NSW Corvettes

Technical Tips => Brakes, Suspensions, Steering, Wheels & Tyres => Topic started by: anychevy on April 07, 2014, 04:53:56 PM

Title: C2-C3 Front coil springs
Post by: anychevy on April 07, 2014, 04:53:56 PM
Has anyone had any success with Holden (HQ-WB) springs in a (small block) C2 or C3 ?






Title: Re: C2-C3 Front coil springs
Post by: bfit on April 07, 2014, 06:32:13 PM
Mate
I have a set of standard springs out of a 70 model
If you wnt something to use to compare to Holden springs
Bfit
Title: Re: C2-C3 Front coil springs
Post by: anychevy on April 07, 2014, 07:20:18 PM
Mate
I have a set of standard springs out of a 70 model
If you wnt something to use to compare to Holden springs
Bfit
That would be great, thanks
Can you PM me your number please
Cheers
Title: Re: C2-C3 Front coil springs
Post by: craigh on April 07, 2014, 08:09:33 PM
i have some 1971 sb stock springs and a set of pedders red lowered out of an hj that i can take some photos of tomorrow
Title: Re: C2-C3 Front coil springs
Post by: anychevy on April 08, 2014, 07:29:23 AM
i have some 1971 sb stock springs and a set of pedders red lowered out of an hj that i can take some photos of tomorrow
Thanks Craig
What springs did you fit in your vette ?
Title: Re: C2-C3 Front coil springs
Post by: 77CVT on April 08, 2014, 07:56:02 AM
I used standard lowered HQ springs in my 77.  Fulcrum measured my old ones and said they are the same.

I'd use them again.

 :cheers:
Title: Re: C2-C3 Front coil springs
Post by: craigh on April 08, 2014, 11:54:46 AM
Hi Dave

Here is the stock 71 small block spring next to a Pedders HD lowered HQ-HJ (non RTS) spring.

(http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff63/fiveofharts/1971%20Corvette%20VI/spring.jpg)

Exact same diameter etc.

In my 71 I used semi coil overs as I wanted to set height exactly and have more control.

(http://[url=http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff63/fiveofharts/1971%20Corvette%20IV/FrontSuspension3.jpg])

Build Thread (http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-general/3220351-1971-journey-1.html)

Craig


Title: Re: C2-C3 Front coil springs
Post by: anychevy on April 08, 2014, 12:46:08 PM
I used standard lowered HQ springs in my 77.  Fulcrum measured my old ones and said they are the same.
Do you remember what brand and how low ?
Title: Re: C2-C3 Front coil springs
Post by: anychevy on April 08, 2014, 12:48:39 PM
Here is the stock 71 small block spring next to a Pedders HD lowered HQ-HJ (non RTS) spring.
Exact same diameter etc.
Thanks Craig
So they'll fit, but what about ride and ride height ?

What else have you guys tried ?
Title: Re: C2-C3 Front coil springs
Post by: craigh on April 08, 2014, 12:52:36 PM
Complete ride height control

(http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff63/fiveofharts/1971%20Corvette%20IV/FrontSuspension3.jpg)

(http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff63/fiveofharts/1971%20Corvette%20IV/FrontSuspension2.jpg)
Title: Re: C2-C3 Front coil springs
Post by: craigh on April 08, 2014, 12:54:16 PM
The semi coilovers from Speed Direct let you choose from a number of coil stengths as well as the QA1 dampers having adjustable rebound and compression control.

