VBP "Big Daddy" suspension.

[Gerald J.]

Does the installation of the VBP kit substantially lower the value of a C2? I know that it would affect NCRS judging, but I am talking about a "driver" and not a Top Flight contender.

Regards,
Jerry (New guy)

[Gene M.]

Re: VBP "Big Daddy" suspension.

If you are selling the call would be with the buyer and if he values the modification. Some may while others would not.

[Keith B.]

Re: VBP "Big Daddy" suspension.

Your just limiting the potential next buyer. If you can find a dollar amount out of that

[David H.]

Re: VBP "Big Daddy" suspension.

Gerald,

Welcome to Tech Board!

For a "driver" i.e. significant miles driven, I would put $7k (VBP) towards a nice C5. For an about town/local car show type "driver", I would just properly maintain original systems and enjoy.

Cost to get a C2/C3 performing something like a C5 (or later) likely will be more than just purchasing a C5 outright.

Specifically, to answer your question: I think you should consider:

Current value of car

less $7,000 parts for VBP "Big Daddy" Suspension Kit
less modification labor to install (another $7000)
less acquisition cost of parts removed to reverse modification ($0 if removed parts saved)
less labor cost to put back together as currently configured (another $7000)

Hence about $20k in lowered value (if removed parts go with sale).

Your car - only depends on what you want to do.

If it was my C2/C3 and I wanted to make significant suspension modifications, a trip to Carlisle would be in order. I would want a new aluminum frame with C4/C5 components and a current crate motor/transmission. Walking fairgrounds inspecting frame/suspension vendor packages is enlightening. Some manufacture’s product is art, some not-so-much.

Dave

[Duke W.]

Re: VBP "Big Daddy" suspension.

What are you trying to accomplish? A C2 can be made to generate about 1g cornering grip with easy bolt-on modifications.

It all starts with tires. They are like the foundation of a house. Build it on a solid footing and it will last for many decades. Build it on dirt and it will fall apart in short order.

The best available tire in common OE replacement sizes is the Avon CR6ZZ DOT legal racing tire. The common, rock hard S-rated tires that most guys install will only generate about 0.75g lateral no matter what you do to the suspension.

Next, rebound adjustable shocks like Spax or QA-1, and install urethane bushings in the front anti-roll bar links.

Set alignment at the "sport" settings, which have been discussed many times here and over on the CF.

These tires and shocks are expensive, but less than what you will spend installing some aftermarket "suspension kit" that will yield a stiff and harsh ride. I've talked to many of these vendors, and when I start asking about ride rates, roll stiffness distribution and other terms that chassis engineers commonly use they go catatonic.

The tires, shocks, alignment tuning and bar link bushings will turn a vintage Corvette into a g-machine, while maintaining the comfortable ride rates of the base suspension, and if you can drive, you'll leave a typical modern Corvette driver in your wake on Mulholland Drive.

Duke