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| CorvetteBob | Fron spring question | ||
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Elite Guru
 
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On another forum, I'm working a deal for a set of springs to replace the saggers on my 86. The seller sez the front spring has had the rubber piece on the top cut, possibly in an effort to lower the car.
So here' s my question, how much does this effect the ride height? I'm getting these springs for $100 plus shipping, so I'm hoping these from a 92 will bolt right on my '86. What do you guys think? As always, thanks in advance for any help you can offer. |
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Posted on: 2014/3/15 20:49
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| Matatk | Re: Fron spring question | ||
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Forget it. 92 spring will not work.
84-87, 88-96. |
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Posted on: 2014/3/15 21:46
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2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP |
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| CorvetteBob | Re: Fron spring question | ||
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Elite Guru
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Thanks Matt. I appreciate the info.
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Posted on: 2014/3/16 15:08
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| vetteoz | Re: Fron spring question | ||
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Senior Guru
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Quote:
For future reference http://webpages.charter.net/khasting/ ... ng/techinfo/lowering.html |
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Posted on: 2014/3/17 21:53
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| CorvetteBob | Re: Fron spring question | ||
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Elite Guru
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That's an interesting article, Oz. I'll prolly read it again soon.
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Posted on: 2014/3/21 2:17
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| Vette91 | Re: Fron spring question | ||
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Guru
 
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What is the difference? Only spring rate or length, too? |
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Posted on: 2014/3/22 22:08
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| Matatk | Re: Fron spring question | ||
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Quote:
In this case it is the length (front). The rear spring is interchangeable for all years. The spring rates vary over the years, there are three letters on the spring that you can cross reference to check the stiffness. You can use any spring rate (assuming it fits) for desired stiffness. |
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Posted on: 2014/3/23 11:52
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2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP |
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| CorvetteBob | Re: Fron spring question | ||
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Elite Guru
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If I'm gonna end up replacing both of them, what are the differences of the three? My goal is obviously to have a good handling car, but I'm gonna use it on the street more than anything. I was figuring on a set of Z51's w/ matching sway bars. But how are things affected if I use standard springs w/ z51 bars or something heavier?
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Posted on: 2014/3/23 15:06
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| Vette91 | Re: Fron spring question | ||
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Guru
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Hi, so this is because the lower A-arms are going to be in a different position? I compared the 85 and 91 parts and the areas where the spring is in contact with the A-arm seems to be at the exact same position ... |
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Posted on: 2014/3/23 18:12
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| Matatk | Re: Fron spring question | ||
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Bob,
There are multiple spring rates. The three letters on the spring are for identification. http://www.wedophones.com/Manuals/Che ... %2520Tuning%2520Chart.pdf I can't comment on the handling. The road race guys know a lot more about that. |
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Posted on: 2014/3/23 21:45
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2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP |
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| Matatk | Re: Fron spring question | ||
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Webmaster
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Bob,
There are multiple spring rates. The three letters on the spring are for identification. http://www.wedophones.com/Manuals/Che ... sion%20Tuning%20Chart.pdf I can't comment on the handling. The road race guys know a lot more about that. |
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Posted on: 2014/3/23 21:45
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2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP |
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| Vette91 | Re: Fron spring question | ||
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Do you know which one is shorter and how much?
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Posted on: 2014/3/24 7:45
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| BillH | Re: Fron spring question | ||
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The Stig Moderator
 
