The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Corvette Style IFS

I've done a search on here and found some old post back in 2007 or so about the Corvette Style IFS. From what I can tell nobody ever did update the post after they had it installed. So since it's been a few years since those posts I'm hoping that somebody has put one of these, either flat out engineering's version or Progressive Automotive's version. What I'm wanting to know is your though on it driving wise, installation wise, pros, cons, etc. and which one you went with. Any pictures would be appreciated. I’m trying my best not to disgrace the GM brand too bad so I want to go with as much GM as possible. So far the only none GM I know I’m going to have to go with is the 9 inch Ford Rear End. I am hoping to try to order the cross member before Thanksgiving if I can get the funds up.

Thanks in advance.

Well, what generation Corvette? I have a 1968 Corvette convertible, which is my prized possession. The IFS feels really good in that, even with the weight of a big block engine, which weighs about the same as a stovebolt. If you are using the second or third generation IFS though, you'd better make sure you order some big block springs for that sucker though.

Now if you're using a 4th or 5th gen suspension, that I'm not so familiar with. If you still need pics of how my 1968 suspension is set up...in the Corvette and not a truck...let me know and I'll send you some.

According to both progressive automotive and also flat out engineering it is the fourth generation 1984 - 1996: Progressive Automotive search for 1947-55 (1st Ser.) Chevy trucks or Flat Out Engineering Price List . I am thinking of getting the 88 - 96 since it's hub to hub if I remember correct is the closest to the stock hub to hub for my year truck. I am however leaning toward the progessive as I am thinking about getting a Frame X-members with transmission mounts

I drive a C4 almost everyday and the IFS or at least the sharp precise handling of the whole package is certainly a joy to drive.

But I've not installed it in an old truck so I can't comment on the kits.

I am using an '87 vette IFS and IRS under my Opel project, however I am building a custom chassis to keep everything together vs the factory cross members.

That is the best I can help with. Both kits appear to be simple and straight forward. If the geometry is correct, then they would make an excellent IFS for your truck.

Last winter I installed a 1984 C4 front end on my '39 Packard streetrod. Picked it up on eBay for $500.00. I love the way it handles and steers. But, there is also a downside. You have very few options as to ride height with the monoleaft spring.

I bought a door from a guy here in Iowa that used a C6 corvette front and rear installed onhis panel truck frame. He had very little knotching to to in the front and it slid right in. It looked great. The rear took a little more work making some mounts little modifying.

He bought it on Ebay from a guy called texasvette I think. He said $1000 for both including the shipping.

Those C4's do handle. My brother's will corner harder than anything I've ever been in. His C4 needed help in the engine department but I was very impressed with his suspension.

Thats why they make coil over conversions for the C-4 IFS

C5 and C6 seem to have a more sophisticated suspension that is softer than the C4 but still corners hard. It effectively keeps the tires tight to the road better.

But the rear transaxle design with a torque tube between the clutch and transmission doesn't work for me in a swap situation.

I never met a car that couldn't use more power. My 'vette is fast but sure could be faster.

First I want to thank everybody for your response even if you haven't done this on a truck just hearing what everybody is saying about the handeling of the C4 I can tell I won't be going wrong with this IFS.

beltfed,

I will probably also be inncorriaprating the air ride supsension so that should help out with the ride height. I email the one of the people at the flat out place about a month or so ago and they said that in place of their coil over shocks that I can go with the Air Ride Technology "Shockwaves" instead. He also said to make sure I set the camber and all when i'm at ride heigh so it will go down the road correctly.

My 49 Chevy Truck, I think you are headed in the right direction. At the time of install I didn't know how far the frontend would come down and if it settled to what I liked I could save the cost of the additional parts. It now looks like it "plows" the road with the Packard big pointed grill. My hotrod/streetrod buddies love it and it got a pic in a major mag last month, but I was going for more level look. If I could get bigger tires under the front it would help but can't due to fender rub and brake caliper. I may go with coil overs this winter if I don't start a new build. A '38/'39 Lincoln Zephyr coupe if I could find one. Know where one's at?

Beltfed,

Naw I don't know where one of those are at but will keep my ear out and let you know if i do. You have any pictures of your street rod that I can look through?

I have a number of them from the day we started 'blowing' it apart to completion. I will upload some of them to photobucket and post the link a little later as I have several 'honey-dos' to tend to first.
Beltfed

Here are the pics of the C4 installation.
Beltfed
www.photobucket.com/albums/ff110/beltfed_photos

Thanks for the pictures beltfed. You going to try to make it down to cursin the coast in oct?