C-3 Composite Spring Reliability?

[Tony Roussos]

Hello. Can anyone share any reliability issues on the new composite rear mono springs from TRW or Vettebrake?

I'm ready to replace the stock spring on my 1971 350 4-speed.

Thank you

[Jack H.]

Re: C-3 Composite Spring Reliability?

Other than the spring rate isn't quite the same as factory original leaf springs typically resulting in a harsher ride with the same set of shocks, the monosprings perform well. We use them frequently on cars owners intend to compete with on the track and they take the abuse!

[Harmon C.]

Re: C-3 Composite Spring Reliability?

Tony
Many have failed because of exhaust heat they say. Try Corvette Forum for some of the failure storys. They may not be installed correct if they failed but at 70 mph and they fail is it worth the risk? With only one leaf it must be a real ride if they break.

Lyle

[Jim T.]

Re: C-3 Composite Spring Reliability?

I installed the Vette Brakes composite spring on my 68 and 70 Corvettes and no problems. Installed the 70's composite spring about 18 years ago. Installed the composite spring on the 68 about 10 years ago. Both are the 360 composite springs. If you like the way your 71 will squat down in the rear and the front end coming up on WOT acceleration you will not have this with the composite 360 spring. The 330 might give enough squat effect.

[Tony Roussos]

Re: C-3 Composite Spring Reliability?

Jim,

I really like the squat effect, but what is WOT?

I've been told to get the 340# spring.

By the way, it's been suggested to consider the prospect of what would happen if the spring failed on the highway at 75mph. What do you suppose would happen in that scenario?

Tony

[lyndon sharpton]

Re: C-3 Composite Spring Reliability?

Wide Open Throttle

[John U.]

Re: C-3 Composite Spring Reliability?

I've had a TRW spring on my '81 for 15 years now. The FE7 gymkhana rode like a buckboard. I recently went with a KYB G2 low pressure shocks and it rides very plush!
JU