lowering my '81
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Texas
lowering my '81
hey all! im Roy from the Dallas area. new to teh site and stingrays in general. not new to modding though. i own a modded CTS and Honda Accord as well.
well, after some trolling, ive got a few questions on lowering my '81.
to do this, i need to cut the front springs, and change out some bolts in the rear??? is that right? sorry if thats a dumbass question. haha. but i want at lest an inch/inch and a half drop. what all is needed?
any input welcome. thanks in advance!
well, after some trolling, ive got a few questions on lowering my '81.
to do this, i need to cut the front springs, and change out some bolts in the rear??? is that right? sorry if thats a dumbass question. haha. but i want at lest an inch/inch and a half drop. what all is needed?
any input welcome. thanks in advance!
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 766
Likes: 3
From: Charlotte North Carolina 704-394-5150
If you choose to do so, You can cut the coil springs but do not use a torch. Re-install and check the height. The rear does require using longer bolts for the outer mount points of the leaf spring.
I will not lower Corvettes any longer in my town only becasue the roads are not good for it. It often times requires the owner to "re-learn" how to drive their car, especially when entering driveways and dealing with speed bumps and other road issues. They end up tearing up in not off the lower air deflector and then look at me like I did something wrong. Then I REMIND them that I told them that it was THEIR choice even though I told them I was not responsible on how they drive their car and if anythiing happens.... IT is all on them. The choice is yours also.
"DUB"
I will not lower Corvettes any longer in my town only becasue the roads are not good for it. It often times requires the owner to "re-learn" how to drive their car, especially when entering driveways and dealing with speed bumps and other road issues. They end up tearing up in not off the lower air deflector and then look at me like I did something wrong. Then I REMIND them that I told them that it was THEIR choice even though I told them I was not responsible on how they drive their car and if anythiing happens.... IT is all on them. The choice is yours also.
"DUB"
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 766
Likes: 3
From: Charlotte North Carolina 704-394-5150
I doubt that you would alter your height that much...depending on how much to plan to drop the rear. Just make sure that your rear is slightly above the height of the front. I would say at least 1/2" to 1". Due to your weight transfer when you accelerate you do not what the rear so squat so much that it is lower than the front when you are driving.
But if you lower the rear it is possible that the bottom edge of the front bumper will raise slightly, probably not that noticable at all but it will change. And depending it you have a lower air dam that you want to be a specific height, that dimension will change. It has to, but to what degree of change will depend on the amount of drop in the rear.
"DUB"
But if you lower the rear it is possible that the bottom edge of the front bumper will raise slightly, probably not that noticable at all but it will change. And depending it you have a lower air dam that you want to be a specific height, that dimension will change. It has to, but to what degree of change will depend on the amount of drop in the rear.
"DUB"
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Texas
If you choose to do so, You can cut the coil springs but do not use a torch. Re-install and check the height. The rear does require using longer bolts for the outer mount points of the leaf spring.
I will not lower Corvettes any longer in my town only becasue the roads are not good for it. It often times requires the owner to "re-learn" how to drive their car, especially when entering driveways and dealing with speed bumps and other road issues. They end up tearing up in not off the lower air deflector and then look at me like I did something wrong. Then I REMIND them that I told them that it was THEIR choice even though I told them I was not responsible on how they drive their car and if anythiing happens.... IT is all on them. The choice is yours also.
"DUB"
I will not lower Corvettes any longer in my town only becasue the roads are not good for it. It often times requires the owner to "re-learn" how to drive their car, especially when entering driveways and dealing with speed bumps and other road issues. They end up tearing up in not off the lower air deflector and then look at me like I did something wrong. Then I REMIND them that I told them that it was THEIR choice even though I told them I was not responsible on how they drive their car and if anythiing happens.... IT is all on them. The choice is yours also.