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Quote:
"Good handling" can mean different things to different drivers Bob. Don't know how long you've had the car but, were you satisfied with the handling when the suspension parts were newer? Since you will be "mostly street" , changing to the Z51 will definitely make the ride a bit harsher, road bumps will be more noticeable, etc. If that doesn't bother you, go for it. Using Z51 bars is a mixed bag, what you can get is less body roll in a higher speed corner (backroad @70mph) but you may get more front end push in a lower speed corner (like a 45 mph , 90 degree corner) when you're trying to go a tad fast because of the heavier front bar with the softer rear spring. You could end up doing the work and not be happy with the results (we do test days on the track when "trying" new things, they don't always work out). AND the forum statements like "I put a bigger front sway bar on and the car handles way better" may be a bunch of B/S. Plus, you should check the condition of all your suspension bushings, they can make quite a bit of difference. In all this, you haven't mentioned shocks, they make a HUGE difference in the handling. if you're going to spend the money on springs, also get good shocks. For your requirements, I'd stick with factory matched components, either std. or Z51 depending on the street ride you want. Also, if you get new std. springs, you can use the old sway bars (they don't wear out). If you want to play with the sway bars and do the work to switch them, maybe you can pick up used ones from someone like vette2vette.com |
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Posted on: 2014/3/24 15:14
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| Matatk | Re: Fron spring question | ||
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Webmaster
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The difference is not much. I've read it before but I can't remember the exact lengths. It is something like 1 or 1 1/2 inches total width difference. I think VetteOz was one of the people who measured the spring. |
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Posted on: 2014/3/25 2:00
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2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP |
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| Matatk | Re: Fron spring question | ||
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Very good write up on removing suspension pieces:
http://tech.corvettecentral.com/2013/11/c4-suspension-overview/ http://tech.corvettecentral.com/2014/ ... spension-bushing-service/ |
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Posted on: 2014/3/25 2:01
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2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP |
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| CorvetteBob | Re: Front spring question | ||
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Elite Guru
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Great set of answers Bill. I've only had the car since last fall. I lost my job in August and had to sell my '88 for COBRA insurance $$. I bought this '86 due to fiberglass withdrawal syndrome. The '86 is NOT a cherry. My reason for looking for springs is that the front is sagging low enough to rub the upper wheel wells on bumps.
I figure since I need to swap the spring out I'll go w/ an upgrade, if I can find some nice priced springs. I agree w/ you on keeping things matched with the right shocks, and the condition of the bushings throughout the susp's. Thanks for putting iin the time to help think this thru. And thanks to all others for helping out as well! |
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Posted on: 2014/3/25 22:03
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| BillH | Re: Front spring question | ||
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The Stig Moderator
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Bob, since you may be on a budget, a set of KYB shocks will get you thru 2-3 years and are inexpensive. They're not great on the track but they are OK on the street. |
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Posted on: 2014/3/26 0:43
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| GRIS | Re: Front spring question | ||
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Elite Guru
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Quote:
DON'T KNOW HOW APPLICABLE MY EXPERIENCE WOULD BE WITH AN '86 BUT I GOT GREAT RESULTS ON MY '96 WITH STOCK SPRINGS, Z-51 SWAYBARS, & SHOCKS. IT HAD GRAND SPORT SIZE TIRES, STOCK SUSPENSION, HANDLING WAS SECOND CLASS AT BEST. Z-51 SHOCKS WERE A BIG STEP FORWARD AND THEN THE BARS GAVE ME JUST WHAT I WANTED. SINCE YOU WILL BE FORCED TO GET A NEW FRONT SPRING, I'D SAY GET A STOCK SPRING, THEN NEW SHOCKS, AND SEE IF THAT'S SATISFACTORY. IF NOT GO TO NEW BARS AND TRY THAT OUT BEFORE GETTING STIFFER SPRINGS. |
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Posted on: 2014/3/26 1:03
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REMEMBER THE GOOD OLD DAYS WHEN NOUNS HAD GENDER AND PEOPLE HAD SEX? ---"yellow is for folks who think a bright red Corvette is too restrained." |
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| CorvetteBob | Re: Front spring question | ||
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Elite Guru
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I've considered KYB's. I''ve considered contacting that one guy that deals used parts, I think his name is Shawn, in Calif. If the price is right, I might get a set of shocks, springs, and swaybars for a Z51 if he has a decent set that aren't dead, leaking or w/ a gazillion miles. But until I save up the $$, it's still in the ass-scratchin' stage.
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Posted on: 2014/3/27 0:08
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Beauty, it’s in the eye of the beer holder |
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| GRIS | Re: Fron spring question | ||
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Elite Guru
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I'VE BOUGHT FROM SHAWN IN CA, WAS PLEASED WITH WHAT I GOT EACH TIME. |
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Posted on: 2014/3/27 0:26
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REMEMBER THE GOOD OLD DAYS WHEN NOUNS HAD GENDER AND PEOPLE HAD SEX? ---"yellow is for folks who think a bright red Corvette is too restrained." |
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| Matatk | Re: Fron spring question | ||
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Webmaster
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I have KYBs. For a budget shock they are fine. I wish I had gone with Bilsteins.
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Posted on: 2014/3/27 0:51
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2002 EBM convertible, Magnusson supercharger, cam, headers, etc. 1989 Corvette...RIP |
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| GRIS | Re: Fron spring question | ||
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Elite Guru
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I PUT THEM ON BOTH MY 'VETTS, HELL, I EVEN PUT THEM ON MY PICKUP. THEY'RE GREAT. |
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Posted on: 2014/3/27 14:31
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REMEMBER THE GOOD OLD DAYS WHEN NOUNS HAD GENDER AND PEOPLE HAD SEX? ---"yellow is for folks who think a bright red Corvette is too restrained." |
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| BillH | Re: Front spring question | ||
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The Stig Moderator
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You're wasting your time putting used shocks on. Shocks crap out at 15,000 miles. |
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Posted on: 2014/3/27 16:11
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Every man dies but not every man lives. |
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| CorvetteBob | Re: Front spring question | ||
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Elite Guru
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Thanks for the advice Bill. I'll remember it and use that info. So, now it looks like I'll be going with NEW shocks, when the $ is here. |
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Posted on: 2014/3/27 16:37
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Beauty, it’s in the eye of the beer holder |
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