Front Coilover Conversions

Are you satisfied with how your classic Corvette feels in a tight corner? Does it seem kind of loose and drifty? Shark Bite coil-over kits will make your C2 or C3 substantially more responsive. It will go where you point it! Check out our options to update your ride!
The Shark Bite coil-over front spring and shock packages for 63-82 Corvettes allow for easy ride height changes without the need to disassemble the suspension. They also allow you to adjust the individual loads on each corner of the car for better, more balanced handling. The different spring rates available offer a smooth ride with great handling, unlike other bouncy front suspension conversions. All shocks are cutting edge race designs with velocity sensitive valving. Whether you have a full-time race car or a streetcar, these shocks will provide the best performance and ride quality available. Double adjustable shocks allow for both rebound and compression adjustments individually (unlike many other adjustable shocks). All shocks have 4 inches of total ride height adjustment and are constructed out of aluminum for lighter weight and better heat transfer. The shocks are completely rebuildable, making them lifetime components. A variety of different spring rates are available. The small-block springs are normally 400-inch lbs., and the big block is 450-inch lbs., depending on the use of the car. All springs are interchangeable, so customers can easily go with different spring rates to dial in the ride you are looking for and giving you the ability to corner hard! Learn more about ride height adjustment or shock valving and spring rates on our tech page.  
Each kit is a complete and includes 2 shocks, 2 springs, mounting adapters and all hardware.
Notes:
If you are using Vette Brakes control arms, you may not have all of the ride height adjustment available – you may not be able to lower the car quite as much as with stock control arms. Most customers can still drop the car 1″ with the Vette Brakes control arms without any problem.

Significant Improvement
Many improvements are possible on GM’s original suspension design for the C2 and C3 Corvette. Speed Direct has re-engineered a basic rear suspension element on this great car. In taking cues from the racing segment, we have developed a coil over solution that replaces the original transverse leaf spring. Our design incorporates a rocker arm coupled to the existing trailing arm through spherical joints. The rocker arm incorporates an advanced composite Teflon bearing that is extremely rugged requiring no lubrication over its lifetime. On the other end of the rocker is a coil-over shock assembly in which the owner can adjust both shock valving and ride height. This allows maximum flexibility in custom settings to tune the handling balance to the driver’s preference.

This unique kit  provides a significant improvement over the stock leaf spring and gives the adjustability that you are looking for. With the Shark Bite rear coil over suspension kit, the rear suspension is truly independent – no connection between the left and right side of the car, In addition, this product is completely bolt on! We know Corvette  In addition, this product is completely bolt on! We know Corvette many owners want to keep the option to return to stock, yet want to be able to take advantage of  something as revolutionary as Shark Bite technology. Kits work with many aftermarket components like offset trailing arms.

There are many spring and shock options available. Not sure what kit is right for you? Learn more about shock valving and spring rates in our tech section.

Notes:
If you plan to use single offset trailing arms with our rear coil over kit, there is a bracket that needs to be welded onto the offset trailing arm to provide a mounting location for the rear coil overs. This bracket is included with the kit. Shark Bite kits will NOT work with double offset trailing arms.

Spreader Bar in Aluminum or Carbon Fiber

These kits will fit C2-C3 1963-1982 Corvettes equipped with Shark Bite upper control arms, factory control arms or aftermarket tubular steel control arms. With this important accessory it is now possible to stabilize and stiffen the cross member. The C2-C3 cross member is notorious for the flimsy vertical attachment on the cross member where the upper a-arm bolts on. This weak point allows the upright to settle and flex inward, adversely changing the suspension geometry. With this new kit owners can spread the sagging vertical mounts back to their proper upright position in minutes and dramatically improve & stabilize the suspension geometry.

Installation takes about ten minutes with normal hand tools. Kits come complete with durable black powder coated left and right fittings, mounting hardware and aluminum spreader bar with spherical rod ends. Fits all Small Block equipped Corvette from 1963-1982. Visit our technical pages for a detailed article on why spreader bars are so important.

Upper Aluminum Control Arms

While the C2 and C3 are icons of the Corvette legend their suspension is a product of 1960’s engineering. The cars look great but on the track or autocross, they suffer from poor traction, even with sticky tires. That’s because the cars were never optimized to corner. Now SpeedDirect’s aluminum control arms greatly improve the suspension geometry which directly translates into improved handling and cornering ability. The aluminum upper a-arm kit provides increased positive caster for greater stability and improved bump steer while relocating the front roll center for significantly improved handling. (See our tech article on a-arms) They are also lighter than both stock and steel tubular control arms. Each side is 4 lbs less than the stock control arm, resulting in an 8 lb weight savings and reduction in un-sprung weight! They are significantly lighter than steel aftermarket a-arms. Designed as a true bolt-on kit, these control arms do not require any modification to the vehicle. Kits are available in a natural aluminum finish and come complete with clear illustrated instructions, bushings, cross shafts, and optional ball joints.

