chadluedecke

I have read that you can lower a C5 with the stock bolts and I have also seen lowering bolts for a C5. What I was wondering was how far can you lower your car on the stock bolts before you need to go to the aftermarket lowering bolts, ie.. - down a 1/8", 1/4", 1/2" or what?

Thanks!!

Also, any links to threads or posts on how to do this would be helpful!

Thanks Again!!

Glennm27

About an inch on stock bolts

Lowering a C5

97C5driver

and think about upgrading to better quality bolt (higher grade). it will cost you about $10. I had 2 stock bolts snap on me while I was driving.

DefenderC5

It comes out to about 3/4" to 1" on the stock bolts. It sits quite low even with stock bolts (avatar is not lowered). When I parked next to my friends stock C5 coupe, there was a very apparent difference in height both in tire gap and roof level.

chadluedecke

Hey, That's Great! An inch is all that I was looking for! Now, I wonder if there is anyone in my area that is willing to give me a hand. I'll bring refreshments!!

chadluedecke

Okay, I have to ask... What exactly happens if the stock bolts break while driving?

Lithium

I took my bolts completely out (in the front), and it looks great. They have been out for about 2 years now, no problems. You need to be careful where you drive because it's so low, but other than that no problems. I can barely get my foot under the car at the doors.

So if your front ones broke nothing

Back ones would be a differnet story.

Either all in or all out IMO!

hotwheels57

The amount of drop on stock oem bolts w/o cutting the bushings will vary from car to car due to shocks, springs in the suspension, overall mileage, etc. OD of the tires/wheels plays a part in the visual result.
Some have reported as much as 1", others have reported 5/8 to 3/4". If you look at the front end for example, the distance between the top of the bushing to the bottom of the spring is only 5/8" (measure the threads showing). So, you'd expect that to be the maximum, but releasing tension on the front spring also figures into the equation. It'll also take some time and varied driving habits to settle down completely.

WildTurkey

Here is a pic of mine lowered a few weeks ago on stock bolts.....

chadluedecke

That's Sweet!

97C5driver

what happens is your spring will immediately hit the pavement and start dragging. There is no way you can drive it until you jack up the rear, compress the spring and stick a new bolt it. So I had it towed 2 times and thank god I was driving at slow speeds. Once over a railroad track it busted. The second time, I was just driving down the road about 40mph at night and all of a sudden BOOM! i thought i popped my tire. The damn bolt busted for no reason! If it broke on the freeway,or around a fast turn, i would have been screwed big time.

So spend the $10 bucks and get some grade 8 bolts. I think the ones i got are 3/4". Much thicker than stock also and fit nicely.

When originally lowering the rear, I def. noticed a difference within a few days. It will take a few days and some driving time for it to settle all the way down.

Good Luck!