I took the Vette for a ride and at about 90 MPH I hit a dip that crossed the road at a angle and the car sat down on the passenger side header. Now one tube is flat for about 3”. WTF. Did not see it coming.
I am thinking I might need to stiffen the suspension up so this type of thing can not happen.
If I put on heaver springs like the 550 # F-41 or Gymkhana Suspension springs it will lower the front end about a 1” and the same if I change the rear to the F-41 leaf spring.
I already have the F-41 front and rear sway bar installed which improved corning a whole lot. Also I think I will install the Bilstein sport shocks.
My problem is if I lower the car a 1” will I still be hitting bottom?
What would you do or suggest to do to stiffen the car so it will not bottom out?
I can slow down on that stretch of road but I sure I will ride on others that have similar problems and I will probably be going to fast when I find them.
-- Edited by zathrus on Saturday 20th of June 2009 09:49:52 PM
Jessie, I had some experience with C-3's over the years and I did with the 3 that I have owned mostly with my '69 Coupe and '72 Coupe. The '72 I put the most mileage on. All were with factory springs and never once did I bottom out with any of them and all 3 had factory side exhaust on the cars. I am guessing you are using aftermarket side pipes and maybe they sit a little lower. I know one thing I wouldn't go with springs that make your car sit even lower then stock height. I think you will definitely have a problem then if you are having problems now. You are lucky you didn't lose control at 90mph on that particular road. Now out of all my my C-3's my '69 Coupe had the stiffest suspension of all 3 cars being it was a big block 427-435 HP car. Back in the day with standard glass belted tires I have to say it was a hard rider not as easy going as my '72 and '73 both small block cars with factory stock suspension. You might want to go with BB springs all around but you may trade a good ride away in the process. At least you won't be running around with bias tires as I did back then during the very early 70's. I am sure todays radial tires mounted on that same suspension has to be more forgiving today in the same car. Might be the way for you to go.
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1967 Marlboro Maroon 4spd Coupe 1973 Dark Blue 4spd Coupe w/air, original 25,000 miles 1999 Black C-5 Hatchback Coupe 6spd LS1 1934 Ford 3 Window Coupe eng. code "ZZZ" 350-345hp Chevy Powered! 1970 Black on Black Monte Carlo(FOR SALE)Asking $18k
I will look more into the Big Block Springs. But from what I have seen so far is, not sure if this is right. The car was originally a 350 with AC which should have the same springs as the big block? Maybe there ready to be replaced? I am running the Hooker Super Comp Full Length. Maybe it just these headers.
I was thinking about installing the Hooker sidepipes but have not yet gone that way.
Myself I don't care for headers although I have a shorty set on my Street Rod. My experience with them in the past was always having to tighten them up and replacing gaskets all the time. Looking at your pictures they sure hang down pretty far compared to the factory set up it seems. Don't know how many miles you have on your springs but that may have something to do with it also. Low pipes and possibly worn out springs. You will have to be the judge.
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1967 Marlboro Maroon 4spd Coupe 1973 Dark Blue 4spd Coupe w/air, original 25,000 miles 1999 Black C-5 Hatchback Coupe 6spd LS1 1934 Ford 3 Window Coupe eng. code "ZZZ" 350-345hp Chevy Powered! 1970 Black on Black Monte Carlo(FOR SALE)Asking $18k