• New concept – no other aluminum control arms for 63-82 Corvettes are available

• Improved geometry over tubular steel a-arms currently on the market

• Heat treated aluminum casting for strength and durability

• High performance fluoropolymer composite bearing (similar to Teflon) which never needs lubrication

• Compatible with stock ball joint dimensions

• Available with performance ball joints for better roll center and camber gain, or without ball joints – to use OE ball joints
  Works with all other stock suspension parts

• Lighter weight than stock or tubular A-Arms (2.55 Lbs. without cross shaft, 4.25 Lbs. with cross shaft per side)
  Changes caster, camber and roll center for improved handling

• Strong with less flex than factory a-arm
  

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Lower Aluminum Control Arms

Shark Bite Aluminum Lower Control Arms for C2-C3 Corvettes (1963-82). Transform your vintage Corvette into a modern handling machine. The new alloy control arms offer a significant reduction in un-sprung weight for the front suspension. They are designed to accept coil over shocks & springs giving you the ability to adjust ride height, spring rate and shock response when paired with optional double adjustable shocks.

These rugged lower A-arms have a ridged aluminum design with PTFE-lined ball joint bearings to ensure accurate, repeatable suspension tracking throughout the entire range of travel. They are a huge improvement to the heavy, rubber bushed, stamped steel factory lower control arms they replace.

The a-arm kit comes complete and includes beefy cross shafts to virtually eliminate shaft flexing, which changes suspension geometry. U.S. made high quality precision ball joints as well as Grade 8 fasteners are also included.

• Significant reduction in un-sprung weight over factory a-arms

• Precision no maintenance PTFE-lined ball joint bearings for accurate repeatable suspension tracking, never needs lubrication

• Welded / machined aerospace alloy construction

• Heavy duty steel cross shaft

• Compatible with coil over shock & spring packages

• Precision U.S. made ball joints

• Complete bolt-on kit including Grade 8 fasteners

• Natural Aluminum Finish

Notes: Requires coil over shocks. They will not work with factory springs.

1st Stage - Cruiser Suspension Kit

For those who want a smooth ride that handles great this kit will update your C2 or C3 to take the curves in a precisely controlled manner. It addresses the deficiencies of the stock suspensions' lack of adjustability to set shock damping, ride height, and spring rate. You will be able to customize your Corvette to ride and handle the way you want. Unique Rear coil-overs design that eliminates the transverse “buggy” spring between sides making the suspension truly independent, something not even found on the C7! Also eliminating the rear transverse spring allows you to increase spring rates without jacking the rear end up as some aftermarket mono-leaf replacement springs do. The Cruiser adds the important element of a spreader bar.  Factory ‘Vettes have a weakness in the front spring towers that let them sag inward and distort alignment in a corner. The spreader bar will fix that problem putting & keeping the front frame where it needs to be.

Kit Includes:
Front & Rear Coilover Conversion Kits with Medium Rate Springs
Aluminum Differential Cover Kit
Carbon Fiber Spreader Bar Kit for Stock or Tubular A-Arms (Small Block Only)

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2nd Stage - Instigator Suspension Kit

For those who want to get more out of their C2 – C3 to take the curves on the street or autocross in an aggressive but controlled manner. It addresses the deficiencies of the stock suspensions' lack of adjustability to set shock damping, ride height, and spring rate. You will be able to customize your Corvette to ride and handle the way you want. The Instigator adds the important element of a spreader bar. Factory ‘Vettes have a weakness in the front spring towers that let them sag inward and distort alignment in a corner. The spreader bar will fix that problem putting & keeping the front frame where it needs to be. 

Unique Rear coil-overs design that eliminates the transverse “buggy” spring between sides making the suspension truly independent, something not even found on the C7! Also eliminating the rear transverse spring allows you to increase spring rates without jacking the rear end up as some aftermarket mono-leaf replacement springs do.