Make it whatever height and as soft of hard as you like.
Title: Re: C2-C3 Front coil springs
Post by: anychevy on April 08, 2014, 01:38:56 PM
The semi coilovers from Speed Direct let you choose from a number of coil stengths as well as the QA1 dampers having adjustable rebound and compression control.
Make it whatever height and as soft of hard as you like.
I'm trying to keep a stock appearance, but that's a real nice setup. :thumb:
Title: Re: C2-C3 Front coil springs
Post by: Jethro on April 08, 2014, 08:49:49 PM
So lads has anyone actually said what the ride height at the front should / is ? 
I think we should have a benchmark

My front has sagged over the last 6  months (since refitted motor) and I'm thinking of getting a new set of front springs. the point being what is in it now and what standard ride height be against say Pedders HD lowered HQ-HJ (non RTS) spring. ?
Title: Re: C2-C3 Front coil springs
Post by: anychevy on April 08, 2014, 09:58:24 PM
To add to the confusion, Pedders list this as a spring for 63-82
http://www.pedders.com.au/search/node/7152 (http://www.pedders.com.au/search/node/7152)  :huh:

A different spring again
Title: Re: C2-C3 Front coil springs
Post by: bfit on April 09, 2014, 07:32:47 AM
by the looks of the info on the Pedders site its a multy fit spring
Bfit
Title: Re: C2-C3 Front coil springs
Post by: 77CVT on April 09, 2014, 08:18:35 AM
Do you remember what brand and how low ?

Can't remember what brand.  You can give Fulcrum a call - http://www.fulcrumsuspensions.com.au/ (http://www.fulcrumsuspensions.com.au/)

The wheel arch was same height as the tyre.  They did make the front end pretty stiff!
Title: Re: C2-C3 Front coil springs
Post by: anychevy on April 10, 2014, 07:43:36 AM
The wheel arch was same height as the tyre.  They did make the front end pretty stiff!
Thanks for that
I picked up a used pair from Bfit (thanks again Bob) I'll clean them up and try them first.
I can always cut a little off if too high.
Cheers

Title: Re: C2-C3 Front coil springs
Post by: 77CVT on April 10, 2014, 08:15:38 AM
I cut only 1/2 a coil off my 71 stock spring and they are too low!  :tears:

Mind you.....you can't expect much from 40yr old springs.
Title: Re: C2-C3 Front coil springs
Post by: anychevy on April 10, 2014, 05:12:07 PM
I cut only 1/2 a coil off my 71 stock spring and they are too low!  :tears:
:eek: I think we've all been there, if we're honest

This is a good article on how (and how much) to cut a coil spring

http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/techarticles/89858_chevrolet_lowering/ (http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/techarticles/89858_chevrolet_lowering/)
Title: Re: C2-C3 Front coil springs
Post by: Jethro on April 13, 2014, 05:01:05 PM
Lads I have 335 - 340 mm from centre line of wheel to top of guard can someone tell me what a standard set of stock height springs would be ? Cause I reckon my front springs have sagged as I'm scrubbing out on things I never used to... No I haven't put on fooken Weight  :grin:

(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii43/jetrhottracey/16032014062.jpg) (http://s261.photobucket.com/user/jetrhottracey/media/16032014062.jpg.html)

(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii43/jetrhottracey/FrontHeight.jpg) (http://s261.photobucket.com/user/jetrhottracey/media/FrontHeight.jpg.html)
Title: Re: C2-C3 Front coil springs
Post by: 80 Vet on April 13, 2014, 05:11:58 PM
The measurement on my 80 corvette front and rear from centre of wheel to top of guard is 385mm.
Title: Re: C2-C3 Front coil springs
Post by: Jethro on April 13, 2014, 05:17:41 PM
 Chris, Me Vette  just looks and feels as though the front end has dropped bout 12 mm  :banghead:
Title: Re: C2-C3 Front coil springs
Post by: anychevy on April 13, 2014, 08:43:55 PM
Chris, Me Vette  just looks and feels as though the front end has dropped bout 12 mm
The 72 in my signature was a bone stock base 350, with less than 80k miles on it.
Your car looks pretty low compared to that.

