Lowering a C3
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: Twin Falls Idaho
Lowering a C3
What's the best way to lower a C3? I've got a '78, and want to get it lower...what can I do?
Also, What size tires and wheels can I use to fill up the wheelwell? I don't like the "wagonwheel" look, as I call it. I think the 25" wheels look silly, and only have their place on stagecoaches...not on a modern sports car. Any suggestions??
Also, What size tires and wheels can I use to fill up the wheelwell? I don't like the "wagonwheel" look, as I call it. I think the 25" wheels look silly, and only have their place on stagecoaches...not on a modern sports car. Any suggestions??
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,321
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From: Reno NV
St. Jude Donor '08
Lowering the front - Cut half a coil off the spring until you get the height you want.
Lowering the back - Get longer spring bolts (10'') and adjust as desired.
As for the "wagonwheel" Personal pref...
Lowering the back - Get longer spring bolts (10'') and adjust as desired.
As for the "wagonwheel" Personal pref...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
As said above: cut the spring (1/2 coil) and get longer bolts for the rear (8" or 10" - original is 6")
You may want to consider two new springs for the front, the 550lbs springs (VBP or others) lower the front 1"
You may want to consider two new springs for the front, the 550lbs springs (VBP or others) lower the front 1"
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,758
Likes: 4
From: Medford, Or
Another way of lowering the front is to go with Vettebrakes monoleaf set up. It will give you 3" of adjustment & improve handling.
Dan
www.vetteworksonline.com
Dan
www.vetteworksonline.com
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: Twin Falls Idaho
Originally Posted by vettedan
Another way of lowering the front is to go with Vettebrakes monoleaf set up. It will give you 3" of adjustment & improve handling.
Dan
www.vetteworksonline.com
Dan
www.vetteworksonline.com
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,321
Likes: 0
From: Reno NV
St. Jude Donor '08
The first time it can be a pain, more because they probably never been out before. I have down to about an hour from start to putting back together while drinking a beer or two. 
www.corvettefaq.com can help you with a lot of your questions.
David
www.corvettefaq.com can help you with a lot of your questions.David
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,758
Likes: 4
From: Medford, Or
Originally Posted by trevkris2
That set-up looks TIGHT! Like.."Tiger Woods" tight! I've seen it before, but wondered if it was a difficult install. I"ve never removed the frt coil spring in a vehicle before, and wondered what the process is in that? Is it a big job??
Dan
www.vetteworksonline.com
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,161
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From: pr, frederick md.
big girls rule
if you dont wanna go with the big girls, then cutting the coil is the cheapest way to go. only cut with a cutting wheel or sawzall. never with a torch. as ive posted before, with my 550 coils, they did not fit in the top AND lower notches/spring pocket. they are already to long to start with! i eyballed a straight line down the length of my coil, and cut it so the ends would be equal or in a straight line. this made about a 3 1/2 peice left over ( prevoius post was incorrect at 1 1/2 ), and now i have 1/2 from tire to fender. and they fit properly in both the top and bottom pockets.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,415
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
8" bolts should have lowered the body/you do not want to tighten the bolts until the nut goes all the way up/you want to screw the nut on until only a few threads stick through the bottom of the nut--preferably a self-locking nut....but the car may need to be rolled back and forth in the driveway to get the rear suspension to settle into place.
Can you post a picture of the bolt/spring/tire so we have an idea of what you are talking about?
Last edited by doorgunner; Mar 28, 2015 at 10:24 PM.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 671
Likes: 10
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
long bolts
If you run the nut up the longer bolt you defeated the purpose of the longer bolt. In effect what you did was shorten the bolt.
As said earlier just run it on. I think there is a cotter pin if not use a self locker.
As said earlier just run it on. I think there is a cotter pin if not use a self locker.
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Lowering C3
You must have done a Forum Search.....you replied to a VERY old thread.......2004.......you broke my old-thread-reply record!
8" bolts should have lowered the body/you do not want to tighten the bolts until the nut goes all the way up/you want to screw the nut on until only a few threads stick through the bottom of the nut--preferably a self-locking nut....but the car may need to be rolled back and forth in the driveway to get the rear suspension to settle into place.
Can you post a picture of the bolt/spring/tire so we have an idea of what you are talking about?
8" bolts should have lowered the body/you do not want to tighten the bolts until the nut goes all the way up/you want to screw the nut on until only a few threads stick through the bottom of the nut--preferably a self-locking nut....but the car may need to be rolled back and forth in the driveway to get the rear suspension to settle into place.
Can you post a picture of the bolt/spring/tire so we have an idea of what you are talking about?
I'm new to forum
Just got this corvette 1 month ago
Been working on it at nights after work
I'm not sure how to upload pics
Thanks for the help
Again sorry
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Looks good
I noticed your bolt is on top
I was told to put mine inside like the original was
Maybe that's the problem
I just did the breaks
New cross drilled rotors and new calipers
Wasn't able to finish bleeding ran out of time
Thanks for all your help guys
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 14
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