"DUB"
im new to older cars, but wont cutting the front springs blow my shocks? its a no no in the car communities i belong to. should i just upgrade the shocks to something stiffer? also, what is the ideal tool for cutting the springs themselves? sorry for the noOb questions.
also, going low isnt new to me. the roads are real bad in my area. i just put places off limits to my cars, and memorize all potholes, and dips, bumps, ect. check it:
my caddy is goin even lower. like, to the deck, lower. lol
LET THE HONDA/RICE FLAMING BEGIN! :-D
i like a lil bit of everything as you can see.
Last edited by bedlam; Jun 29, 2009 at 12:26 PM.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 545
Likes: 2
From: Peoplez Republik (communist portland) Orygun
Welcome to the forum. Let's see some pics of the 81.
I doubt anyone's gonna give you grief about your Honda (or whatever else in the hell you drive) as the majority of us are car guys who have "other" cars too.
In my opinion (keep that in mind) it's best just to buy a set of 550# coils and a VB&P mono spring for the rear. This will lower your car and give you substantially better ride and handling.
The 550 coil lowered my front almost exactly 1" and the rear spring with longer bolts lowered the rear exactly 1".
Again, no cutting was needed & it actually rides better. Throw on the sway bar kit, Bilstein Sports, new bushings etc etc... awesome!
Perhaps you want the lower "street look"? If this is the case, go ahead and cut coils as low in the hell you want to go. BUT... These are older cars (safety first!).
I doubt anyone's gonna give you grief about your Honda (or whatever else in the hell you drive) as the majority of us are car guys who have "other" cars too.
In my opinion (keep that in mind) it's best just to buy a set of 550# coils and a VB&P mono spring for the rear. This will lower your car and give you substantially better ride and handling.
The 550 coil lowered my front almost exactly 1" and the rear spring with longer bolts lowered the rear exactly 1".
Again, no cutting was needed & it actually rides better. Throw on the sway bar kit, Bilstein Sports, new bushings etc etc... awesome!
Perhaps you want the lower "street look"? If this is the case, go ahead and cut coils as low in the hell you want to go. BUT... These are older cars (safety first!).
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Texas
Welcome to the forum. Let's see some pics of the 81.
I doubt anyone's gonna give you grief about your Honda (or whatever else in the hell you drive) as the majority of us are car guys who have "other" cars too.
In my opinion (keep that in mind) it's best just to buy a set of 550# coils and a VB&P mono spring for the rear. This will lower your car and give you substantially better ride and handling.
The 550 coil lowered my front almost exactly 1" and the rear spring with longer bolts lowered the rear exactly 1".
Again, no cutting was needed & it actually rides better. Throw on the sway bar kit, Bilstein Sports, new bushings etc etc... awesome!
Perhaps you want the lower "street look"? If this is the case, go ahead and cut coils as low in the hell you want to go. BUT... These are older cars (safety first!).
I doubt anyone's gonna give you grief about your Honda (or whatever else in the hell you drive) as the majority of us are car guys who have "other" cars too.
In my opinion (keep that in mind) it's best just to buy a set of 550# coils and a VB&P mono spring for the rear. This will lower your car and give you substantially better ride and handling.
The 550 coil lowered my front almost exactly 1" and the rear spring with longer bolts lowered the rear exactly 1".
Again, no cutting was needed & it actually rides better. Throw on the sway bar kit, Bilstein Sports, new bushings etc etc... awesome!
Perhaps you want the lower "street look"? If this is the case, go ahead and cut coils as low in the hell you want to go. BUT... These are older cars (safety first!).
thanks for the input. yeah, i dont want to do the "street" look thing really. i want to keep it as close to origional as possible. but i just HATE fender gap! i think its from the honda days. but now its a BIG thing too me. but i want safety and coomfort. ive never heard of the 550# option. one inch may be enough for my taste. i want to keep the stock wheel and tire sizes.
how much did the front and rear run you on that kit? if you dont mind me asking. or maybe someone has a link or link to a DIY on it.
