71 coupe squats when put in gear

[Mark C.]

The rear of my 71 squats substantially when I put the turbo 400 trans in drive. How can I fix this? Is the rear spring worn out? Do the shocks have any impact on how the car sits or just how it rides? If I change the rear spring should I also change the front coil springs, if so, would this give the car the proper factory stance? I've seen some C3's that sit up way to high, I don't want that appearance for my car. Any information or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Mark #28455]

what is your idle speed, what engine? *NM*

[Michael W.]

Re: 71 coupe squats when put in gear

This is a normal reaction for a Corvette with an automatic transmission. The squat effect becomes exaggerated if the engine idle speed is too high, might be an easy fix for you.

[Jim T.]

Re: 71 coupe squats when put in gear

My original owner 70 350/300 turbo 400, air,PW,and PB does not squat anymore. I put a Vette Brakes 360 fiberglass rear spring on it about 20 years ago. I liked the loss of the squat so much that I installed the same on my original owner 68. On maxium acceleration I don't miss the Corvette at all. You may not want anything as firm as the 360, Vette Brakes have less firm fiberglass springs. It is an very easy change, just install one per the instructions. Did not have to remove under car exhaust to install either one. Replace the rubber cushions. Replacement bolts have the advantage of adjusting the ride height of the new spring. The spring replacement is a easy SAT morning project. Keep your original spring to go with the car if when you sell it. My 70's coupe rear spring had lost it's ability not to bottom out when loaded with luggage.

[Mark C.]

Re: what is your idle speed, what engine?

When the car is warmed up it is at 800 rpm. The engine is the original rebuilt 350.....I wonder if just replacing with a OEM rear steel spring would stop the squatting like the fiberglass one....

[Terry M.]

Re: what is your idle speed, what engine?

My guess would be that the CEC (Combined Emissions Control) system is not functioning, or not hooked up properly. If the system is by-passed (to allow full vacuum to the distributor at idle) the result will be exactly what you describe.