BlackRocket

Those of you running 17x8's/18x9.5's did you lower the ride height from stock

I just bought a '69 coupe which has 15" rims f/r and narrow tires which looks very tame compared to some on the wheel/tire sticky above.

This car came with the VB&P system which has the new coils up front and fiberglass leaf in rear with Bilsteins at corners. The car has a terrible stance with the front end appearing higher than the rear

Those running wider wheel/tire combo's... did you cut the front coils or change them to something shorter?

Thanks!

Lobzila

I got the opposite effect when I changed over everything. My rear end sits up higher than I prefer and will be doing the coil over change next year some time. I got the front end sitting right where I want it, but even with the longer bolts in the back, its too high.

cooper9811

I have a modified 79 with a similar setup - fiberglass spring, bilstiens and also run 17X8 cragars - At first it also sat high.

I went to longer spring/TA bolts in the rear and went
to the Ecklers 550 spring to lower the overall stance by about an inch. I think it has a nicer stance now.

I might try a slightly taller tire next time around, but definitely needed to drop it after those mods. I also think the modified front calls for a more aggressive stance anyway.

resdoggie

If the only modification is just changing wheel/tire size, then the only way ride height can change is if the tire diameter changes. I changed to 18" wheels all around but paid attention to tire diameter when I purchased tires for the new wheels. The new diameter is 26.7" vs 27" original diameter. Hardly enough to notice. I like the stance of Lobzila's which is the same as mine. Old school look with the rear end raised.

cagotzmann

So which VB&P system ?

Weigh the car Front & Rear. This will help to see if it works with the springs you have.

This is my 78 with the VB&P Street Slalom Kit. No custom changes.

Running 18x 9.5 all around. (4.75" BS)

Front Weight = 1694 lbs Rear Weight 1673 lbs total = 3367 lbs

This is the factory suspension ride height.



This is with the VB&P Kit. Dropped the front about 1". Rear was set to match the front.


15" stock wheels.




Hear is the rear spring angles.

BlackRocket

What size tires are you running Cagotzman and how tall is that tire?

Thanks!

Taijutsu

My 245/60/15 are old. I would like to upgrade to something larger.
In my lurking it seems like this is the best deal. Eventually I want mini-flares that will allow 275 tires up front and 305-315 in rear.
What is the going rate for some C5 wheels w/tires and w/o tires?

TIA

R

cagotzmann

Factory 15x8 (4" BS) = 255 60R 15 = 27.05" BF TA's

custom 18x8 (4" BS) = 245 45R 18 = 26.68" Michelin Super Sports

custom 18x9.5 (4.75" BS) = 275 40R 18 = 26.65 " Nitto NT01

roscobbc

Agree with this - everyone wants to lower the car - I prefer stock'ish' ride height with OEM tyre diameter. Also prefer more suspension 'sit-down' when nailing gas and improved traction as a result,

dyerk

Lobzilla i I have the same color 69 and I love your wheel set up. What size are those and did it require any mods to fit. And what brand wheels? Sidepipe?

Lobzila

Thanks for the kind words. Those are Torque Thrust II's on Nitto NT555's. Required no mods for mounting. I forget the back spacing, but seem to think it was 4"?.
Next year she gets rear coil overs and new trailing arms.

Lobzila

Thanks for the kind words. Those are Torque Thrust II's on Nitto NT555's. Required no mods for mounting. I forget the back spacing, but seem to think it was 4"?. Side pipes are Hooker Header side pipe combo that I had the local powder coater heat treat the same color as the wheel inner color.
Next year she gets rear coil overs and new trailing arms.

dyerk

Lobzila,
I assume those are 18x9.5 or? what about the side pipes? Brand? color?

Thanks

Lobzila

Dyerk. Yes on the tire size. The side pipes are Hooker header side pipes. Came with the car when I bought it and were chrome to start out. Had some wear and tear so when I had my frame powder coated, I had them do the "Jet Hot" treatment on the exhaust to make them cooler. They still will burn your leg though. Ask me how I know.

ronarndt

68 Corvette with NOM 454

The PO put 18 x 8 on the front and 20 x 10 on the back. I put 460 lb/in coils on the front to replace the stock small block springs and kept the stock rear leaf spring. Stance is as shown in photo. PO also put F & R fender kit on the car.

worship79

Say, are those Boyd Coddington Junkyard Dog wheels?

roscobbc

Sure are - bought them 6 or 7 years back (when they were Boyd's)

clwi

I have VBP Performance Plus Pack on mine, adjustable all around.

worship79

Sweet ride!

Did you visit the Power Meet this year?

carriljc

RORARNDT --
Very nice looking. What model/brand/name are those wheels? Those look nice and clean and not overly cluttered.
Are they polished or chromed?
Would you share the backspace? (were any mods required?)