Thanks for explaining this about the shock mount size. I was wondering why RideTech only offered full coil over kits for 89-96. Now that makes total sense. Thanks 👍🏻
Nice job. We talked on the forum when you did this after seeing my 84 Coilover conversion thread.... It's amazing how much variation there is in these early C4s. I didn't have to cut my towers nearly as much as you did... my spring was close to the upper A Arm but didn't touch till near full extension. I've since switched from stock upper A Arms to the SPC A Arms, changed from Viking shock to the Penske 7500 series shock on the front and was able to mount it inverted and now have tons of clearance. I did fabricate new lower brackets that put the shock down in the lower arm and gets rid of the plate and T Bar lower mount. I made a thread on the forum with pics. Best of luck with the upgrades you are working on. Keep putting out the videos.... I know they are going to help someone. I just edit mine down to show one hit at the track.... would like to do more, maybe some tech because I've done alot to my car... but honestly I'm not a social media star. LoL Will
..with coil overs in the front...given that the shock mount is now being tasked with holding up the weight of the car....does that need to be re enforced in any way?
I think there is an easier way to do this conversion with less work just using the factory mounts . I havent done it yet, but Ive heard its worked for others and Ive spent some time checking the measurements, and it looks legit. The idea is to use the QA1 DS304 SA coil over(there is a DA version to, just more expensive), which is very similar in specs to the stock qa1 replacements height and range with the adapters. You use a tbar mount for the bottom and a stem conversion to eyelet at the top, but when you mount the shock you flip it over so the springs are on the bottom and the skinnier part of the shock is at the top. If it was me I would use the qa1 tbar adapter, but pro comp has a lot beefier looking eyelet to stem converter that I would use over qa1's. You may have to bend out your shock mount a little with a crescent wrench on the sides if it rubs, but it wouldnt be much. The only real metal work you have to do is redrill the sway bar mount holes farther forward to keep them from rubbing on the shocks. Ive also heard there are sources for the later model shock mounts that can be welded in to replace the early one for those that just want to buy a kit, but this is much cheaper than the kits. Still impressive what you did chad, just throwing this out there as an option for people that arent as comfortable welding up a new mounts
The problem with flipping the shock on an early C4 is it will hit the sway bar and the sway bar end link. As is you already have to grind on the bar end a little and move the bar forward a 1/2 an inch. I had the same idea and put the coilover in that way and it just wasn't going to fit. This might work if you have an aftermarket control arm.
@@chadk6938 Ive heard of a few different solutions to the sway bar issue, first redrilling the mount points farther forward, or notching the mount bracket itself for clearance or using heim joints to move it forward. From the pics Ive seen it doesnt need to move that much farther forward. I think the strongest method is something like you did with a new top mount, just someone whos scared to weld and fabricate could do it with a more bolt on approach and less fabricating
To be honest I didn't get to drive it much with the 450s because of how high it sat. But the 500s ride very nice. They feel very similar to the stock Z51 spring.
@@chadk6938thanks for the info. I picked up an 86 C4 back in December and it currently consists of two frame rails and suspension. No floor, no firewall just frame rails. A tube chassis and cage out of 1.75" DOM, a 6.0 LS with a T56 is the game plan. As it sits my ride height at the rockers is almost 10"🤣 So yea the fiberglass monoleafs have to go. I'm planning on going with adj coilovers or air. And by the way a good video doesn't need fancy editing, I believe it's all about useful content.... and that my man you have got covered 👍
Chad, How hard is it to swap an LS engine into a C4? The mechanicals I could def do, but I'm asking more about the wiring harnesses and all of the wiring? Thx @@chadk6938
Thanks for explaining this about the shock mount size.
I was wondering why RideTech only offered full coil over kits for 89-96. Now that makes total sense.
