74 Rear suspension

[Cookie]

I just purchased my first Vette (74/454) and I'm overwhelmed on the things I have to learn.
I want to keep the car has correct as possible. My questions are:
What is the correct rear spring to use ? Is it a 7 or 9 leaf ? What is a "gymkhana" ?
What shocks should I use ?
I don't plan to do any racing any time soon. I just want to fix it up as best I can, and enjoy the hell out of it and meet a new bunch of friends.
Thanks,
Cookie

[William Clupper (618)]

Re: 74 Rear suspension

Gymkahna is a term for a type of autocross typically on a tight track with many turns required in a short distance. The "gymkahna" suspension was option FE-7 which included stiffer front and rear springs (7-leaf rear) and a larger diameter front roll bar. It was a $7.00 option as I racall on the '74 I bought new.

[Charlie Petty (40374)]

Re: 74 Rear suspension

I think that if you want to fix it right and keep it correct, first thing you you need to do is buy about $150-$200 worth of books that are year or year-group specific. There are many references in the form of various NCRS publications, restoration guidelines, shop manuals, etc.

Actually, I think anyone who does not have a lot of experience needs to invest about $100 in good reference books before looking at a Corvette. That's what I did anyway.

[Gary Beaupre (28818)]

74 Rear suspension

Cookie,

Your '74 could have come with either the standard 9 leaf spring or the heavy duty 7 leaf spring. A little over 5% of 1974 Corvettes were ordered with the heavy duty rear spring, either as part of the FE-7 or the Z-07 option packages.

Gary

[Cookie Rankin]

Re: 74 Rear suspension

Thanks for your help guys. My car does have the FE-7 susp. I'll proceed slowly and read up on the restoration.