Updating Suspension

I am looking to make some suspension and steering improvements to my 68 convertible.  I have seen products that exchange the front coils for fiberglass leaves, convert the steering to a rack and pinion, and any number of bushing and sway bar changes.  My question is what works.  I really want to drive my car every day, but I will still thrash it every chance I get.  My first vette was a 94 coupe, coilovers were the rage with it.  Bottom line is this stuff is expensive, I don't want to have to buy something twice.

Hey.  I upgraded my suspension with the VBP Street and Slalom kit this past summer.  I also replaced the rubber bushings with polyurethane bushings.  To me, it was a huge improvement.  I don't kill it when I'm driving, but its handling is a lot better.  I hear going to 17" wheels also makes a huge difference in handling and response, so that is also on my to-do list.  The switch to the rear composite spring was really nice... especially considering the weight savings it made.  I stuck with the front coils, but switched them to 550#.  Haven't gone after steering yet, but that is also on the list.

Hey, VTHokie77Vette
just checked out your web site.  You have been busy.  I really like the 383, but ia am going to work the suspension before the engine.  The street and slalom kit looks pretty good, I am just thinking that I could get the max performance package and replace my a-arms and everything with just the one kit.  I am deployed to the middle-east right know, spending my free time trying to figure out which project to do first.

I've been thinking about doing things a lot like George's 75 to my 75. I have looked at the composite spring for the front (replacing the coils) but as stated earlier, it is pretty expensive.

Has anyone else ever replaced the front coils with a composite?

Glenn

what composit spring for the front? haven't heard of that one. anyone got any info?
glenn

[QUOTE=Flemgunner]what composit spring for the front? haven't heard of that one. anyone got any info?
glenn
[/QUOTE]

vettebrakes sells a conversion kit to run a composite transverse monospring on the front..

basically a c5 front suspension in a c3..  i think it runs around 750$

VB&P sells a performane plus package (the same basic package is sold by Mid America and by Ecklers, 1 w/rear sway, 1 w/o).  It has composite front and rear springs like the C-4.  It is about $2000.00, but comes with everything.  What I would like to know is wheather or not the handling and ride are worth the money.  Anybody have one of these set-ups?

StreetShark, I carry all of VBP suspension and I've tried it all on my 80. I do like the Perf. Plus kit but I hated the front monospring. In my 80', I felt like I was riding in a basketball. My front end was very bouncy and I even had them make me a stiffer front sring and it didn't help. I took it off and went with front semi-coilovers and man what a difference it made. Car sticks and handles great. I'm currently working on making rear coilover conversion for the 63-79 vettes. It will eliminate the rear spring and give you a much better ride. Here is what I got for the front now plus a couple other links to show you kits that I have as well. The tubular lower a-arms are not strong enough for the coilovers so using your stock lower a-arms will work just fine. All you have to do is drill the shock nut holes out. Here you go.

Front Semi Coilovers

http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=ProductList& ; ;SubGroup=1913

Advanced Street & Slalom

http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=ProductList& ; ;SubGroup=1915

Super Performance Plus Kit

http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=ProductList& ; ;SubGroup=1916

All forum members get free shipping if they live in the 48 states. Let me know if you have any questions.

Dan

 

 

 

Van Steel38421.7601273148

One thing not mentioned above and did improve the way my convertible feels was the Vette Brakes Spreader bar. It is placed between the upper a-arms and stiffens the front end up some. You could make your own but for around $95 you can buy thiers and bolt it in. I am happy with mine.