I am searching for some feedback from anyone who has swapped a steel monoleaf for the newer composite style leaf. The original steel monoleaf springs on my 69' Camaro need to be replaced and I am looking for some alternatives. I was originally going to install stacked leaf springs but did not want to deal with all of the modifications that had to take place. Are the composite springs worth the extra cash or are the stacked springs the way to go?

I was going to put these on my 68 but they do not recommend having them come close to an exhaust pipe. My 68 tailpipe comes within 1" of the leaf spring. I went with the multileaf instead. I have heard a lot of good things about these composite springs though.

I am sure that if you have any type of power (ie-not stock) that you would be better off with the steel springs. I looked into the vette brakes springs and was not to impressed with the claims for the composit springs. Stock hp ratings maybe, but the steel springs are cheaper and I think will last longer.

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Tim (http://www.geocities.com/sixt7ssrs/CAR2.jpg)
67 ss/rs (http://www.geocities.com/sixt7ssrs2/Mvc-562f.jpg), MODIFIED (http://www.geocities.com/sixt7ssrs/main.html)
Tim's Homepage (http://www.geocities.com/sixt7ssrs)
AOL-IM = sixtsevnss

They seem to give a nice ride but don't like a lot of horsepower. One other consideration is they have a lot of side movement under hard cornering. I have heard of cars with 1" or more of tire clearance rubbing under hard cornering; they are flexible. However, a panhard bar would solve that problem.

I'm running the Vette Brakes fiberglass springs on my '69. I personally think they are excellent springs. I'm running a 400 HP 400 SB with a manual trans and a posi rear and they handle the power just fine. I have nice sticky Comp T/As out back and I get great traction. I'll insert a caveat here that I don't drag race so I'm not dumping the clutch at 5,000 rpm - I'm just having fun driving a hot street car. Nevertheless, I do get on it hard and light up the tires - so far not a trace of wheel hop - it just hooks and goes!

I have not run into the side flex mentioned here. My rear tires fit very close to the lip - in fact one rubs slightly at full suspension compression. However, I have not noticed any rub when cornering hard.

Finally, I installed a new exhaust recently with the pipes exiting out under the rear outside the springs. I talked with the Vette Brakes guys and they said it was not a problem. The tailpipes don't really generate a great deal of heat back there anyway - they're fairly warm but not like heat coming off the headers - they don't touch the springs and there's plenty of airflow back there.

All-in-all I'd say these springs are a very good choice for the average guy. There may be better choices if you are a hardcore racer - drag or roadrace - or are running very serious HP. But for my type of use - which I'd guess applies to the majority of us - they are an excellent product.

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Scott
'69 400SB, Richmond 5-speed; '99 HD Road King Classic
www.geocities.com/sdenning1 (http://www.geocities.com/sdenning1)

The guy I heard talk about the sideway flexing would probably be considered fairly hard-core as far as autocrossing is concerned. He usually runs roadracing slicks and he had 1-1 1/2" clearance sitting still, but definitely rubbed when cornering. You are probably right, the majority of us wouldn't have a problem. I just mentioned it as it was something I hadn't considered.

Guys, A new vette brakes catalog arrived today, they also sell steel springs and also have a three leaf spring to replace mono leaf springs. It's supposed to fit without mods.
David

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The older I get, the faster I was!

I have a friend with a 525 hp '67 with the Vette Brakes fiberglass springs with a 10" M&H DOT and he has no problems. But, he does not run the car at the drag strip.

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Click here to see see my car and hear 5-speeds. http://www.geocities.com/casanoc

oops


[This message has been edited by RockyMtnRacer (edited 05-04-2000).]

The other part of the question is whether these springs are worth the price? I think they're up around $400 now? When I bought mine 5 years ago they were much less expensive and I got them in a kit. I really like these springs but I don't know if I would lay out that kind of cash today.

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Scott
'69 400SB, Richmond 5-speed; '99 HD Road King Classic
www.geocities.com/sdenning1 (http://www.geocities.com/sdenning1)

The steel Vette Brakes multi leaf's are $199 for either the 5 leaf, or the three leaf replacement for the mono leaf.
They also have the Caltracs traction bars for $319.
And a front disc brake kit with:
MC /booster
new vented rotors
prop valve willwood adj type, not stock
reman calipers single piston
caliper brackets
connecting lines for prop valve
hoses
oem quality D-52 pads
ft bearings/seals
stock disc spindle with dust shield

$849

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The older I get, the faster I was!

[This message has been edited by davidpozzi (edited 05-04-2000).]