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View Full Version : Tri5 C4 Corvette suspension conversions for sale



chevynut
03-20-2012, 10:55 PM
A C4 Corvette conversion is a serious suspension upgrade that can make your Tri5 perform like a Corvette. It drops the weight of your cTri5 nearly 200 pounds because the suspension parts are all aluminum. The modification can be done to any stock Tri5 frame.

I offer front clips, rearend installation kits, "basic" conversion frames, and full conversion frames to attach 84-96 Corvette high performance aluminum suspensions to Tri5 frames of any model. Basic clip prices start at $2195, with full frames at $5995 (using your C4 engine cradle). We can do anything in between if you can do some of your own fab work.

I also sell or swap frames, sell C4 corvette suspensions, and build other custom chassis parts.

I am a mechanical engineer by profession and designed this conversion myself. We have build nearly 30 conversion projects to date. See some examples in my website link below. If you have any interest, please e-mail me at Lnobi53@yahoo.com. References available.

chevynut
03-22-2012, 11:51 AM
Here's a couple of pics of our frames and clips:

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL97/465705/1279938/131670242.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL97/465705/1279938/131670243.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL97/465705/1279938/191215948.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL97/465705/1279938/396818558.jpg

56-210Sedan
03-23-2012, 07:17 AM
Sure do love the look of Wade's Nomad.

chevynut
05-13-2012, 10:06 PM
Apparently they're locking my posts on the "other" site, so people can't ask questions about my C4 conversions or get ahold of me. So I thought I'd refresh this thread. Please send anyone on any other site my e-mail if they're looking for C4 conversion information, and tell them I'm on Trifivechevys.com. My e-mail is Lnobi53@yahoo.com. Thanks everyone.

What goes around, comes around.

chevynut
05-26-2012, 10:45 AM
BUMP! BUMP!

chevynut
06-21-2012, 02:54 PM
I've been getting a lot of inquiries on my C4 conversions, so keep them coming. We're lining them up!! I think we have the most flexible options in the market.

destroyertta
06-21-2012, 05:07 PM
hey that clip in the back of that truck looks familiar lol good luck with the new biz anyone who is thinking about doing this conversion laszlo work is second to none

chevynut
07-11-2012, 09:14 PM
Bump! Bump!

Run-em
07-22-2012, 04:30 AM
Expecting some visitors! Kadda bump.

567chevys
07-22-2012, 10:43 AM
lets get them parts Order !!! that should get you a great start on building your frames

chevynut
07-22-2012, 11:42 PM
You might ask what does a C4 Corvette suspension conversion gain me? :D


* Front AND rear fully independent suspensions
* ALL ALUMINUM major suspension components (a-arms, spindles, rear knuckles, rear control rods, halfshafts, differential)
* Approximately 200 pound weight reduction compared to the stock Tri5 suspension
* Modern, high performance suspension geometry
* 6 or more degrees of caster for excellent road feel and tracking
* Our conversion gives you 3" total front suspension drop and a 2" rear suspension drop for "free" (not counting drop due to tire radius) to lower the CG and give you the stance you want ....or we can customize the drop you want to some extent
* 4-wheel disc brakes, with 11.5 or 12" standard size rotors on all 4 corners and upgrades available to 13 or 14" front brakes.
* Front and rear OEM swaybars
* Power rack and pinion steering with front steer that eliminates issues with oilpans, headers, etc.
* Quick ratio power rack with 1.96 or 2.36 turns lock to lock (depends on C4 year and option).
* All C4 differentials have Positraction carriers.

Add up the cost of an "equivalent" setup using aftermarket parts and see what you come up with.

chevynut
08-19-2012, 03:52 PM
We have the BEST deals on C4 conversions for Tri5 cars. We are also the most flexible in terms of options, kits, and levels of completeness. Email with any questions to Lnobi53@yahoo.com.

chevynut
10-17-2012, 10:07 PM
We just finished conversion project #35 and are trying to book some more work for the winter. We have many new CNC laser cut parts made and in stock.

If you have been considering a C4 conversion but thought it was out of your price range, send me an e-mail. We can supply basic front C4 clips starting at $1995 and rear installtion kits starting at $395 for the do-it-yourselfer, or full conversions starting at $5895. We also have a supply of C4 suspensions in stock.

chevynut
01-02-2013, 12:14 PM
Just finished project #37 and sent it to Wichita, Kansas. The owner e-mailed and said he was really happy with the work. It was a bit of a challenge, somewhat different than other frames we've done. First of all, it's 100-150 pounds heavier than a regular frame. That made it a real chore for 2 of us to put it into the jig, and to rotate it for welding. Loading it onto the trailer took 4 of us, one at each corner, to make it easier. We also had to modify our jig a little, because of the differnce in body mounts on a convertible. There were a few other issues we had to work out, but it came out nice. I forgot to take pics of the completed frame before it left. :(

We have a couple more projects booked, but we are still taking orders. Please contact me at Lnobi53@yahoo.com if interested. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

chevynut
01-04-2013, 11:02 AM
I tried to put together a list of parts that would be required for a stock frame, to bring it up to "close" to what you would get with a C4 suspension conversion. I still don't think you'd have near the performance of a C4 setup with this, due to suspension geometry, but I tried to get some sort of comparison between a bolt-on part setup and what we supply with a C4 frame. The C4 setup is also lighter in weight, and upgrades the car to modern specs.