Kit Includes:
Front & Rear Coilover Conversion Kits with Medium Rate Springs
Aluminum Differential Cover Kit
Carbon Fiber Spreader Bar Kit for Stock or Tubular A-Arms (Small Block Only)
Front & Rear Sway Bars
Steeroids Rack & Pinion Conversion Kit, Power Steering

3rd Stage - Nemesis Suspension Kit

For those who want exceptional control and handling out of their C2 – C3 to corner hard on the street, track or autocross. It addresses the deficiencies of the stock suspensions' lack of adjustability to set shock damping, ride height, and spring rate. You will be able to customize your Corvette to handle the most challenging turns the way you want.  Factory ‘Vettes have a weakness in the front spring towers that let them sag inward and distort alignment in a corner. The spreader bar will fix that problem putting & keeping the front frame where it needs to be.

Unique Rear coil-overs design that eliminates the transverse “buggy” spring between sides making the suspension truly independent, something not even found on the C7! Also eliminating the rear transverse spring allows you to increase spring rates without jacking the rear end up as some aftermarket mono-leaf replacement springs do.

On top of all this, the kit includes the remarkable aluminum upper control arms. This piece of technology is what will make the winning difference by altering the front suspension geometry to hug a corner like no stock Corvette is capable of doing. The a-arm design enables the tire contact patch to be maximized to take full advantage of softer tire compounds or incredibly enhance street tires to offer maximum grip and lateral acceleration. You will feel the difference that no other aftermarket a-arm on the market can do.

Kit Includes:

• Front & Rear Coilover Conversion Kits with Medium Rate Springs

• Aluminum Differential Cover Kit

• Carbon Fiber Spreader Bar Kit for Shark Bite A-Arms (Small Block Only)

• Strut Rod Assembly

• Front & Rear Sway Bars

• Shark Bite Aluminum Upper A-Arms with Performance Ball Joints

• Steeroids Rack & Pinion Conversion, Power Steering

4th Stage - Dominator Suspension & Brake Kit

For those who want phenomenal control and handling out of their C2 – C3 to corner hard & dominate the street, track or autocross. It addresses the deficiencies of the stock suspensions' lack of adjustability to set shock damping, ride height, and spring rate. You will be able to customize your Corvette to handle the most challenging turns the way you want. The Dominator includes the important element of a spreader bar. Factory ‘Vettes have a weakness in the front spring towers that let them sag inward and distort alignment in a corner. The spreader bar will fix that problem putting & keeping the front frame where it needs to be.

Unique Rear coil-overs design that eliminates the transverse “buggy” spring between sides making the suspension truly independent, something not even found on the C7! Also eliminating the rear transverse spring allows you to increase spring rates without jacking the rear end up as some aftermarket mono-leaf replacement springs do.

The Dominator Kit includes the remarkable aluminum upper control arms. This piece of technology is what will make the winning difference by altering the front suspension geometry to hug a corner like no stock Corvette is capable of doing. The a-arm design enables the tire contact patch to be maximized to take full advantage of softer tire compounds or incredibly enhance street tires to offer maximum grip and lateral acceleration. You will feel the difference that no other aftermarket a-arm on the market can do. To match this unique upper a-arm we offer a companion lower control arm that reduces unsprung weight further which greatly improves the suspensions ability to cope with any surface.

Included is the legendary Steeroids rack & pinion conversion kit. This kit is THE original kit which brought rack and pinion to C2 – C3 Corvettes back in 2000. It removes the factory ho-hum steering box and transforms steering into a modern system that feels right and makes the car fun to drive. It also reduces weight and most importantly it is the only kit on the market that allows you to adjust for bump steer. Finally, you can fix a problem that the car had from the factory, or if your ride is lowered you can dial in for a “no surprises’ cornering.

If this wasn’t enough to dominate in the corners we added 13" Front & Rear Wilwood Brake Kits with Cross Drilled Rotors! This brake package will give any driver what is needed to bring a thundering Corvette down from over 100+ mph on the track in complete confidence to face a tight turn or switchback. The calipers are aluminum with six pistons per side on the front and four at the rear. The 13″ rotors will provide an amazing boost in braking torque you will never see with your stock calipers even with the best pads available. This tuned combination of superb handling and braking is unprecedented in any kit available and brings the C2 – C3 solidly into the 21st century.
Kit Includes:

• Front & Rear Coilover Conversion Kits with Medium Rate Springs

• Aluminum Differential Cover Kit

• Carbon Fiber Spreader Bar Kit for Shark Bite A-Arms (Small Block Only)

• Strut Rod Assembly

• Front & Rear Sway Bars

• Shark Bite Aluminum Upper & Lower A-Arms with Performance Ball Joints

• Steeroids Rack & Pinion Conversion, Power Steering

• Front & Rear Wilwood 13" Brake Kits with Cross Drilled Rotors