What set Gymkhana suspension apart?
08-09-2003, 04:07 AM
#1
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What set Gymkhana suspension apart?
I have seen Gymkhana suspension mentioned as an option on some Corvettes in various places, and I have a quick question for the C-3 owners here....
Without the build sheet on my 1978 L-48 Corvette, how can I tell if I have Gymkhana or standard suspension? Also, was there really that great a difference in the handling? :confused:
Thanks!
Without the build sheet on my 1978 L-48 Corvette, how can I tell if I have Gymkhana or standard suspension? Also, was there really that great a difference in the handling? :confused:
Thanks!
08-09-2003, 05:06 AM
#3
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Re: What set Gymkhana suspension apart? (Trevelisek)
In a related question: What are the spring rates for this suspension front and back? For an '80 specifically if it varied year to year.
08-09-2003, 10:17 AM
#5
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Re: What set Gymkhana suspension apart? (Trevelisek)
In addition to a rear sway bar, the front sway bar was larger diameter, the rear leaf spring was 7 leaf vs 9 leaf standard, and the front spring rate was 550 #/in. I don't think this varied by year. I don't know offhand what the rear spring rate was.
08-09-2003, 02:35 PM
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Re: What set Gymkhana suspension apart? (Trevelisek)
5$ option.......couldn't have been all that much. Although, bigger, and stronger suspension parts are usually better!
:cheers:
:cheers:
08-09-2003, 09:28 PM
#7
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Re: What set Gymkhana suspension apart? (WydGlydJim)
R u serious? it has got to be more than a $5 option because the metal alone for the rear sway bar would be worth that much.
[Modified by battsup, 6:29 PM 8/9/2003]
[Modified by battsup, 6:29 PM 8/9/2003]
08-09-2003, 09:37 PM
#8
Race Director
Re: What set Gymkhana suspension apart? (Trevelisek)
In 1978, FE7 was a $41 option.
It included a thicker front sway bar(1 1/8"), a rear sway bar(7/16").
550 lb front springs, 292 lb 7-leaf rear spring.
It also included specially valved shocks.
Stock suspension was 300lb / 150 lb or so. 1" front sway and no rear sway bar.
I had my car at a "gymkhana like" setup at one point, with the stock rear leaf and the 550 lb VBP front springs. It was pretty nice. Changing to the 360# fiberglass rear spring did not affect the driving sensation at all. Only a clock really could have told you which setup was "faster". I'm sure the less weight and increased "responsiveness" of the FG spring made it handle better.
In 1980, FE7 cost $55.
-Steve
It included a thicker front sway bar(1 1/8"), a rear sway bar(7/16").
550 lb front springs, 292 lb 7-leaf rear spring.
It also included specially valved shocks.
Stock suspension was 300lb / 150 lb or so. 1" front sway and no rear sway bar.
I had my car at a "gymkhana like" setup at one point, with the stock rear leaf and the 550 lb VBP front springs. It was pretty nice. Changing to the 360# fiberglass rear spring did not affect the driving sensation at all. Only a clock really could have told you which setup was "faster". I'm sure the less weight and increased "responsiveness" of the FG spring made it handle better.
In 1980, FE7 cost $55.
-Steve
08-09-2003, 11:46 PM
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Le Mans Master
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Re: What set Gymkhana suspension apart? (Pacin'California)
1974 $7.00
1975 $7.00
1976 $35.00
1977 $38.00
1978 $41.00
1979 $49.00
1980 $55.00
1981 $57.00
1982 $61.00
These prices are listed in the Corvette Black Book
1975 $7.00
1976 $35.00
1977 $38.00
1978 $41.00
1979 $49.00
1980 $55.00
1981 $57.00
1982 $61.00
These prices are listed in the Corvette Black Book
08-10-2003, 05:59 AM
#10
Safety Car
Re: What set Gymkhana suspension apart? (Gameshow Bob)
What are the spring rates for this suspension front and back? For an '80 specifically if it varied year to year.
FE7 was the most aggressive suspension system ever offered on a Corvette even tho horsepower reached an all time low.
FE7 spring rates (load/deflection) and wheel rates (vertical force at the wheel) increased approximately 70 percent) over the standard suspension. FE7 front springs were rated at 550 lb/in versus 280 lb/in for base while the rear spring rate was rated at 304 lb/in versus 170 lb/in for base. The overall ride rate was increased approximately 66%.
FE7 also included heavy duty shocks and I would like to pick up a set...used or unused.
Pretty stiff huh? But as indicated great for road racing activities are taking hilling curves.
