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M
Former Member
Send PMKingston, Canada
Joined: 10/17/2007
Posts: 39
Vette(s): 1980 Silver, L48
Totally re-built at 52,000 KM
Now 355 CI
Edelbrock Performer package
Dual exhaust
Hi everyone:
MartinsVette 2007-10-27 21:46:22
My rear metal spring is starting show signs of fatigue so I am thinking of putting in a composite spring and was hoping someone might have some first hand experience.
I have noticed many spring rates and two different types.
The first type I noticed seems to be wider at the ends and comes in several spring rates 315, 330, 360 and 420. With this style I believe I would want the 330 spring rate.
The second type is straighter and it is recommended to use the 340 spring rate for 1980 vettes with standard suspension.
Most of my driving will be for pleasure only (Friday night car shows, Sunday and evening driving.
If I do any engine mods it will probably be around 350 HP max.
In Ontario we are limited to careful driving. We now have an immediate impound law. If caught street racing or speeding more than 50 KM (31 Mi) over the limit you lose your license for 7 days and they impound your car immediately then fine you $2,000.00 dollers. So it is Sunday driving for me! There have been over 300 seizures in about a month that the law has been in place,
Any help or insight about the spring rates would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Martin
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Former Member
Send PMManteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold
1975 L48 4 speed
your thinking is good Martin. I've been running th trw style 340# on 2 cars ( because I found them at Muskegon Brake for $279) and the 1st one I bought felt great to me. Just a little on the performance side (stiff) less weight transfer coming off the line 
. I love it personally, and I've heard others say they were just a little stiff for them. Any spring you get will be an improvement.
. I love it personally, and I've heard others say they were just a little stiff for them. Any spring you get will be an improvement.Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again. 
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Lifetime Member
Send PMCOPPERAS COVE, TX - USA
Joined: 7/6/2002
Posts: 475
Vette(s): 1972 corvette stingray convertible
2007 coupe
I have the VBP composite 330# on the rear of my 72 and love the ride. I also have the front mono leaf, did away with the coils and now I can change height and ride firmness with very little effort.
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Former Member
Send PMManteca, CA - USA
Joined: 11/20/2005
Posts: 3623
Vette(s): 1978,two tone,Metalic Rootbeer & gold
1975 L48 4 speed
Wow. Very nice Fred. A lot of us are interested in that conversion. Is that also a composite ? Where did you get it ?
Jimmy B.
Just can't wait to get on the road again.
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G
Lifetime Member
Send PMJoined: 9/8/2005
Posts: 241
Vette(s): 1980 with a Banks Twin Turbo
1969 Convert Big Block
1996 Grand Sport Convert
The TRW Style is what GM used on the 81 and 82's. The Straight Ones generaly come from VB&P. The way they make them is to make three at a Time in there Mold and then When they are Cured they just Cut them to width on a Table Saw. I put a 330 on my 80' about 20 Years ago when they First Came out and it has Held up Great. The big Problem is Exhaust Heat they don't like it. If Your exhaust dosn't allready have a Heat Sheild where it passes under the Spring You should Fab one just a Small Sheetmetal one works well. Richard....
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6
The #315 will ride a little softer than the #330.
You may want to consider hunting up two standard suspension stock 81-82 composite springs.
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I just replaced mine with the TRW and I am very happy with it. They do seem to raise the rear end a little even with the 8" bolts that come with the install kit. They also come with the exhaust shield and new bushingsRedwingvette 2007-10-29 12:37:31
Brian - NCM Lifetime Member
73 coupe L48, Flat-top pistons, Performer RPM Heads, Crane Cam and roller rockers, Holley 650 vac sec. Performer intake,
3.55 gear BTO 200-4R trans,
Leather seats, Seatbelt Plus 3point seatbelts, Pioneer CD player
Magnaflow Exhuast System
Dewitt radiator and dual electric fans
Borgeson Steering box
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M
Former Member
Send PMKingston, Canada
Joined: 10/17/2007
Posts: 39
Vette(s): 1980 Silver, L48
Totally re-built at 52,000 KM
Now 355 CI
Edelbrock Performer package
Dual exhaust
Thanks for the input guys.
It is interesting to see what everyones opinion is. I read in this forum several pages back about someone that had a crack in one of the springs and was considering the TRW style, that is what I am leaning toward (340#) as recommended for the 1980 (prefer the poly bushings).
Should I keep the old spring for eventual re-sale with the car or will it matter since the steel springs are available?
From everything I have read it doesn't sound too hard to do, hopefully there is enough clearance between the car and the ground to remove it (without having to drop the exhaust). This will be a winter project in the New Year.
Thanks,
Martin
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I unbolted the rear muffler clamps and the exhaust hung down enough to get the spring out/in. I had the jackstands placed at the back of the doors and I took the drivers side tire off for extra room. Took me about an hour and a half.
Brian - NCM Lifetime Member
73 coupe L48, Flat-top pistons, Performer RPM Heads, Crane Cam and roller rockers, Holley 650 vac sec. Performer intake,
3.55 gear BTO 200-4R trans,
Leather seats, Seatbelt Plus 3point seatbelts, Pioneer CD player
Magnaflow Exhuast System
Dewitt radiator and dual electric fans
Borgeson Steering box
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M
Former Member
Send PMKingston, Canada
Joined: 10/17/2007
Posts: 39
Vette(s): 1980 Silver, L48
Totally re-built at 52,000 KM
Now 355 CI
Edelbrock Performer package
Dual exhaust
Great,
Thanks, I will get it done over the winter. My son will probably be of some help. It gets tougher all the time to get under a car.
Martin
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