shocks or springs ??

[cmegga]

Did some work on the car today and notice the back left end is sagging pretty bad. Its about a 3 inch diffrence from the other side off the top of the tire.

What do you think shocks or spings ? I ve been wanting to do a set of blistin shock , so I guess Ill do those all around, VBP have the for $140 for all 4 .

I was also looking at a new reear spring a bit above stock, is that a big job to do ?? I know shock replacement wont set me back too bad, but how much labor is involved geting that rear spring out ??

 

[JohnZ]

Ride height is a function of springs - shocks don't affect it (unless they're air shocks). Spring replacement is a one-day job; make sure you get rear shocks that are specifically calibrated for use with the composite spring - they need more rebound damping than an "ordinary" rear shock. You'll need a rear alignment as well when you're done and proper ride height is restored.

 

[cmegga]

Actually Im dont think Im going to go with the composte , just a 315 to 300 steel spring.

Im looking for a good performance shock , but want to soften the ride as well. IM not racing threw the corners too much so I just want something that will lessin those bumps a bit and I guess not loosing and handling in the corners.

Any recomendations ??

 

[Stallion]

Just a thought, but I read in a Corvette book that the stock rear leaf spring is steel, just like you want. But it also said that you can go for a fiberglass spring that is lighter and more flexible for better handling.

My $0.02

 

[Dave L.]

AC-Delco shocks

I have the AC-Delco shocks on my car and I am very pleased with them. Others here are also very pleased with these. Here is a recent post on this subject................
http://corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=25816&highlight=shocks


Dave

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Dave,

I've got the Reactecs and like them. Do you have them with the composite spring and if so, which one and would you recommend the spring?

We hit the corners hard yesterday and, while I wouldn't call it a problem as it was controllable, I did have more oversteer than I would have liked. I was thinking sway bars but someone pointed out the old spring may not be keeping the tires down as well as it could. The spring is the steel original. I want better handling but not at the sacrifice of ride.

The Muskegon Brake product is substantially less, particularly for the kit, than the VBP kit. Any reason other than price to select one over the other?

Bob

 

[pax]

Bob,
Have you dealt with/used Muskegon Brake products?
If you or anyone else reading this has experience with them I would like to hear your comments.
Was looking at there site and they seem to have decent prices even with the exchange rate.
TIA
john

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Now see John you through me with this exchange rate thing until I realized that YOU are in Canada.

I have read some positive things elsewhere but wanted to hear what the people here had to say.

I'm sure someone will have had some experience.

Bob

 

[Dave L.]

Bob - I am still using the original steel spring. My car has the FE7 gymkhana suspension with the factory 7/16 sway bar. When I installed the shocks and restored my rear suspension I wanted to keep the original set-up intact. I took off the spring,cleaned it up,and put it back on. Does your car have a rear sway bar? They are fairly easy to install if not.

Dave

 

[pax]

Geez...I should have not put that in there...now everyone here is going to feel sorry for me having to live up here with these idiots for politicians (tax time). I love my country but we could lose 90% of these guys and be better off.
Maybe have more cash for...:bar That would be great EH!!!
john

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Does your car have a rear sway bar? They are fairly easy to install if not.

Dave,

No rear sway bar. It's been along time so I'm not 100% sure on this but my recollection is over steer is corrected with a bigger front sway bar and under steer a bigger rear, basically the reverse of what I would have expected.

Hopefully some one else with more suspension knowledge will give his opinion on sway bars, these shocks with a composite spring and the choice of vendors.

Bob

 

[Vette/Berlina-coupe]

-'81's came with a plastic-spring like employed on the new Vettes, which are superior to the multi-leaf steel-spring as to ride and roadholding, --owing to their much lighter-weight and elimination of inner-leaf friction; -but both steel and plastic main-leafs will snap like a twig if your shock-absorbers are shot (allowing spring-leaf to flex excessively), --although you may have replaced the shocks, damage may have been done prior to their replacement, so check to make sure your shocks are for '81 and later, and offer strong-resistance both directions... ~Bob vh
:J

 

[Dave L.]

Bob vh - you are correct on 81's being the first year for composite springs,except for FE7 optioned cars. These all utilized the 7 leaf hd rear spring.

happy motoring.........Dave

 

[Bob Chadwick]

now everyone here is going to feel sorry for me having to live up here with these idiots for politicians (tax time). I love my country but we could lose 90% of these guys and be better off.
Maybe have more cash for...:bar That would be great EH!!!
john

Same thing down here John and I'm sure the rest of the world.

 

[cmegga]

Im not sure if anyone caught my earlier post, but I have an 81 and am Looking at shock, sping options. I want to do a good shock for a semi soft ride, delco or blisten. Alnog with a new rear spring.

I just want to get a stock style replacement on the spring to stay with in budget. I have an 81 , My question is if it ia a plastic rear spring where can I find a stock style replacment ??

In all the books, Corvette Central , Eckler, Corvette America and VB Products all I can seem to find is a $119 t0 $ 139 steel spribg or the $330 plus composite.

PS Anyone know the site for Muskegon Brake products ??

 

[Bob Chadwick]

cmega,

Hope we didn't take over your post.

In return: Muskogen