Question: Rear FE Suspension

[Vette79]

Could someone post a few pics of the Rear Anti-Sway Bar on a late 70's Corvette? I would like to install the Rear Anti-Sway Bar and want to know what is involved. Thanks!

 

[Art Jett]

 

[Vette79]

I don't see anything Art Jett. Feel free to send me an email at jsiford@verizon.net if you have pics. Thanks.

 

[Art Jett]

I'm at work and the car is at home, but I'll take some when I get home and E-mail you. Are you needing to see how it is set up on the trailing arms or what?
Art

 

[Vette79]

Yep, I need to see everything. Art, thanks so much for the help.

 

[Vette79]

Anyone know what the factory size of the sway bars are suppose to be for both front and rear for an FE7 package?

 

[duke94]

Anyone know what the factory size of the sway bars are suppose to be for both front and rear for an FE7 package?

Rear is .440" Front is 1.12" for FE7 "Gymkhana"

 

[6880 Mike]

Duke94's set up is stock. AIM will show the FE7 option package and the stock installation. Parts can be had from the aftermarket providers, or off ebay.

 

[Vette79]

I'm just curious with what sizes to go with. I have a 1'' front anti-sway bar. Nothing at the rear yet. I understand that the leaf spring acts as an anti-sway bar but would I gain any performance or improvement with installing a rear anti-sway bar and a larger front anti-sway bar???

 

[6880 Mike]

...would I gain any performance or improvement with installing a rear anti-sway bar and a larger front anti-sway bar???...

The optional FE7 gymkhana suspension package was for handling, usually at speed. It comprised a slightly larger than stock front sway bar, stiffer springs and shocks, and the rear sway bar. If you cobble together the stock parts, it's a bolt on.

 

[Art Jett]

I have the stock gymkhana sway bar that came off my car. I'm sure it's all good except for maybe the bushings. If you're interested in it let me know. It's taking up room in my shop. Art
I sent you an E-mail with a bunch of pics of what's on my ar now. I think I bought all from Corvette America.

 

[Vette79]

Do you remember what sizes you went with? Does it handle better? Was it worth it? Do you have to drill any holes into the trailing arm? Thanks for the pics to everyone. Very helpful. I have the 5/8'' rear and the 1'' front on it's way. Order it from Corvette Central as a kit. I may have to return the 1'' for something larger like the 1 1/8'' or 1 1/4''. Trying to get everyone's opinion on a descent setup so that I don't experience oversteer or understeer.

 

[Art Jett]

I have the same rear you ordered. It uses the same holes in the trailing arms that the old one used. I have the 1.12" front. I have no idea of the difference in handling because the car wasn't drivable when I bought it. I talked to a lot of people and the survey said with my setup for drivetrain I would be better off with a larger rear sway bar. I know the car handles great now. All I need are the 18" Coy C-5 wheels that should be here Wed. I already have the Khumos to go on them. I guess next I'll be selling the stock aluminum wheels and the firestone tires with only 4000 miles on them. They look great but don't handle as good as I want.:bashArt
I'm not sure why you would want the original one, but if so I'll have to find a box and figure shipping cost. If you pay the shipping, It's yours.

 

[Vette79]

Art, I just may want the old stock sway bar if you still have it with all the other pieces and parts.

 

[Art Jett]

Art, I just may want the old stock sway bar if you still have it with all the other pieces and parts.

I'll check tonight and see what all I have. I think I have all except maybe the bolts that hole the bushing reatiners to the frame.Art

 

[6880 Mike]

Art, I just may want the old stock sway bar if you still have it with all the other pieces and parts.

My .02, but that's the way to go. Start with the FE7 set up. If you want something stiffer later on, you can sell the the FE7 stuff.

 

[Vette79]

I'll check tonight and see what all I have. I think I have all except maybe the bolts that hole the bushing reatiners to the frame.Art

Art, Have you had a chance to look?

 

[Art Jett]

Sorry man, I had to go to location and repair a piece of equipment this morning. I have all except the small plate that goes inside the trailing arm for the bolts on one side and one of the bushing retainers. I'm not sure how I lost that piece, but it's gone. I would think you could get one from one of the vette scrapyards for next to nothing. The plate would be super easy to make. It's yours if you want it. Art

 

[Vette79]

So, what was the stock size front Sway Bar that was part of the FE7 Suspension Package? 1 1/8th or 1 1/4"

 

[Art Jett]

Mine was 1 1/8"