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Any narrowing problems putting a C4 vette rear suspension un


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I'm sure Scottie will weigh in on this, but as I recall (and you can search the Drivetrain forum, using his hybridz ID to get all of his posts on the subject), he said it was quite a bit of trouble and I don't think he recommended others following in his footsteps.

 

Going with 280zxt CV halfshafts and RossC's adapters is a pretty cheap and easy way to strengthen the rear. I think Scottie was after some low (numerically) gears and that was a primary consideration for his choice of the C4 rear.

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As I have stated in previous posts and to folks in private emails, you cannot fit the C4 IRS under the stock fenders w/o cutting it more than 1.5" on each side like I did. A C4 Vette, when measured from the outside edges of the tires is 70" wide. They use very wide wheels and tires (255/50-16 on 16x8.5) but the wheels have a deep 5.5" backspacing. If you used the Z-28 wheels (16x8, 6" BS) and narrower tires you could probably reduce that a little over 1".

 

Even if you could, you need to ask yourself - Do you really need this? I will admit the benefits are many with Camber, Toe, bumpsteer adjustments, some trick lower arms that keep the rubber planted, coilovers and adjustable shocks, the handling is great. BTW, the last 3 are my own mods and if you are familiar with the C4 IRS you will see that my mods make mine radically different from stock. However, it is not like the Z, when properly modified, is a slug in the twisties. I did not go to the C4 for what I just mentioned. I went to it because it was available cheap, was an enginering challenge and presented a solution to getting a final drive ratio in the 3.0 to 3.1 range. If it was not so damned costly to upgrade the R200 with stronger axles, NISMO 3.15:1 ratio and LSD, I would have stayed with the Datsun IRS.

 

If you are not a skilled fabricator, cannot do most of the work yourself and could possibly be intimated by this challenge, you do not want to go this route. Unless you are running a low-revving torque-monster like my engine and cutting 130mph in the 1/4-mile, you should not have the gear ratio problem. I am also sure there are Z folks who can make the stock suspension match the performance of a C4.

 

Sounds like I am talking you out of it? No, just trying to make sure you understand what you might be getting into. If you still plan on doing it, I will certainly offer help.

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