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Howdy, been lurking on here for 2 years now, I'm getting ready to install a 1989 corvette IFS in my 54 1/2 ton 5 window. What I was wondering is if anyone out there has had any dealings with Flat out Engineering or Progressive Automotive. I'm trying to make up my mind who to go with. Also been wondering about motor mounts. Any fed back will be greatly appreciated. Thanks Dean

Let me be the first to welcome you to the Bolt.
Don't know anything about a vette ifs only camaro's.
I'm sure someone will be along to help you.

Bob Shetrone at Progressive is a great guy to deal with. Talk to him, tell him what you want to do, and he'll fix you right up. My Progressive StreetRide IFS and ProSlip rear haven't given me a lick of trouble in 40,000 miles of 4 season Illinois potholes.

Welcome to the 'bolt!

Can't say I know much about either of those vendors, but I'd like to see pictures as you do this install.

I drive a C4 Corvette daily and have often wished one of my old trucks had the same precise confident feel going down the road.

Thanks Chuck, I'm leaningtowards progressive. I sent them both emails and I'm waiting to see what kind of response I get.Oh and thank you Wilbur and thanks to you also Oldsub.

Thanks Robin, I'll keep in touch. I'm kind of wondering how the engine mounting will go. Thanks again...........

I've got a 283 in it now that runs real well. Might put a 350 in it later. I've got one here sitting in the garage.

I have a 36 Master Sedan with Progressive's front kit for C4 Corvettes. The frame on a 36 Master is the same channel style as AD pickups though not so large nor as wide. The install was a one day deal with help from a friend. I was impressed with the quality of the front crossmember and the rest of the kit. They also furnished an 83-88? Thunderbird power rack and pinion that had been rebuilt (same 3 turn lock to lock as Corvette) and a top plate for the upper A-arms as well as the through bolts for the lower A-arms and fasteners. I'm still building so can't vouch for the drive but the install went well and instructions are pretty straight forward. I called Progressive for one question and they were most helpful.

I'm wondering if you thought about using the Corvette crossmember and steering instead of a kit. I think you are wide enough between the frame rails. I looked at doing that but didn't feel comfortable whacking away as much crossmember or frame as fitting the corvette x-member would have required on my narrower 36 sedan even though I have seen another 36 that did use the corvette crossmember. I studied how it could be done and by whacking away the engine mounts on the corvette crossmember you gain the room and a much cleaner looking install. Likely you would want your engine mounts further back anyhow. The advantage of using that is that you have the factory geometry. The only concerns I can see are that 1)it may be too wide though the use of backspaced wheels can overcome a lot of that and 2) its going to set you down in the weeds unless you do some innovative mounting of the corvette ifs on the chevy frame. Might be you could set the frame rails higher on the corvette crossmember but that stil leaves the crossmember barely able to clear a brick on the road. Even my progressive setup on my 36 puts the crossmember where the brick has to be laying in its lowest position to clear.

FWIW I used motor mounts from Chassis Engineering that look like flathead ford mounts. They work great and look pretty cool.

A tip: think about your steering shaft mounting when you think about motor mounts and make a template out of a broom stick or pieces taped together with duct tape to figure out ahead of time how you are going to do that because they will be fighting eachother for space most likely
Jerry

Hey just wanted to chime in on this subject as it is near and dear to me. I have a '48 Chevy 5 window that Flat-Out Engineering used to develop their "kit" for. Since that was *years ago* there may be some changes but there may be some questions you'd like to at least ask them before you buy.

First, they set up their kit for use with Aldan coilovers now but mine was set up for Carrera coilovers. A personal preference but one I'd make again. If you have a preference, they can tailor kits if they're still the small business they used to be.

Second, mine was not set up for sway bars; front or rear. Could it use them? Yes. Do they now? Ask if you care.

Third, the ride height I had setup was _low_ cause that's the way I roll. If that's not what you're looking for... ask. Get a good answer like how high would frame be front and rear with 18" wheels and 60 series tires. Whatever you're running they should be able to give you a clear idea of stance.

If you've got any specific questions about my setup, such as ride height, spring rates and damping, etc. send me an e-mail and I'll try to help out. Posting here won't usually get a response from me cause I only check when I need something
jeffrey.kaspar@ca.rr.com