7 Leaf vs. 9 Leaf Rear Spring?

[Dave Z]

Since I missed Carlislead, I am trying to order online a rear leaf kit for my '75. What I am finding out is there are two types, 7 leaf and 9 leaf. Since I don't know what the (original) existing setup is, I'm not sure which one to order. I suspect it is a 7 leaf due to the assembly manual for my year referencing "SPRING ASM-REAR exc FE7" FE7...clue?

 

[Paul71LT1]

rear spring

7 versus 9 leaf is simply a question of having the performance versus the standard suspension. The 7 leaf is stiffer and came with the upgraded sport suspension(I forget the option code and I'm too lazy to look it up now) and 9 leaf gives a softer ride. If you have your build sheet or tank sticker it will tell you which one your car was built with.

 

[Culprit]

FE7 is the code for the upgraded suspention - the Gymkhana suspention. The FE7 option had the 7 leaf spring and the base suspention had the 9 leaf spring.

Semper Fi,
Culprit

PS - Welcome to CAC Paul71LT1!

 

[Vette-4-Life]

FE7 = GymKhana = 7 Leaf

 

[vettepilot]

7 versus 9 leaf is simply a question of having the performance versus the standard suspension. The 7 leaf is stiffer and came with the upgraded sport suspension(I forget the option code and I'm too lazy to look it up now) and 9 leaf gives a softer ride. If you have your build sheet or tank sticker it will tell you which one your car was built with.

FE7 is the RPO code for the Gymkhana Suspension, cost $7.00, 3194 produced.

Get a load of that cost ($7.00) over the base suspension, you won't see prices like that again!


vettepilot

 

[Dave Z]

OK, that gives me the answer. I did not know the 7 leaf was the sport version, but I do happen to know from the previous (2nd owner) that the car does have the sport suspension.

Thanks everyone, you're all too cool. ;worship

 

[Stallion]

So you are pretty much looking to stay stock? Otherwise, a good option is a fiberglass rear leaf. It's light, and better quality they say.

But if you are looking to stay stock, go with that 7 leaf.

 

[Dave Z]

Switch to Fiberglass Rear Leaf?

The Corvette shop I know and trust recommends I stay stock and not go with fiberglass. However, I am open to the opinions of those who have made the switch...

 

[mrvette]

I see you are in Manassas Va.....try Tony's Corvette shop in G'burg Md, across the river there, maybe he's doing something for you now, come think of it....


anyway, I put in a VBP fiber spring some years ago up there, and think it's FAR superior to any steel spring....I even tried a steel spring just for fun due to all those supporters, IMO, they just don't know......case closed....

GENE

 

[Dave Z]

Thanks gene. I truly appreciate your opinion. I'll wait and see if others post with thier opinions before I order. I would like to get my order in today as I have many parts to buy.

I've heard of Tony's, but Gaithersburg is a bit far and not on my commuter line. The shop I use is actually in Alexandria. They've been in business about 25 years and have a real good reputation.