<VV> Re: Early Model springs

[larry@forman.net]

On Wed, 24 Mar 2004 15:25:38 EST, Kevmcclain@aol.com wrote:
> Hi everyone,
>     This is my first post on Virtual Vairs. I have a '61 two door monza. I 
> would like to improve the handling. I am considering new shocks and heavy duty 
> springs from Clarks. I have heard cutting the springs will also help. Is this 
> so? If so, how many turns should I cut out? Hey Geoff, I'm glad I'm not the 
> only Corvair owner who listens to Social Distortion too loud.         -Kevin 
> McClain

Hi Kevin,
Come talk with me at the club meeting tonight and we can discuss this.  You already have some good advice here and checkout Bryan's
Autocross web page for some additional ideas, you can get there easily from the Corvair Center's site.  I would not recommend your approach
as a starting point, as was also suggested.  There is some information on Bryan's Autocross page about what I did for the Devin C with early
Corvair rear suspension and a wheel jacking problem worse than any Corvair, since the axles are shorter.  I think going with 64 suspension
is the best starting point.  After that, I would look into special Carrera adjustable shocks and a lower A-arm strapping spring, like I did
for the Devin C.  It made the single most impressive improvement in handling for the Devin C.  Simple and cheap to add and it REALLY works! 
You could even just add spacers below your shocks to limit the lower A-arm drop.  Lots you can do to make it corner very well.  The
autocross guys know all the tricks for earlies and lates.
-- Larry

Larry Forman