Lowering a Z51 84, spring upgrade kit?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
From: Forest Hill Maryland
Lowering a Z51 84, spring upgrade kit?
Getting ready, I think, to lower my 84 w/Z51. Now, I have seen the kit's both ways...w/ spring udgrade and w/out spring upgrade. For the people that have lowered the early C4's, do you need this kit and why??? 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,150
Likes: 304
From: Timra, Sweden
If you have a 1984 Z51 then you can only do spring downgrade. The hardest one made is already on your Corvette.
85 z51 has 591 / 500 ( front / rear ) lb/in spring rate.
84 Base has 363 / 445
85 z51 has 380 / 330
85 Base has 310 / 228
85 z51 has 591 / 500 ( front / rear ) lb/in spring rate.
84 Base has 363 / 445
85 z51 has 380 / 330
85 Base has 310 / 228
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
From: Forest Hill Maryland
Thanks Joby, it does ride like a rock, but if I lower it will it effect the ride...meaning make it harder?
As far as the spring...MAD only, sells the lowering kit and a spring mounting upgrade kit, thats what I meant by upgrade...not sure what this mounting kit does?? I dont believe CC or Ecklers sells the mounting kit.
As far as the spring...MAD only, sells the lowering kit and a spring mounting upgrade kit, thats what I meant by upgrade...not sure what this mounting kit does?? I dont believe CC or Ecklers sells the mounting kit.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Originally Posted by bdaly84
Thanks Joby, it does ride like a rock, but if I lower it will it effect the ride...meaning make it harder?
As far as the spring...MAD only, sells the lowering kit and a spring mounting upgrade kit, thats what I meant by upgrade...not sure what this mounting kit does?? I dont believe CC or Ecklers sells the mounting kit.
As far as the spring...MAD only, sells the lowering kit and a spring mounting upgrade kit, thats what I meant by upgrade...not sure what this mounting kit does?? I dont believe CC or Ecklers sells the mounting kit.
Yes you need them. I didn't use em and the wedges keep coming off, which can damage the spring. I've tried a few different superepoxies. It also squeaks like a sunuvubitch right there.
The retainers keep the spring pivots cinched down.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,001
Likes: 1
From: sd
Sorry to the original poster, I don't mean to hijack your thread but CentralCoaster I have a question for you? On www.digitalcorvettes.com they have a sticky on their c4 section and the guy that lowered his vette said he didn't use any wedges at all. Bare spring to metal is what I got out of it but since you have done the lowering job do you advise this? Also on the 85 is there anyway to simply modify the spring retainer without purchasing the kit from MAD? Thanks for your time! 
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/foru...ad.php?t=28875
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/foru...ad.php?t=28875
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Hell no.
That guy will tell you the rubber leftovers on the spring pivot will protect it, but that's not true. The metal is recessed almost 1/4" where the pivots go, so you need at least that much rubber on there.
That whole area fills with small rocks and sand, that will eat the spring up if it's too close to the metal.
That guy will tell you the rubber leftovers on the spring pivot will protect it, but that's not true. The metal is recessed almost 1/4" where the pivots go, so you need at least that much rubber on there.
That whole area fills with small rocks and sand, that will eat the spring up if it's too close to the metal.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 847
Likes: 1
From: spring branch texas
I had to use the front kit on my 84 and 85, here's a pic of my 85. you cant go any lower in the front without rubbing you fenders. If you want proof I'll take a pic of the underside of my hood.
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