Height
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Pro
Joined: Feb 2024
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From: SOUTH EAST
Height
I think today I’ll go and measure the space under the vette between the ground and the lowest part of the car. I’m just curious.
I measured 3 1/2 inches of clearance….ouch
I measured 3 1/2 inches of clearance….ouch
Last edited by BET VETTE; May 4, 2026 at 12:36 PM.
Advanced
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Heel & Toe
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You must be lowered - my stock 88 has a clearance of about 120mm or 4.7 inches. I know because car transport companies in Australia routinely try and charge a premium for cars with a clearance less than 150mm or 6 inches.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
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what year, coupe or convertible? the minimum clearance spec on '86 coupes is 4.7inches, but haven't found the spec for my '86 vert. I think the vert x-brace may reduce clearance, as all the ones i've seen for sale are smashed.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: south wilmington il.
I already thought about that for the tires. Now I'm working on helium infused spray foam to fill all the nooks and crannys making the car lighter and higher. Only problem i have is working with the helium makes your voice sound funny, so all i end up doing is laughing my *** off instead of accomplishing anything.
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Pro
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From: SOUTH EAST
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Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
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well, it seems the x-brace reduces ground clearance on your convertible to 3 1/2 inches. which is unfortunate. I've chosen to not try and find an undamaged one just for that reason. also, I don't plan on auto-crossing or other types of racing, the brace needs to be removed for some services coupled with the expense of the parts, shipping and installation all point to leaving it off.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2024
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From: SOUTH EAST
So far the x braces has not interferes with the basic maintenance , it’s there for a reason from the factory and other then speed bump in a shopping center ( if I go really slow I’ll be fine) it has not come to my attention. 👍
Racer
Joined: Oct 2012
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Not that it's necessarily relevent to this particular conversation but any chance to reinforce the point is a good one:
The convertible x-brace is not there to stiffen the chassis overall, it was put there to eliminate a localized vibration in the floor plan created when they lopped off the top, per Dave McLellan himself.
The convertible x-brace is not there to stiffen the chassis overall, it was put there to eliminate a localized vibration in the floor plan created when they lopped off the top, per Dave McLellan himself.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
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am in the middle of doing a deep dive into the C4 frame design, thx for pointing me in that direction. much more to go. looking at mclellan's frame design images, description of the design's intent, am now not concerned about the lack of an x-brace on my vert. wondering if he took a cue on the thick vertical sills such as on MB's gullwing, or are they both a solution to their particular chassis design needs. anyhow, great reading.
Last edited by standswithabeer; May 8, 2026 at 01:25 PM.
