Corvette Rear Suspenion

[Bakaruda]

I have a 70 Corvette. The rear suspenion is in need of a complete rebuild. I would like to hear what ideal are out there. The car has been in my family since 1980. It was my fathers everyday car, he put over 2ooK on it. In Feb. of this year and I need to bring the car back to a daily driver...

http://sharkbitesuspension.com/

[Kid Vette]

Here's a link to an article about Danny Popp's (2013 Holley LS Fest Grand Champion and 2013 Goodguys Autocrosser of the Year) '72 showing the rear suspension. Nothing too fancy going on here.

1972 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray - Hairyloom
(http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/featuredvehicles/1304_chpp_1972_chevrolet_corvette_stingray/)

[srh3trinity]

I was surprised to see how simple Brian Hobaugh's C2 Corvette setup was too. It looks like you could save some money and upgrade other things after making a few choice suspension upgrades. I would add, that both Hobaugh and Danny Popp pretty much grew up racing these two cars after reading the article on Danny Popp. Here is a video about Brian: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh_8zMVlNVM
They are accomplished and I would imagine that when you know a car that well with hours and hours of seat time, it probably wouldn't matter what suspension setup you bought. Still very cool that these are family Vettes and that they are consistently in the top five fastest guys at any event they show up at and often are giving up some power to the other competitors.

[Bakaruda]

Thanks that is a Killer read. I like that his like mine has been in the family so long..

[Bakaruda]

My car has a 502 built from the numbers matching 454 (LS5). It has Vette brakes lower tubular links already.

[65_LS1_T56]

I would call VanSteel www.vansteel.com. Danny uses there stuff.
I spoke with Paul there today, he was very helpful and took plenty of time to answer my questions...without giving out anyone's secret setups of course:headscratch:

[uxojerry]

Duntov out of Texas can refurbish your irs assembly with several upgrades available. The Shark Bite suspension system from Speed Direct is a quality product. The Shark Bite system has C6 Z06 brakes as an optional part of the package.

[Kid Vette]

Run, don't walk away from Duntov Corvette! I've heard nothing but bad about them.

And I don't think the money for the Shark Bite suspension would be well spent. Obviously Danny Popp is doing just fine without it.

You said this will be a daily driver. That being the case, I would keep it simple. I would start with rebuilding the trailing arms. If you want to upgrade a bit I would go with Global Wests TAs (http://www.globalwest.net/63-96-corvette-rear-suspension-components.html)

You already have the VB&P strut rods with the spherical rod ends. I would add VB&P's Smart Strut BracketT (http://www.vbandp.com/auto-parts/c2-c3-corvettes.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage-ask.tpl&product_id=649&category_id=48) if you don't already have it and also their Rear Dual-Mount Spring Kit (http://www.vbandp.com/auto-parts/c2-c3-corvettes.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage-ask.tpl&product_id=552&category_id=48). And top it off with Bilstein Sport shocks (http://www.vbandp.com/component/virtuemart/?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage-ask.tpl&category_id=46&product_id=839&Itemid=1).

And with the 502 engine you may want to beef up the differential, halfshafts and spindles. Depends how hard you are planning to drive it.

[Bakaruda]

I appreciate the info. The car was a daily driver for my Dad. I probably won’t put 1000 miles a year on it. I do how ever want it to be able to take on the Power Tour, or out for a spirited trip around town.

[GregWeld]

Best thing I ever did to all the Corvettes I've owned -- a mono leaf fiberglass spring - and Bilstein shocks… and replace all the rubber in the suspension…

These suspensions work great and there's little need to go to big expense to make them 'better'. They work real well right out of the factory -- they just need to be maintained well.

[Bakaruda]

Best thing I ever did to all the Corvettes I've owned -- a mono leaf fiberglass spring - and Bilstein shocks… and replace all the rubber in the suspension…

These suspensions work great and there's little need to go to big expense to make them 'better'. They work real well right out of the factory -- they just need to be maintained well.

Thats kind of the way I am leaning now after some of the info as of late.