Looking for more real world feedback on C4 conversions

[Rick_L]

Turns out the 1991 Z-07 suspension option used the same springs as the 1990 Z-51 and they were the stiffest springs used on any of the C4s with the exception of the '84 Z-51

Ok that makes sense.

[rockytopper R.I.P 5-13-2017]

Rescue this one is setting on C4 AM frame 700 ponies on board it ran the go cart course very well.

[chevynut]

this one is setting on C4 AM frame

Rocky, I don't think AME makes a frame for C4 suspensions. I don't know how their own suspension parts compare as far as geometry. They don't even make a tri5 frame with C5 components like they do for Camaros and other cars.

I'll bet 700 HP makes that thing move pretty well. Nice car, but I think the wheels are just a little too big for my tastes.

[Rick_L]

As you probably know, AME does make an IRS suspension which will fit their frames or others. It's similar to the late model Camaro stuff in that it uses hubs from those cars but the rest is custom. I think it has a Strange 3rd member, don't know the details.

[chevynut]

Yes Rick, I'm aware of AME's IRS. I get a catalog from them and it was in it months ago. It's pretty awesome in design, construction,...and price. I understand it's a $9K adder to their frames. I guess to those who don't mind throwing their money around it's not a big deal.

[chevynut]

RD, here you go...real-world feedback:

http://www.superchevy.com/features/s...evy-210-wagon/

RESULTS	'57 210 Wagon	'10 Camaro
Skidpad:	0.85 g	0.85 g
Slalom:	46.56 mph	45.84 mph
Autocross:	46.72 sec.	46.32 sec.

[WagonCrazy]

Before I made the decision to have Laszlo (CED) build me a C4 frame, I looked around and asked alot of questions like you are doing Dog. I called up Paul Newman and spoke with him and he offered to take me for a ride in the 57 wagon if I was ever up in the central coast area. So I'm 4 hours from there, but my daughter was starting college near where his shop is, so I combined the visits and he took me for a 15 minute ride on a 2 lane road in the rolling hills east of Atascadero. I was sold on the C4 frame!!!! Dang, that ride got my juices flowing.

But Newman's frame setup was several thousand dollars more than CED's, and I couldn't see why I shouldn't give Laszlo the business. I think my frame was # 19 or so. He's done dozens and dozens by now. Alot of us buyers still don't have our Tri5's on the road yet, so we are the ones holding up his "word of mouth" on the actual performance end of the spectrum.

That's kind of a kick in my own arse to get mine on the road and start to autocross a bit with it. I put the 4 double adjustable coilovers on it because I wanted to be able to tune the suspension better than with the stock Corvette monoleaf spring. There's nothing wrong with starting with that monoleaf setup, and then switch to coilovers later on when you get the money. Just tell Laszlo (when you order your frame) that you want it set up for both.

And get the AME "center frame stiffener setup" (not calling that by the right term). You want to seriously reduce the frame flex. The stock frame will twist easily. Have him install this center frame setup and you'll have a very stiff frame.
Then you can really do some serious autocrossing!

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[chevynut]

RD, don't know if you saw this comment on the other site, but I saw this today:

"This summer, at the Tri Five nats, I drove a '55 Sedan on a similar chassis with Corvette suspension and using the composite transverse (stock) Corvette springs and I thought it was fantastic.. Certainly the best driving, handling, feeling TriFive I've ever driven."

[55 Rescue Dog]

That's great, but I sure would like to hear direct feedback from you driving your car, or another you designed! It's like buying a car sight unseen, without test driving it, no matter how great it looks, you don't really know until you see it, and drive it is all.

[chevynut]

RD, I think you're missing the point I've been trying to make. I don't believe it makes much difference whose C4 conversion you drive because they're going to be about the same. The suspension geometries are identical between mine and Newman's, and even Nerd Rodz. We all use the same C4 k-member and same pickup points in the rear, same swaybars, and same steering rack. To me, it's like two guys bolting on the exact same suspension parts on their tri5s...how much different will they drive? I don't know why you would expect one to be much different than the other. SRG frames use different pickup points, rack, swaybars, and even different steering arms. I can't say how one of those drives.

One difference between my setup and Newman's is mine has the option to use coilovers or the stock spring and his doesn't. I think Nerd Rodz allows you to do that too but I'm not sure of that. I hear a lot of BS about how bad coilovers ride, but at the same time guys rant and rave about how good AME chassis drive. Guess what? They use coilovers on them exclusively.

I think the problem with coilovers is that most guys tend to over-spring their cars. They put a stiffer spring on it than they need to and it rides like crap.

I've offered to put you into contact with the guys that are driving cars with my frames. If you want to talk to them, let me know.