NSW Corvettes

Technical Tips => Brakes, Suspensions, Steering, Wheels & Tyres => Topic started by: 69CVET on January 06, 2015, 09:09:41 AM

Title: Fibreglass Leaf Springs vs Standard Steel Springs for C3
Post by: 69CVET on January 06, 2015, 09:09:41 AM

Hi Guys

Next Project is a New Leaf Spring , being doing some reading and want to get some feedback on Fibreglass vs Steel
Obviously steel is much cheaper ( and of course standard in the earlier models before 1980 ? ) But who has fibreglass and what's your thoughts and experiences with the upgrade in the C3  ? - pic attached is some prices I seen with Corvette Central ( maybe cheaper local ? )
Cheers Chris

Title: Re: Fibreglass Leaf Springs vs Standard Steel Springs for C3
Post by: bfit on January 06, 2015, 09:36:26 AM

I have run a 330 fiberglass spring  and found it to light and changed to a 360 .
If you decide to go fiberglass  concider getting the shorter spring you can get 1/2" or 1" a side shorter

The 1/2" a side will be better with standard wheels and modern tyres you will benefit  from the  extra clearance

You will need good shocks
Only use Bilstein  sports, the others brands are crap on a C3 .

I buy all this sort of equipment from Vansteel if you want a contact there for a good price PM me
Bfit

Title: Re: Fibreglass Leaf Springs vs Standard Steel Springs for C3
Post by: MY081 on January 06, 2015, 02:01:28 PM

I agree with Bfit i have the fiberglass spring and have no issues . There worth the money just for the weight saveing (the steel springs weigh a ton )

Title: Re: Fibreglass Leaf Springs vs Standard Steel Springs for C3
Post by: MY081 on January 06, 2015, 02:05:41 PM

O there is one thing , you will need longer drop bolts much longer .

Title: Re: Fibreglass Leaf Springs vs Standard Steel Springs for C3
Post by: Scott on January 06, 2015, 04:11:00 PM

I bought my glass spring from VBandP.  As previously stated, get one that's shorter to help with big wheel clearance.  Bolt length may need to be addressed once the new spring is in.

Shipping would be a killer though, so add some shocks, suspension bushes and anything else you need in to the order as well.

Title: Re: Fibreglass Leaf Springs vs Standard Steel Springs for C3
Post by: 69CVET on January 06, 2015, 05:28:58 PM

Thanks guys for feedback. Noted.
Is the fibre spring a straight bolt up?
Any mods apart from the bolt size as you mentioned????

Title: Re: Fibreglass Leaf Springs vs Standard Steel Springs for C3
Post by: rosco on January 06, 2015, 05:39:30 PM

Went thru this a couple of yr ago.
Put a lot of research into it as mine came with the F41 suspension with the 7 leaf.
I do like the feel of the fiberglass springs and they do a very good job but do have the problem of sitting the arse end up way high and you have to get the 8 to 10 in bolts to get it down again.
As Bob has stated get the Bilsteins sports not the HD as the HD are just a little softer.
I ended up going with the original after talking and spending time with Dontov racing in Dallas.
They know there stuff and there is nothing in there shop other than racing C2 and C3,s.
Light reading for you.
http://www.duntovmotors.com/tech-rear-leaf-springs.php (http://www.duntovmotors.com/tech-rear-leaf-springs.php)

Ross

Title: Re: Fibreglass Leaf Springs vs Standard Steel Springs for C3
Post by: 69CVET on January 07, 2015, 06:16:18 AM

Interesting read Ross ... thanks for the post

Title: Re: Fibreglass Leaf Springs vs Standard Steel Springs for C3
Post by: Lefty on January 07, 2015, 04:27:10 PM

Yes interesting reading.
Can anyone advise if from experience it is possible to re temper or recondition existing leafs, or purchase new ones ( assumption this can only be done to steel springs?
I have a 79 and a planned upgrade is shock and spring in the near to mid future?

Cheers
Lefty

Title: Re: Fibreglass Leaf Springs vs Standard Steel Springs for C3
Post by: MY081 on January 07, 2015, 05:04:31 PM

All Springs at Millperra did mine years ago not shore if they still do them (phone 026016155 )

Title: Re: Fibreglass Leaf Springs vs Standard Steel Springs for C3
Post by: Lefty on January 07, 2015, 05:56:45 PM

Mal
Was that cost effective vs buying new ones and did the strip refurbish and refit, or did you need to deliver just the springs?

Cheers lefty

Title: Re: Fibreglass Leaf Springs vs Standard Steel Springs for C3
Post by: MY081 on January 07, 2015, 06:43:21 PM

Hi its Ray yep they did everything , cant remember how much it cost but it was a lot cheaper than a new one !!

Title: Re: Fibreglass Leaf Springs vs Standard Steel Springs for C3
Post by: sirfixalot on January 07, 2015, 08:01:40 PM

Hi Ray
Must have been a long time ago phone No would now have a 9 in front of it now & have 8 digits

Title: Re: Fibreglass Leaf Springs vs Standard Steel Springs for C3
Post by: MY081 on January 07, 2015, 09:21:00 PM

Oooops it still does number is 96016155 just checking to see if you guys are paying attention .