Suspension upgrades

[MaineShark]

Does anyone have a good handle on the various types of suspension upgrades? (I know, I know, bad pun)

There are simple bolt-on things like different springs, shocks, wheels, tires, etc.

And then partial or total replacement of the existing suspension with upgraded components.

And finally the more complex attempts to "graft" C4 and C5 assemblies onto the C3 frame, usually involving a lot of fabrication and welding.

Any thoughts on how much benefit you get with each, vs. how much difficulty?

Also, I've seen companies offering to modify an existing frame to accept more modern components, and companies selling brand new C3 frames, but I've never seen anyone offering a new-made frame, already set up to take the more modern components. It would seem that this would be the easier and better way to do it. Have I just over-looked some supplier? Or is there some reason this isn't done?

Joe

 

[richscorvettes]

Joe,

I have done two of the approaches you mentioned. On a 67 I installed the "Performance Plus" package from Vette Brakes. On a 62 we did the complete C4 setup. I had the frame setup work done by Paul Newman at Car Creations and we did the rest.

From a handling and ride perspective the C4 setup is the more sophisticated approach but it comes with a much higher cost and amount of work. The Performance Plus set up is under $2k while converting to a C4 setup is around $7k just for the frame work. On top of that would be the cost of a C4 suspension as well as lower spring rate springs and different valved shocks and possibly some restoration on the suspension itself. You also have to do steering column work to connect to the steering rack. You also have to consider the cost of shipping your frame to whoever does the work. There is often some fiberglass work needed to clear the A arms as well. Newman does excellent work if that is the approach you want to consider. He has the setup and special pieces needed to make this work right. He certainly has been in it longer than anyone else I know and has done many of them. He's also a great guy with which to do business.

The Performance Plus package is a decent value for improved handling. It offers four different spring rates and comes with shocks, Smart Strut setup, upper and lower A arms, springs and sway bars. It also allows you to adjust the ride height at both the front and rear if that is important to you.

It would be tough to judge the difference between the two I have since they are very different cars.

You are right that it would be nice if someone offered a new frame already setup for C4 suspension. There are outfits that offer a tube frame already setup but none that I know of for a stock style frame. I wouldn't doubt that someone is considering making one available though.

If you want more info. just send me an e-mail and I'll give you my number.

Rich Lagasse

 

[Dream_Driver]

HMMMMMMMMMMM ?

Hello Rich Maybe you can give me some insight on this VB suspension package. I will be using a BB and either a 6 sp richmond or Tremec do not know which since I am hearing mixed things with each.

Well darn I tried to paste it but it wont . but it is the VB package that includes everything. Transverse front leaf , a arms , sway bars well you get it everything . .

 

[richscorvettes]

Dream Driver,

Yes, the Performance Plus setup is their most complete package. It includes F & R transverse springs and sway bars, upper and lower "A" arms, Bilstein Sport gas shocks, the "Smart Strut" assembly and even trailing arm shims and poly trailing arm bushings. According to their catalog the unit for the 63-79 runs $1,999 and $2,195 for the 80-82. They also have several other packages with fewer components to suit how far you want to go.

The installation is pretty straight-forward. You do have to drill four holes in the rear chassis cross-member to mount the dual mount rear spring but everything else is pretty much bolt-on. There were no modifications to the body involved but I did have to flatten the center bumper braces where they mount to the engine cradle to clear the front spring.

The 67 that we installed this package on has a ZZ502 big block and Richmond 5-speed. The 5-speed fits well without modifying the trans tunnel but we did make a new removeable transmission crossmember to gain more clearance (trans yoke is much larger than stock) as well as make any future clutch work easier to avoid having to pull the engine. The shifter has enough adjustment to allow it to come up exactly in the stock location so you don't have to modify the console. I do know of a fellow who installed the Richmond 6-speed and he said he did it without modifying the tunnel so you should check the dimensions of each unit before deciding on which one to use. The Richmond has a 26 spline shaft so you have to use a clutch setup for that as well as a dual sized trans yoke to adapt to your driveshaft. There is a picture of the engine and transmission installed in the chassis on our web site although it doesn't show the new cross-member we made in that shot.

Vette Brakes has a web site at: http://www.vettebrakes.com/ if you want to see more about the various packages they offer. If you call their tech line ask for Gary or Robin.

Hope that helps.

Rich Lagasse

 

[1BAD80]

I just installed the "Performance Plus" package from Vette Brakes. What a differance, it's worth the money. Plus I put on the offset trailing arms for 2" wider rims and sloted calipers.
George

 

[groovyjay]

I have installed the VB&P kit on my 79. Things I like about it is the adjustability, changing damp rate and ride height is a 15min job. It is also a direct bolt on job. I did the conversion while I had the body still off, so it was very easy to install.

However Pau Newman's "cash" creations isn't the only alternative. If you got the knowledge and place and tools you can mount the whole C4 cradle in C2/3 frame.
Here's few pic's of how it can be done:

http://www.rmotorsport.com/saku/IM001701(Small).jpg

http://www.rmotorsport.com/saku/IM001699(Small).jpg

http://www.rmotorsport.com/saku/IM001694(Small).jpg

Another alternative for PNCC is this:

http://www.sriiimotorsports.com/pages/691638/index.htm

Also make sure you have a good look at Guldstrand's 5link:
http://www.guldstrand.com/