Front monospring for C2

[Steve D.]

In the Vette Brakes catalog, I saw a kit to convert the front suspension for 63-82 Corvettes from coil springs to a single transverse leaf spring. I couldn't find anything about it in the archives. Is this supposed to be an upgrade to later technology? Any experience/opinions about this?

Steve

[John H.]

Re: Front monospring for C2

Steve -

That's strictly an aftermarket "race car" system; some guys like it for autocrossing. Not surprised there's nothing in the archives on it.

[Joe L.]

Re: Front monospring for C2

Steve-----

I don't believe in "wholesale re-engineering" of Corvettes for any reason except, perhaps, all-out racing use. In the case of the mod you described, I am familiar with it. I would not even consider this mod for any C2 or C3. Absolutely, positively NO WAY. Case closed. Period.

[Jim T.]

Re: Front monospring for C2

Try it you might like it. I installed a complete Vette Brakes front and rear fiberglass spring conversion about 8 years ago on my original owner 70 coupe. It does handle different, like taking off and on ramps at speeds you would not even attempt with the standard suspension. I like it enough that it will stay this way until I want to change it back since I kept all the original parts. I opted for the complete front suspension change using Vette Brakes control arms and all poly bushings. I can always be reminded of what it used to be like when I drive my 68. I also installed a fiberglass rear spring on it and like it. A friend just installed a fiberglass rear spring on his 72 coupe and remarked he wished he had done it a long time ago. I don't compete in any events with my 70 I just like to drive it.

[Duke W.]

Ditto what Joe said! *NM*

[Duke W.]

Re: Front monospring for C2

At least 80 percent of the handling equation is available tire grip. The
job of the suspension is to optimize wheel geometry to get the most
out of the tires. For a 40 year old design, the C2 suspension is still pretty good, and the way to get the most out of the car is to select the best
available tires, then do some suspension tuning with adjustabale shocks,
a suitable choice of anti-roll bar(s), and alignment.

Duke

[Jim T.]

Re: Front monospring for C2

Duke I do have adjustable shocks on my modified suspension and different anti-sway bars. My tires could be improved perhaps, using P255/60R15 Goodyear GT Radials. Problable will have to replace them in about a year. What do you suggest for replacements?

[Duke W.]

Re: Front monospring for C2

I don't know of any 255/60s that are true high performance tires. From my research they have speed ratings no better than "S" and wear ratings of
well over 300. A higher speed rating an low wear rating is a better indicator of maximum grip rather than profile or width. Right now the best 15" tires that I am aware of are the
V-rated 225/70R-15 police pursuit tires - Firestone Firehawk PV 41, Goodyear Eagle RSA, and General XP2000V4. If your fenders are stock, the W-rated 215/70R-15 Pirelli P4000 Super Touring is a good bet and it will work on 5.5" wheels, though six-inchers - KOs, bolt-ons, or Rallys - would be better.

These are all in the "all-season high performance" or "all-season touring" segments. I don't know of any summer high performance or DOT legal racing tires other than a very few remaining summer high performance 225/60s like the Yokohama AVS Intermediate, which are out of production and going fast.

To get state-of-the-art grip nowsdays you have to go with 16" wheels, but the police pursuit tires and a little suspension tuning should make our old crocks pull enough lateral "g" to give us old crocks a good thrill.

Duke

[Tom H.]

Re: Front monospring for C2

Try pirelli scorpion zeros- they come in 255/60/15 and are v rated BUT!! The're really light truck tires! However- SOME of the rice burners are using them. I guess it's sort of like guys hitting Lady Precept golf balls because they go farther?

[Roger Legge]

Re: Front monospring for C2

Not sure exactly how serious a tire is desired, but Hoosier makes some very sticky 15 inch DOT tires in both bias and radial designs. I only did a quick check, but it doesn't look like they have a 255/15, but they do show a 245/15.

Roger