Frequently Asked Questions

What type of suspension do you use?

We use the complete C4 Corvette suspension system. This includes everything from the stock K-member to the factory composite mono-leaf springs.

We use any of the 1985-1996 suspensions. Out of those years there are two applications. The `85-`87 or `88-`96. The `85-`87 is 1.5” narrower than `88-`96. This will play a big part in the style of wheels that can be run; you will be able to have an extra .75” of lip showing on the rim when you run the `85-`87suspension. This is a good choice for all you nostalgic guys who would prefer a little more lip on the wheels.

Why use C4 Corvette suspension and not C5 or C6?

The fourth-generation Corvette came with a very modern suspension, designed to be used with wide wheels and tires. It is important to note that Corvette made cars with wheels up to 11" wide. This C4 suspension incorporates great geometry that works equally well on the street or at the race track. Highlights of the suspension include extensive use of aluminum, a fully independent front & rear design, composite springs, rack-and-pinion steering, four-wheel disc brakes and most importantly—all these elements were designed by Corvette to work together! This is not an accumulation of suspension, and braking parts, that just ended up being bolted together because they looked good, or simply made the wheels fit! Now here's the neat part—without any modification the C4 suspension is a perfect fit in the `53-`62 Corvettes.

Do you modify the suspension?

No, we do not modify the suspension. We strongly believe in GM research and design. For this reason we continue to implement all the factory GM mounting points of the C4 suspension.

Why do we like the Corvette composite mono-leaf springs?

The composite Corvette springs are the future. There is a reason that the brand new ZR1's have composite mono-leaf springs and not coil overs.

  • Composite springs are lighter and more efficient than steel springs
  • Composite springs have up to ten times the cycle life of a comparable steel spring
  • Packaging of the composite springs is very efficient
  • Factory mounting of the composite springs is designed to last maintenance free for up to 200K miles
  • Linkage between suspension knuckles and A arms are designed to not put undue stresses on suspension components
  • Our experience in modifying composite springs and the after-market spring choices continues to grow

 

What type of brake options do you have?

Standard braking systems are:

  • The 85-87 comes with 11.5” rotors and a single piston caliper front and rear
  • The 88-96 suspension comes with 12” rotors and two piston calipers front and one piston rear

 

Your brake options are:

  • 13" Baer Brake kit consisting of drilled and slotted zinc coated rotors, Baer's front calipers and pads
  • Baer Brake 6P package which consist of Baer's 6 piston calipers with Eradispeed rotors
  • Our other option is to go with the New 2007 Z06 brake package. This package uses a 14.1” drilled front rotor with a six puck caliper. The rear gets a 13.4” drilled rotor and four puck caliper. This package does limit wheel choices because of the larger rotor size

 

We have a few options for making the braking system work:

  • The first way to make your brakes work is with a standard vacuum operated booster unit and master cylinder
  • The other option is to use a Hydro-boost unit. This system will give you the maximum pressure at the caliper resulting in maximum stopping power. Works great with standard braking systems


 

Are there any body modifications that need to be made?

Spare tire well requires clearance so there is room for the differential. You can still fit a C4 spare tire in the well. We offer a patch panel to fill the hole

You will need to clearance one to two inches of the inner fender wells directly above the top A-arms

 

What motor and transmission can I use with this conversion?

We can set up your frame with any motor and transmission combination.

What is the torque arm for?

The torque arms main function is to secure the differential from rotating as power is applied to the rear wheel. All the forces that work on the rear wheels to make the car go forward are also working on the differential, trying to spin it in the opposite direction. Mounting the differential to the frame without a torque arm can damage the differential housing. The torque arm is the best way to eliminate hard acceleration wheel hop. A simple crossmember and mount fastened to the snout of the differential is not enough!

What wheels can I run?

1953-1960 Corvette


                                       Stock Fenders                              Car Creations Rear Fenders


1985-1987 Suspension     Front 8" wide 6" back space            8" wide 6" back space
                                       Rear  8" wide 6" back space            10" wide 6 1/4" back space


1989-1996 Suspension    Front 8" wide 6 5/8"" back space      8 1/2" wide 7" back space
                                      Rear  8" wide 6 5/8"" back space      9 1/2" wide 7 1/4" back space

 

1961-1962 Corvette

                                       Stock Fenders                               Car Creations Rear Fenders

1985-1987 Suspenion     Front 8" wide 6" back space               8" wide 6" back space
                                      Rear  8" wide 6" back space              10" wide 6.7" back space


1988-1996 Suspension    Front 8 1/2" wide 7" back space          8" wide 6" back space
                                      Rear  8 1/2" wide 7" back space         10" wide 6 3/4" back space