Coilovers vs composite leaf springs

[Norwegianmopar]

Trying to decide wich route to go since our rear leaf spring is starting to delaminate and needs replaced.

Have read several articles and forum threads trying to figure it out, but find myself on the fence here.

As for coilovers I would probably go with DRM so we can keep the FX-3 shocks. Am I right when I say I think I read somewhere about someone making brackets for installing the DRM coilovers without having to machine the shocks?

Then there are several leaf springs to choose from, all with various stiffness. Ecklers have some, Hyperco others.

I don't want to sacrifice all comfort in the ride since we won't be doing any dragracing or autocrossing.

So, what are you guys thinking here? Hib had a pretty good argument for keeping the leaf spring in another thread, but then which type or brand would be the best choice?

Link to the thread:
http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=26226

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[tgonyaw]

I purchased a 1991 Z in 2018 and was going to do a 391 auto with a Z07 fx3 suspension. After getting the car running with a ported intake and Corsa exhaust, realized I liked the car in that form. I have purchased new rear shocks and am waiting for the fronts. This year car has the second highest spring rate of the c4 cars. I have decided to keep and repair the stock system using stock wheels and original tire sizes.
I don't think I can do better than the factory for the type of all weather street driving this car will do.
A friend of mine has a 90 car with the Haibeck 510 along with the Rippie coil overs. He is an old road racer and this car is set up for him. 2 different cars for 2 different people!
I think that's what these cars mean to us as extensions of our personality. I went to Carlisle this year with the other Z's. No 2 cars the same and a great show.
This doesn't specificity answer your question, yet may provide some weight on one end of the fulcrum.
No wrong answers!
Best Wishes

[Norwegianmopar]

I emailed Marc Haibeck (which I often do when I have technical questions) and he recommended getting an OE spring for normal road use.

He mentioned there are two different 3 letter codes stamped on them, yellow or green.

Does anyone know exactly where to find them? Not very easy looking under there while the car is on the ground [emoji16]

***Update***

Found the code, RHY which is 39,9 if I am correct.


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[Norwegianmopar]

Will this be right as a direct replacement for my original spring?

https://www.ecklerscorvette.com/1984-1996-corvette-leaf-spring-rear-z51-composite-25-177016-1.html

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[tgonyaw]

http://www.wedophones.com/Manuals/Chevrolet/Corvette/1984-1996%20C4%20Corvette%20Suspension%20Tuning%20Chart .pdf

I found this link when I searched for spring chart.

Not sure how the spring rate compares with the stock spring. Some times members have low mileage take off springs from coilover conversions.

[Young1]

Stick with stock springs for street ride. 90,91,92 Zs had stiffer rates than 93,94,95 Zs. Mirrock Corvette probably has what you need. Shipping though?

[Norwegianmopar]

I was told this will be the correct replacement:

https://www.gmpartscenter.net/oem-parts/gm-leaf-spring-17999322

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