Prices are from manufacturers like Danchuk, Earle's, and other reputable companies.
Front:


EW side mounts $209
Tubular stainless lower a-arms $710
Tubular stainless lower a-arms $1001
Dropped spindle/disc brakes 11" $675
Front lowering springs 1" $100
Rack & pinion kit $875
Front swaybar $201


Rear:


Disc brakes $365
Posi unit $800 (to upgrade stock housing)
Rear lowering springs $300
Pocket kit (excluding labor) $240
Caltracs $350
Rear swaybar $224

Total $6050





We sell a complete C4 conversion of your frame without suspensions for $5995. We sell suspensions for $1000 each, but you can often do better buying them yourself, if you can get them locally, as shipping is expensive. We sell a complete C4 conversion WITH FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSIONS for $7995 which is only $1945 more than all the bolt-on parts listed. A basic conversion WITH both suspensions is only $6295.

Figure out what you can get a C4 donor for, and compare to the above prices.

Even if you only upgrade the front suspension, the costs above are $3771. We do a front-only conversion for $4595, and sell it with a complete C4 front suspension for $5595.

We include engine mounts of your choice.

Sure, you don't need stainless tubular a-arms, but I was trying to make a fair comparison to the aluminum a-arms you get with the C4 suspension. They look trick and polish up nice, and have 6 degrees of stock caster. The spindles are also aluminum, and the late C4 suspensions feature 12" brakes stock with 13" brakes options OEM and even 14" brakes available.

Our C4 conversions feature a 3" front drop and 2" rear drop from stock suspension height.

All C4 suspensions have power rack and pinion steering, 1.96 or 2.36 turns lock to lock.

All C4 suspensions come with front and rear swaybars, and our conversions include the mounting brackets on the frame. You have to buy bushings.

C4 rear suspensions feature disc brakes stock, typically 11". I have not included the cost of a new e-brake for the stock setup, but there are two different versions on the stock C4 suspensions included in the suspensions.

All C4 differentials have positraction. Ihave not included a new stock housing or axles in the above costs, if those are needed.

A stock tub will allow a 275 rear tire, and a minitub will allow a 295 tire with a C4 conversion. A pocket kit and minitub will allow for a larger tire than the C4 setup, if you feel you need more than a 295.

I included the caltracs or some other traction control devices since something is needed to prevent wheelhop with a stock setup, which is built-in with the C4 setup.

I know the C4 conversion isn't for everyone, because some guys believe that someday they'll want to go back to original (which rarely happens) and they don't want to alter their frame. However, most guys want a car that drives more like a modern car, and this conversion makes that happen. I put this together for those guys who think they can't afford a C4 conversion, to show that if you go with the bolt-on stuff, you've almost paid for one.

CLASSIC EDGE Designs, LLC
Fort Collins, CO

Olderthandirt
01-04-2013, 07:11 PM
Chevynut
If some one is looking for c4 components and if they search around a little, there are deals out there.
I found a driveable, complete 86 Corvette with 4+3 trans., Z51 handling package, new tires, new leather interior and new targa top all for 2,000.
After I part out what I don't need, my suspension should be pretty cheep.

chevynut
01-04-2013, 07:27 PM
Olderthandirt, I agree with you. I have seen several C4 corvettes for $3000 or less, and have heard of some early ones going for $1200 or so. If you want to take the time to sell the parts you don't need, you can possibly get free suspensions, engine, etc. Some guys don't want to mess with that, however, so we offer suspensions for sale with our frames.

So if you get your free suspensions, you can get a full conversion for less than the cost of all the parts I listed above. And have a better driving/handling car.

chevynut
01-31-2013, 09:29 AM
BUMP! BUMP!

chevynut
02-04-2013, 10:16 AM
Here's a few pics of two C4 conversion front frame clips we just finished.

The first is a "basic" clip with an early ('84-'87) C4 k-member. We added LS engine mounts to the "basic" clip after the picture was taken, but the "basic" clip typically would still have the C4 mounts left on it. The owner plans to build his own swaybar mounts, shock mounts, and whatever else he wants to add to it.