Title: Re: C2-C3 Front coil springs
Post by: MY081 on April 13, 2014, 08:50:19 PM
Hey Jethro that tape reads 340, my 81 measures 365 its a bit low !!!
Title: Re: C2-C3 Front coil springs
Post by: Jethro on April 14, 2014, 07:44:24 AM
Now that's sounds bout what I was expecting  :thumb: Might get me self a new set of front springs from  VBP

http://www.vbandp.com/auto-parts/c2-c3-corvettes.html?page=shop.browse&category_id=50 (http://www.vbandp.com/auto-parts/c2-c3-corvettes.html?page=shop.browse&category_id=50)
Title: Re: C2-C3 Front coil springs
Post by: 77CVT on April 14, 2014, 08:17:34 AM
The 72 in my signature was a bone stock base 350, with less than 80k miles on it.
Your car looks pretty low compared to that.
:agree:
I think you'll find it's been lowered.  That is the same height as the lowered HQ springs I had in my 77. Standard height, the guard is usually about 1 1/2 inches above the tyre.
Title: Re: C2-C3 Front coil springs
Post by: rosco on April 14, 2014, 09:26:52 AM
Jethro
I have the 550 lbs on the front of mine from VBP they have a final setting of 375mm to the top edge.
Motor front weight will make a difference as well as your tyre size.
Mine is a 350 with alloy heads no air, tyre size is a 255x60x15 IE 27 inch.
I think they are a little high going to take them down to 360, they have been in the car 12 months now and have settled with about a 1000 miles on them.
Hope this helps out.

Ross 
Title: Re: C2-C3 Front coil springs
Post by: Jethro on April 14, 2014, 12:04:03 PM
Jethro
I have the 550 lbs on the front of mine from VBP they have a final setting of 375mm to the top edge.
Motor front weight will make a difference as well as your tyre size.
Mine is a 350 with alloy heads no air, tyre size is a 255x60x15 IE 27 inch.
I think they are a little high going to take them down to 360, they have been in the car 12 months now and have settled with about a 1000 miles on them.
Hope this helps out.

Ross 


Ross,

Same same buddy Alloy heads and such  :thumb: The 550 lbs on the front of mine from VBP they have a final setting of 375mm to the top edge !
375 ?? is that from the centre of your wheel to tip of guard as I pitured bro ? As when I lok at the VBP site they say "Those Want even greater handling capacity? These springs will upgrade your Corvette to F-41 or Gymkhana specifications and lower the vehicle approximately 1".


Jethro
Title: Re: C2-C3 Front coil springs
Post by: rosco on April 14, 2014, 12:28:53 PM
Jethro
yep center of wheel to top lip just as you have shown in your photo. It originally had F41 on it but were sagged down so just went with the new set up, the original F41 springs are 430lb or very close to that, the 550 lb are big block springs they sit just about right but I would like them down a touch 1/4 to a 1/3 cut on the spring will do it nicely.
They are firm but I have balanced the suspension now and its really close to 50/50, just a tad over steer if you really get on it coming out of a corner but really good going in.
Bilsteins sports all round 7/8 front bar, 7 leaf rear and a 9/16 rear bar original bar not a after market bar..
Need to get the cross-member stiffeners as there is still some flex in the rear end.
Really stiff not pleasant on the way back from Megalong Valley last week down the Bell Line. But its meant to be got into and thats when its really fun.


Ross
 
 
Title: Re: C2-C3 Front coil springs
Post by: Jethro on April 14, 2014, 04:59:06 PM
Thanks Ross,

I fitted the Vbp 11/4 front bar, Front Spreader Bar Kit & Rear Smart Strut Poly ended Kit from and running a composite rear spring for Vansteel love the feel of me Vette on the road just not happy with where the front end has dropped to over the last 4 months or so, since I've refitted me engine (and it's lighter than before)  front needs  to come about an 1" so I'll bite the bullet and go 550lbs Vbp front springs

Jethro
Title: Re: C2-C3 Front coil springs
Post by: anychevy on April 16, 2014, 04:38:31 PM
front needs  to come about an 1" so I'll bite the bullet and go 550lbs Vbp front springs
I don't think I'll be using the BB springs that Bob gave me, so your welcome to them, cleaned and painted.
Let me know
Title: Re: C2-C3 Front coil springs
Post by: Jethro on April 16, 2014, 05:12:17 PM
Thanks Dave, I've ordered as set of 550lbs Spring from Vbp :thumb: