Seeking info on late build 1974 coupes

[Dan T.]

I recently bought a 1974 coupe L82 4 spd with A/C, power steering and brakes. The door panel says it was built in 03/74, and I don't have the windshield sticker. I have pulled the engine and I am trying to restore it so it is a good driver. I am going to replace the rear shocks since the back bounced around uncomfortably when driven and I have run across something that doesn't look right.

My rear sway bar is 7/16 of an inch in diameter and the front sway bar looks to be about 3/4 or 13/16 of an inch. What I have read is that they should be 9/16 in the rear and 1 inch in the front. My leaf spring has 9 bars not 7 which would be the Gymkhana, so I don't think it had the upgraded suspension.

I have read that small block 74's only had a rear sway bar if the suspension option was added.

Is there an explanation for what I am seeing or have these parts been replaced with odd parts? Is there a way to determine what the setup should be for a late build 1974? I do have most of the records for this car going back to 1974 and I don't see anything that would deal with these parts.

Thanks.

Dan

[Michael W.]

Re: Seeking info on late build 1974 coupes

All BB cars had a rear sway bar, but only FE7 optioned small blocks would have one, along with a 7 leaf rear spring. The front sway bar would also be 1 inch.

Possibly a base suspension car with an owner inspired rear sway bar?

[William C.]

Re: Seeking info on late build 1974 coupes

There was a "Gymkhana" suspension option available in '74, Heaver shocks and front bat for sure (rode like a truck) but I don't remember if it carried a rear bar or not. If you have an assy manual, it should be covered there, Option FE7. $7.00 on the sticker

[Lawrence M.]

Re: Seeking info on late build 1974 coupes

The April/May 1974 issue of Corvette News has an article about the new FE7 Gymkhana Suspension option. The article says the option included Front Stabilizer bar 0.9375 dia. Front Springs 550 lb./in. front stabilizer shaft bushings and 7 leaf rear spring 304 lb./in. . No mention of a rear satbilizer bar.

Larry

[William T.]

Re: Seeking info on late build 1974 coupes

Another way to verify the FE7 option is to remove the spare tire and upper cover to view the frame cross member- on my 1974 the FE7 was written with green marker.