THANKS AGAIN!!
here are a few pics that i have so far of the '81. sorry they are so horrible. they are from my iphone. it needs new paint and small little things. i needed a new project.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,631
Likes: 293
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
yeah just cut your front coils and get some longer bolts for the rear....now if you're wanting better handling and a stiffer ride do go ahead and get the 550s upfront and a new fiberglass leaf for the rear.
i cut my 460s up front and new leaf for the rear...i may go to the 550s in the front once i get it painted.......but then again, I'm like you i like my cars low......it's not a daily driver, so i don't mind it!
i like the caddy! enjoy your vette!
here's a pic of mine after i cut the 460s cut.
before (cut stock springs)
after cut 460s:
i cut my 460s up front and new leaf for the rear...i may go to the 550s in the front once i get it painted.......but then again, I'm like you i like my cars low......it's not a daily driver, so i don't mind it!
i like the caddy! enjoy your vette!
here's a pic of mine after i cut the 460s cut.
before (cut stock springs)
after cut 460s:
Last edited by bluegtp; Jun 29, 2009 at 10:36 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Texas
those Z06 wheels are sexy as hell man!
well cool. for now ill cut the stock springs and upgrade the shocks to something a bit stiffer. but someone explain, or show me a thread/guide on how adding longer bolts to the (im guessing) rear leaf, lowers the car? lol. im confused. once again guys, sorry for teh noOb Q&A.
well cool. for now ill cut the stock springs and upgrade the shocks to something a bit stiffer. but someone explain, or show me a thread/guide on how adding longer bolts to the (im guessing) rear leaf, lowers the car? lol. im confused. once again guys, sorry for teh noOb Q&A.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 4
From: Anderson SC
The rear of the car kinda "hangs upside down" from the bottom ends of the spring via the 2 bolts. Make them longer and the car hangs lower. Conversely... to raise the car as my factory splring failed, I added big fender washers.
-W
-W
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,631
Likes: 293
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
ok,
try to picture the spring while reading this.
uninstalled the spring naturally has an arch to it (unloaded), so when it's installed under the car and the car is put back on the ground the weight of the car more or less straightens out the spring out and compresses it just like a coil spring (loaded).
so, installing longer bolts relieves the spring of tension which in turn lowers the car. the shorter bolts put more tension on the spring by straightening it out and raises the car.
I have 10" bolts in mine, i too put some spacers to raise the rear up a little more than the bolts would allow me to.
I hope this makes sense, it's 1 a.m. so someone correct me if i'm wrong!
try to picture the spring while reading this.
uninstalled the spring naturally has an arch to it (unloaded), so when it's installed under the car and the car is put back on the ground the weight of the car more or less straightens out the spring out and compresses it just like a coil spring (loaded).
so, installing longer bolts relieves the spring of tension which in turn lowers the car. the shorter bolts put more tension on the spring by straightening it out and raises the car.
I have 10" bolts in mine, i too put some spacers to raise the rear up a little more than the bolts would allow me to.
I hope this makes sense, it's 1 a.m. so someone correct me if i'm wrong!
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,631
Likes: 293
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
addballer696 bluegtp, I really like the how that size tire looks. Whats the specs on those? are those 17 inch rims?
bedlam those Z06 wheels are sexy as hell man!
Ryan
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 766
Likes: 3
From: Charlotte North Carolina 704-394-5150
bedlam,
Just as a note to you. The responses from the others about using VB&P'S 460# or 550# front coils are right on the mark in my opinion. IF you are going to cut them use a hacksaw or cut off wheel and TRY not to allow the spring to get to hot if using an abrasive disc cut-off disc. DO NOT USE A CUTTING TORCH FOR CUTTING COIL SPRINGS. If you have any doubts call Vette Brakes and Products and talk to the tech department and they will be glad to answer any questions you may have.
Also remember if you are using a fiberglass rear leaf spring to make every attempt possible to protect it from heat from the exhaust pipes. Heat is not good for the fiberglass rear leafs and GM even installed a heat barrier shield under your rear differential to TRY to aid in this issue when the '81 Vettes came out with fiberglass springs. VB&P will confirm this issue when you talk to them.
