004
Posts: 380
Vette(s): 1970 stingray, t-top, mulsanne blue with black interior, 406 ci with 444 hp, racing suspension, hooker headers/sidepipes - SOLD :(
well, I bought the Van Steel street and slalom kit...along with the C3 sport brake kit from VBP...orderin a mod to the differential that will let the stock housing hold 4.11 gears...plus the new engine, new tranny, and sidepipes. alla that should go in this week, and saturday I leave for a roadtrip to go see my sweetie...I'll let you all know how it turns out.
Mike
My old Stingray...sure do miss it:
(click image to see a bigger version)
[QUOTE=CorvetteRacer1970]well, I bought the Van Steel street and slalom
kit...along with the C3 sport brake kit from VBP...orderin a mod to the
differential that will let the stock housing hold 4.11 gears...plus the
new engine, new tranny, and sidepipes. alla that should go in
this week, and saturday I leave for a roadtrip to go see my
sweetie...I'll let you all know how it turns out.[/QUOTE]
Well how did it turn out?
Well how did it turn out?
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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