C2 front springs

[Steve D.]

For standard coil springs, the catalogs (Long Island, etc) differentiate between 63 and 64-67, with the 63 costing about 50% more. What causes the difference?

[Duke W.]

Re: C2 front springs

1963 springs are unique in that they are constant rate (260 lb/in front, 162 lb/in rear). The front coils can be identified by their constant coil spacing and the rear leaf by its constant leaf arch.

Beginning in '64 Chevrolet equipped base suspension Corvettes with variable rate springs. Front variable rate coils are identified by unequal coil spacing and the rear leaf spring by variable arch on some of the leaves.

The HD spring used on Z06 and F-41 are constant rate, so the front coils are equally spaced and the seven leaf rear is constant arch, but the rates are about double the base '63 springs - 550/305 lbs/in.

Duke

[Steve D.]

Re: C2 front springs

Duke

Thanks. Is there any reason not to use the variable rate springs in a 63, other than judging considerations?

Steve

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 front springs

Steve-----

Except for the judging considerations that you mentioned, there is no functional reason that the 64-67 small block springs could not be used for a 1963. Also, keep in mind that GM did not switch to the variable rate springs because the constant rate worked, overall, just as good or better.

[Duke W.]

Re: C2 front springs

No. The variable rate springs along with rubber isolators for the body mounts were part of the NVH improvement that Chevrolet made for '64, and I don't think you will find any difference between the variable and fixed rate springs in normal driving, but unless your OEM '63 springs are seriously corroded or damaged I don't think you need to replace them.

Duke

[Steve D.]

Re: C2 front springs

Can the rubber isolators be used on the 63?

Steve

[Duke W.]

Re: C2 front springs

I'm not aware that any Midyears use spring isolators, but if you want to do a R&D project...

Duke

[Steve D.]

Re: C2 front springs

Duke

I was referring to the body mount isolators that you mentioned.

Steve

[Duke W.]

Re: C2 front springs

The frame body mounting brackets were changed in '64 to accomodate the rubber bushings. Stick with the standard solid mounting on '63. The '63s, especially coupes, have greater chassis rigidity than later models with rubber body mounts, and though the rigid mounting makes '63s a bit more harsh, it improves their handling potential and responsiveness to chassis tuning.

Duke