Springs & shocks will most deff. firm it up my black 85 has the adjustable transverse springs with Bilstein shocks  they are great Im working on my red vette installing Vansteel coilovers and some adjustable suspension componets & I think the coil over set up is the way to go & the coil over set up is not that much more money you get what you pay for a 30 dollar monroe from auto zone is just that   A cheap shock 

Yes sir...as posted above...springs and shocks and then a good alignment....make it ride on rails.

Thanks guys -- I do have new Bilsteins on her now -- Can I fit coils on the existing shocks and would that make the ride harsh? I don't mind firm but don't want bone-jarring harshness.

C.

|UPDATED|4/25/2014 2:33:45 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Check this chart out. http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/tech/c4/susp_chart.html

There were a myriad of different suspension component combinations used on C4 depending on "purpose" and intent of the particular model or option package(s) included. (Note that there was a design change in front spring mount centers that greatly influenced the effective spring rate. The differences in ride quality pre-post 88, are not as severe as the change in front spring rates insinuate).

How many people know that there were 4 different diameter front, and 4 different diameter rear sway bars utilized over the years? I didn't. The nuances in getting the "feel" you're after are many, and subtle. Every driver will have a different preference.  The factory combinations were felt to be the best compromises at the time for the intended purpose. Using the chart at least gives an idea of what the differences were, and in which direction.


You can't just slap on coil over shocks to replace the transverse springs. The shock mounts are not robust enough to support the car. Available Coil Over Kits must include substantial frame and a-arm reinforcement modifications in order to have a reliable, safe, coil over suspension.

Coil over conversions are not a causal afternoon DIY bolt-in modification. It's structural. You need to know what you're doing.












|UPDATED|4/26/2014 12:11:01 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Thanks Dave -- I will have a look at the chart to see what may be best for me.

I'm also wondering if springs can be fitted to existing shocks to yield coilovers or must the whole coilover be purchased?

Cheers

C.

I have no idea how feasible adding coil springs to existing shocks is. Depends on what hardware is available.

Keep in mind that adding coil springs to the shocks effectively increases spring rate. It will also decrease the damping action of the existing shock.

A highly-customizable, popular shock option is the QA1. You can adjust spring tension, and get single and double adjustable damping. Not inexpensive, but a viable method to achieve additional, adjustable  spring rate for tuning oversteer / understeer, and adjustable dampning for driver prefrence and "feel".

 http://www.qa1.net/qa1_motorsports/drag-and-street/shocks-and-struts.html

Thanks guys -- you've been most helpful....Dave that suspension chart is very explicit ..

Great to compare year to year and different models within the same year.

Bookmarked for reference. thanks

C.

"Adjusting" spring tension is done by exchanging the springs for a different rate spring.   The large nut at the bottom of a coil-over shock is frequently believed to change the spring rate, but this is incorrect.   This large nut will change the ride height of the car, but the loaded length of the spring will remain the same after adjusting this nut.