"DUB"
Just as a note to you. The responses from the others about using VB&P'S 460# or 550# front coils are right on the mark in my opinion. IF you are going to cut them use a hacksaw or cut off wheel and TRY not to allow the spring to get to hot if using an abrasive disc cut-off disc. DO NOT USE A CUTTING TORCH FOR CUTTING COIL SPRINGS. If you have any doubts call Vette Brakes and Products and talk to the tech department and they will be glad to answer any questions you may have.
Also remember if you are using a fiberglass rear leaf spring to make every attempt possible to protect it from heat from the exhaust pipes. Heat is not good for the fiberglass rear leafs and GM even installed a heat barrier shield under your rear differential to TRY to aid in this issue when the '81 Vettes came out with fiberglass springs. VB&P will confirm this issue when you talk to them.
"DUB"
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Texas
awesome. thanks. i understand. i remembered how the leaf went in, but didnt quite realize the tension thing with longer/shorter bolts.
thanks for the input!
i wont be doing the cutting myself, as ive never done it before and want it done right. i found a corvette shop in dallas, and emaild them on a quote for having them cut.
i need to upgrade the front shocks though right? or are the OE ones good enough. cause they are new. if so, anyone try the KYB GR-2s? i had them on my accord before i went with adjustable dampers, and was kinda on the fence with em. and the bilsteins are expensive. lol.
-roy
bedlam,
Just as a note to you. The responses from the others about using VB&P'S 460# or 550# front coils are right on the mark in my opinion. IF you are going to cut them use a hacksaw or cut off wheel and TRY not to allow the spring to get to hot if using an abrasive disc cut-off disc. DO NOT USE A CUTTING TORCH FOR CUTTING COIL SPRINGS. If you have any doubts call Vette Brakes and Products and talk to the tech department and they will be glad to answer any questions you may have.
Also remember if you are using a fiberglass rear leaf spring to make every attempt possible to protect it from heat from the exhaust pipes. Heat is not good for the fiberglass rear leafs and GM even installed a heat barrier shield under your rear differential to TRY to aid in this issue when the '81 Vettes came out with fiberglass springs. VB&P will confirm this issue when you talk to them.
"DUB"
Just as a note to you. The responses from the others about using VB&P'S 460# or 550# front coils are right on the mark in my opinion. IF you are going to cut them use a hacksaw or cut off wheel and TRY not to allow the spring to get to hot if using an abrasive disc cut-off disc. DO NOT USE A CUTTING TORCH FOR CUTTING COIL SPRINGS. If you have any doubts call Vette Brakes and Products and talk to the tech department and they will be glad to answer any questions you may have.
Also remember if you are using a fiberglass rear leaf spring to make every attempt possible to protect it from heat from the exhaust pipes. Heat is not good for the fiberglass rear leafs and GM even installed a heat barrier shield under your rear differential to TRY to aid in this issue when the '81 Vettes came out with fiberglass springs. VB&P will confirm this issue when you talk to them.
"DUB"
i wont be doing the cutting myself, as ive never done it before and want it done right. i found a corvette shop in dallas, and emaild them on a quote for having them cut.
i need to upgrade the front shocks though right? or are the OE ones good enough. cause they are new. if so, anyone try the KYB GR-2s? i had them on my accord before i went with adjustable dampers, and was kinda on the fence with em. and the bilsteins are expensive. lol.
-roy
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Texas
are these the 550s yall are referring to? cause it says it may add an inch to the height in the discription??? unless im misunderstood.
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...7&dept_id=1826
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...7&dept_id=1826
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Texas
lol. oh yeah. 
is the number 550# referring to the lb/in?? if so these springs are soooo cheap. everywhere ive seen em is around 80 bucks. for my other cars the springs are like $300+ for quality. i like this option better.
is the number 550# referring to the lb/in?? if so these springs are soooo cheap. everywhere ive seen em is around 80 bucks. for my other cars the springs are like $300+ for quality. i like this option better.