The second one is a "full" clip set up for a 2" front drop instead of our standard 3" drop, and using a late ('88-'96) C4 k-member. The owner of the "full" clip is going to install his own engine mounts after removing the C4 engine mounts himself (a "full" clip usually includes engine mounts of your choice). The "full" clip adds swaybar mounts, engine mounts, upper shock mounts, and brake line tabs as well as joint reinforcement plates and plug weld holes to a "basic" clip.

Price for a "basic" clip is $2195 using your C4 k-member (2" drop is extra cost).
Price for a "full" clip is $3295 using your C4 k-member (2" drop and/or early C4 suspensions with coilovers are extra cost).

Installation instructions are provided.

After attaching one of these clips to your frame, the C4 a-arms, spindles, and steering rack can be bolted to the frame. The "full" clip allows you to bolt the swaybar and shocks on and drop the engine in as well.

chevynut
04-11-2013, 06:52 AM
We have a couple of frames and front clips/rear kits in process, and I'm trying to line up some more projects for the next few months. Please e-mail me at Lnobi53@yahoo.com or send a PM if you have questions or are interested in a C4 conversion project.

Thanks!

CLASSIC EDGE Designs, LLC
Fort Collins, CO

chevynut
05-01-2013, 10:17 AM
I just took some better pictures of our "basic" front C4 clip so people have a better understanding of what they are getting. This one was built using an early C4 k-member, and has a 3" front suspension drop. The C4 engine mounts are left intact for the owner to remove and install his own mounts. This one will actually be made into a "full" clip by removing the C4 engine mounts, adding SBC mounts, upper shock mounts, swaybar mounts, and brake line tabs. Then it will be attached to a frame for a customer. The "basic" clip is for the customer who wants to save money, but still wants the foundation for a C4 conversion finished. We used to offer it without the bumper bushings at a lower price, but I decided it would be too difficult for a customer to add them himself.

This "BASIC" clip is $2195 using your C4 k-member, or we can provide one for you at additional cost.

153115321533

CLASSIC EDGE Designs, LLC
Fort Collins, CO
info@classicedgedesigns.com

jim '57
05-03-2013, 09:25 AM
I would like to comment on the c4 conversion for our cars. I have had my 57 for over 40 years and drive the hell out of it. I was impressed by the addition of radial tires and metallic brake shoes and drove it harder. It was a real kick in the ass to drive.
Now I have the c4 conversion and it is a different car, cruises down the road at 90 and tracks true with two fingers on the wheel. Corners like a go cart and stops great.
Laszlo did not do my conversion, I started it over 6 years ago but I fully endorse the c4 conversion done well and I believe Laszlo does a great job.
Jim

chevynut
05-03-2013, 11:39 AM
Thanks a lot Jim! Bruce from Utah told me his 55 is the funnest car he's ever owned with the C4 conversion, LS-1, and T56. I hope to be driving mine by next summer. Where can you legally drive at 90? ;)

chevynut
05-16-2013, 10:37 AM
The pictures below show our "FULL" C4 conversion clip. We took the "Basic" clip above, removed the C4 engine mounts, added SBC mounts, upper shock mounts, swaybar mounts, and brake line tabs and cut the reinforcement plug weld holes. The reinforcement plates would be provided, as well as fully illustrated installation instructions.

This "FULL" C4 conversion clip is $3295 using your C4 k-member or we can provide on at additional cost.

168616871688

CLASSIC EDGE Designs, LLC
Fort Collins, CO
info@classicedgedesigns.com (info@classicedgedesigns.com)

jray1955
10-25-2021, 11:14 AM
Will a 1996 corvette re fit under my '55 chevy convertible? Do you have a kit or cage to do the install?

Jim
619/778-2950

jray1955
10-25-2021, 01:13 PM
Thanks

Gmvette
10-25-2021, 06:08 PM
Are you asking about modifying a corvette frame to fit under a tri five? Or possibly a race type modification with a cage?

Either way sounds like an interesting attack for using a corvette frame.

BamaNomad
10-25-2021, 08:41 PM
Will a 1996 corvette re fit under my '55 chevy convertible? Do you have a kit or cage to do the install?
Jim
619/778-2950

Corvette Corrections in Seguin, TX builds/sells custom frames (with or w/o the suspensions, steering, brakes,etc). Double rail frame rails with structural cross members or engine, rear suspension, and trans. I bought a complete chassis from them for my '57 Nomad with 96 Corvette suspensions, brakes, steering, etc installed. They've built hundreds of these for early Corvettes, Trifives, trucks, C2, C3 corvettes, etc, but I don't know if Billy Dawson has installed his chassis in a trifive convertible. HE could tell you for sure... Call him, he's a great guy!

https://www.corvettecorrection.com/