Conversion to F41 Suspension

[John L.]

Hello All,

My '66 L72 originally came with the F41 option (now has standard suspension) and I would like to convert it back to F41. To accomplish this, it looks like I can obtain a used seven leaf spring on E-Bay, and in searching the Archives, will need the following Delco shocks: Front, part #88947653 (was part #3196957) Rear, part#4940459. Is there anything else I should be aware of, are the part #'s for the shocks correct? Thanks for the feedback.

[Joe L.]

Re: Conversion to F41 Suspension

Hello All,

My '66 L72 originally came with the F41 option (now has standard suspension) and I would like to convert it back to F41. To accomplish this, it looks like I can obtain a used seven leaf spring on E-Bay, and in searching the Archives, will need the following Delco shocks: Front, part #88947653 (was part #3196957) Rear, part#4940459. Is there anything else I should be aware of, are the part #'s for the shocks correct? Thanks for the feedback.

John------

Neither of the shock part numbers you mentioned are original part number (except 3196957). Both the 88947653 and 4940459 are not configured like the original shocks. In addition, the 4940459 is GM-discontinued.

You also need to change front springs and the front sway bar (assuming the original was not left on the car). And, you will need to change shock mounts (once again, assuming the originals were not left on the car).

One note of caution: someone converted this car to standard suspension for a reason. That reason was likely because the F-41 provided too harsh of a ride. For a street driven car, I absolutely do not recommend F-41. I would NEVER want it on a car of mine (and I have all of the NOS parts to convert [none for sale]).

[Tim T.]

Re: Conversion to F41 Suspension

John,
Check with America's Finest Corvettes in California. They advertise in the Driveline or at www.corvetteusa.com.
They offer a complete correct original package to convert to F-41. With radials I don't think it is that harsh.
Have them on my 63.
Tim

[Carl N.]

Re: Conversion to F41 Suspension

John------

Neither of the shock part numbers you mentioned are original part number (except 3196957). Both the 88947653 and 4940459 are not configured like the original shocks. In addition, the 4940459 is GM-discontinued.

You also need to change front springs and the front sway bar (assuming the original was not left on the car). And, you will need to change shock mounts (once again, assuming the originals were not left on the car).

One note of caution: someone converted this car to standard suspension for a reason. That reason was likely because the F-41 provided too harsh of a ride. For a street driven car, I absolutely do not recommend F-41. I would NEVER want it on a car of mine (and I have all of the NOS parts to convert [none for sale]).

John, I agree with Joe - the ride is harsh - I have it on a '65 roadster that I drive on a regular basis for less than an hour at a time and I am used to it (plus I drive on winding, twisting Texas Hill Country roads at speed). I have owed and driven many other C2's and C3's over the years on NCRS Road Tours and "Hot Rod Power Tours" and would not want to make a full day on the road in any of them with F-41. The only thing worse than F-41 on the road was a Cobra Kit car. Find someone with F-41 and take it for about an hour or two over various road surfaces and see what you think before you go to all the trouble.