Thanks 👍🏻
Nice job. We talked on the forum when you did this after seeing my 84 Coilover conversion thread.... It's amazing how much variation there is in these early C4s. I didn't have to cut my towers nearly as much as you did... my spring was close to the upper A Arm but didn't touch till near full extension. I've since switched from stock upper A Arms to the SPC A Arms, changed from Viking shock to the Penske 7500 series shock on the front and was able to mount it inverted and now have tons of clearance. I did fabricate new lower brackets that put the shock down in the lower arm and gets rid of the plate and T Bar lower mount. I made a thread on the forum with pics. Best of luck with the upgrades you are working on. Keep putting out the videos.... I know they are going to help someone. I just edit mine down to show one hit at the track.... would like to do more, maybe some tech because I've done alot to my car... but honestly I'm not a social media star. LoL Will
My 1985 rear leaf spring got replaced when I noticed the warpage, but I bought my Corvette used and it was part of the condition for financing!
Keep up the content man!
Yes...born out car !
Nice I got a 84 crossfire its been giving me hell every new part it runs worse
What headers are you running? I have an 86 C4, 6.0L swap, using shorty headers. They have been useless, switching to full tube but can't find any.
Ebay C5 Corvette headers. You have to weld new collectors on and dent one of the primary tubes on the passenger side.
..with coil overs in the front...given that the shock mount is now being tasked with holding up the weight of the car....does that need to be re enforced in any way?
I welded in a lot of metal to add strength. No issues so far.
I think there is an easier way to do this conversion with less work just using the factory mounts . I havent done it yet, but Ive heard its worked for others and Ive spent some time checking the measurements, and it looks legit. The idea is to use the QA1 DS304 SA coil over(there is a DA version to, just more expensive), which is very similar in specs to the stock qa1 replacements height and range with the adapters. You use a tbar mount for the bottom and a stem conversion to eyelet at the top, but when you mount the shock you flip it over so the springs are on the bottom and the skinnier part of the shock is at the top. If it was me I would use the qa1 tbar adapter, but pro comp has a lot beefier looking eyelet to stem converter that I would use over qa1's. You may have to bend out your shock mount a little with a crescent wrench on the sides if it rubs, but it wouldnt be much. The only real metal work you have to do is redrill the sway bar mount holes farther forward to keep them from rubbing on the shocks. Ive also heard there are sources for the later model shock mounts that can be welded in to replace the early one for those that just want to buy a kit, but this is much cheaper than the kits. Still impressive what you did chad, just throwing this out there as an option for people that arent as comfortable welding up a new mounts
The problem with flipping the shock on an early C4 is it will hit the sway bar and the sway bar end link. As is you already have to grind on the bar end a little and move the bar forward a 1/2 an inch. I had the same idea and put the coilover in that way and it just wasn't going to fit. This might work if you have an aftermarket control arm.
@@chadk6938 Ive heard of a few different solutions to the sway bar issue, first redrilling the mount points farther forward, or notching the mount bracket itself for clearance or using heim joints to move it forward. From the pics Ive seen it doesnt need to move that much farther forward. I think the strongest method is something like you did with a new top mount, just someone whos scared to weld and fabricate could do it with a more bolt on approach and less fabricating
How do the 500lb spring ride compared to a 450lb?
To be honest I didn't get to drive it much with the 450s because of how high it sat. But the 500s ride very nice. They feel very similar to the stock Z51 spring.
Good stuff man! Do you remember what pound springs you used in the front. And is your current block cast or aluminum? Thanks in advance 👍
These are 500 pound springs and the block in this motor is iron. Last summer I ran these springs with an aluminum block
@@chadk6938thanks for the info. I picked up an 86 C4 back in December and it currently consists of two frame rails and suspension. No floor, no firewall just frame rails. A tube chassis and cage out of 1.75" DOM, a 6.0 LS with a T56 is the game plan. As it sits my ride height at the rockers is almost 10"🤣
So yea the fiberglass monoleafs have to go. I'm planning on going with adj coilovers or air. And by the way a good video doesn't need fancy editing, I believe it's all about useful content.... and that my man you have got covered 👍
Wait! ''This engine is about 100# heavier'' Heavier than what the L98?
100 lbs more than the aluminum LS6 I used to have in the car.
Chad, How hard is it to swap an LS engine into a C4? The mechanicals I could def do, but I'm asking more about the wiring harnesses and all of the wiring? Thx @@chadk6938
I live in Ohio too and would very much like to have an LS installed in my 91 C4 and put coil over all around
Same here