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Spring chicken?

Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling

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Spring chicken?

Posted: 4/8/04 8:31amMessage 1 of 6
j
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Miramar, FL - USA
Joined: 3/16/2004
Posts: 672
Vette(s): 1972 coupe/350 cid/mild cam/4 spd/20 ft. paint (looks perfect from 20 ft.), but it sure runs nice.
Hey Guys,
Well, it's about that time again for another spring-related question from me. I'm the third owner of my '72 with little clue as to what previous owners did as far as coils springs are concerned. Is there a way of determining coil springs rates while they are in the car. Visually, I know of no way. All I know is they don't compress a whole lot when I (gingerly) sit on the fender. The steering is extremely sensitive (oversteer?) to the point it's uncomfortable at higher speeds. Is this a trait associated with higher spring rates and not enough weight up front? Any help here would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, guys!

JR - Miramar,FL |saluteflag|
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Spring chicken?

Posted: 4/8/04 2:45pmMessage 2 of 6
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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA
Joined: 12/2/2003
Posts: 6424
Vette(s): 1975 C3 Red, T-Tops, Black Interior. All I need is time and money! Getting there!
Unless you can find a tag on the spring you must use the guess method. You might be able to compare to another car with a known spring rate and guess better.

Stiff spring won't make the steering twitchy. It will make better cornering. There is a difference. You may want to check the adjustment on the power steering valve.

Ken Styer
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Spring chicken?

Posted: 4/8/04 3:09pmMessage 3 of 6
d
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KERNERSVILLE, NC - USA
Joined: 1/13/2004
Posts: 1355
Vette(s): 1968 L-71 convertible
Check the steering arm too, there are 2 holes in it, I can't remember which is which, swapping holes for a quicker response is sometimes done, I'm thinking if the arm is in the closest hole to the gear box, then it's been moved. It's worth checking.
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Spring chicken?

Posted: 4/8/04 3:31pmMessage 4 of 6
j
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Miramar, FL - USA
Joined: 3/16/2004
Posts: 672
Vette(s): 1972 coupe/350 cid/mild cam/4 spd/20 ft. paint (looks perfect from 20 ft.), but it sure runs nice.
Hey Dave, the steering arm is in the forward hole,which makes it the furthest away. From everything I've read, it seems to be in the correct location for power steering cars. I'll have to read up on PS systems in order to follow up on Ken's advice. In the meantime, will an old NASCAR remedy, "making an air pressure adjustment" hold me over? Trouble is I don't know whether to up or down....With 255/60-15 BF Goodrich's, I'm running 29psi. Thanks to you both!

JR - Miramar,FL |headscratch|
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Spring chicken?

Posted: 4/8/04 7:10pmMessage 5 of 6
d
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KERNERSVILLE, NC - USA
Joined: 1/13/2004
Posts: 1355
Vette(s): 1968 L-71 convertible
If you're comfortable with the pin location, then I'd suggest you follow up on Ken's advice. He's proven himself many times to be pretty sharp on these cars.
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Spring chicken?

Posted: 4/9/04 5:58amMessage 6 of 6
j
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Miramar, FL - USA
Joined: 3/16/2004
Posts: 672
Vette(s): 1972 coupe/350 cid/mild cam/4 spd/20 ft. paint (looks perfect from 20 ft.), but it sure runs nice.
Will do..thanks.
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