chassis height- proper measurement, OEM specs
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 517
Likes: 7
From: Peoria IL
chassis height- proper measurement, OEM specs
Hey guys,
I'm sorry but I couldn't find this simple answer in a search- I found way too much unrelated stuff.
What is the proper method for measuring chassis height? Is there a diagram somewhere?
Also, what's the baseline/OEM height using the proper method?
Like many of you, I'm not a fan of using the fender lip since there can be so much variability and the position of the fenders doesn't really tell you what the chassis is doing.
Thanks in advance!
I'm sorry but I couldn't find this simple answer in a search- I found way too much unrelated stuff.
What is the proper method for measuring chassis height? Is there a diagram somewhere?
Also, what's the baseline/OEM height using the proper method?
Like many of you, I'm not a fan of using the fender lip since there can be so much variability and the position of the fenders doesn't really tell you what the chassis is doing.
Thanks in advance!
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
Rick B.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,956
Likes: 409
From: California
but you will most likly find that the ride hight is high for these cars and a lot of us drop it 1-3" from stock... mine was so darn high I could have made it a 4*4
.... have already dropped it 2" and am going to drope it another 1" this month.... then it should be right.... 
.... have already dropped it 2" and am going to drope it another 1" this month.... then it should be right....
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 517
Likes: 7
From: Peoria IL
OK, what is the "right way" to drop the front end?
Mine has lost quite a bit of weight in the nose and sits too high now- even with the OEM springs. It kind of looks like a early 60's gasser... Is cutting the front springs really the right method?
The alignment shop says I have to change the lower ball joints anyway, and I think the bushings have seen better days, so this is the time to act...
Mine has lost quite a bit of weight in the nose and sits too high now- even with the OEM springs. It kind of looks like a early 60's gasser... Is cutting the front springs really the right method?
The alignment shop says I have to change the lower ball joints anyway, and I think the bushings have seen better days, so this is the time to act...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
That's correct. My AIM has a page with height measurements but they are from the ground to various points on the body, such as the wheel arches. I think you said earlier that you didn't want to use the body as a reference. The drawings on Barry's website are measured from the ground to various points on the frame.
Rick B.
Rick B.
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Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,956
Likes: 409
From: California
OK, what is the "right way" to drop the front end?
Mine has lost quite a bit of weight in the nose and sits too high now- even with the OEM springs. It kind of looks like a early 60's gasser... Is cutting the front springs really the right method?
The alignment shop says I have to change the lower ball joints anyway, and I think the bushings have seen better days, so this is the time to act...
Mine has lost quite a bit of weight in the nose and sits too high now- even with the OEM springs. It kind of looks like a early 60's gasser... Is cutting the front springs really the right method?
The alignment shop says I have to change the lower ball joints anyway, and I think the bushings have seen better days, so this is the time to act...
ok, just went down this path about 6 months ago... here is my reccomendations if you are into handeling.
change the front springs to 550# VBP springs and cut an additional 1/4 to 1/2 circle of spring off, I cut 1/4 but still sits to high for my liking, also keep in mind that this spring already dropes the car 1"
Change all the a-arm bushings with poly, BUT make sure you GREESE the heck out of them with good long lasting greese such as synthetic marine greese.
Geet MOOG ball joints
change to Bilstins sport schocks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
AIM factory ride heights...
...Z & D being the most accurate dimensions available for setting up suspension geometry, as variables such as non-original tires can significantly affect other measurements.
Factory recommended ride height specs for Trans AM/IMSA road race prep are Z=1" to 1.25", D=1.25", with full load of fuel and driver's weight aboard.
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/ChevyPower.pdf
TSW
...Z & D being the most accurate dimensions available for setting up suspension geometry, as variables such as non-original tires can significantly affect other measurements.
Factory recommended ride height specs for Trans AM/IMSA road race prep are Z=1" to 1.25", D=1.25", with full load of fuel and driver's weight aboard.
http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/ChevyPower.pdf
TSW
Last edited by TheSkunkWorks; Jun 23, 2009 at 03:18 PM.
