C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Lowering Kits.

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Old Mar 16, 2002 | 11:51 PM
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Default Lowering Kits.

Was curious how hard to install on a 96 coupe. I'm sure the rear bolts are a breeze as I have done my 78 and it looks pretty similar. But, what about those front suspension wedges? Is the ride affected negatively and does the car sit too low?

I think the car would look a little sleeker if I could get it down even an inch or two.

Thanks...

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Old Mar 17, 2002 | 12:11 AM
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Default Re: Lowering Kits. (78Vette-SA)

You are right about the rear being a breeze. Do the front and then take it easy with the rear. I remember that a lot of stuff (shocks, sway bar links, lower ball joints and of course the spring) that had to be unbolted and the car had to be up high enough to be able to remove the spring. It's not to hard if you take your time, I think it took two of us about 4-5 hours to do the front. (I'm guessing at this) The front and rear was an all day job, but that was the first time. I think it can be done a little quicker next time. (on mine) And yes it does make the car look sleeker but it only drops the front about 3/4" then you just make the rear however you want it to look.(raked, level) Hope this helps. :cheers:
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Old Mar 17, 2002 | 11:47 AM
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Default Re: Lowering Kits. (JTsTOY)

I've got a friend who installed the lowering kit from LPE (which is the same one you can buy at MAD, Ecklers, etc.) The front adjustment is just perfect. It sits right above the tire, but not too close. The rear is completely adjustable. Personally, I like the rear to sit noticeably higher than the front (as in stock form). Others will lower the rear to be nearly parallel with the front. To each their own.

Also, if you have some time and cash, its a great time to replace shocks, etc. Good luck :cheers:
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Old Mar 17, 2002 | 12:10 PM
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Default Re: Lowering Kits. (365ZUM)

Also, if you have some time and cash, its a great time to replace shocks, etc.
I have a quick Q here on the shocks: Did your car sit higher after installing the shocks (I just put new Bilsteins on)?

And does it eventually settle? I don't want to adjust ride height until the shocks settle...if they do...

If they do, how long does it take??? (Woo...) :crazy:
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Old Mar 17, 2002 | 12:31 PM
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Default Re: Lowering Kits. (Rich B.)

My shocks made my car much higher, the old ones were original 14 year old 70k miles ones. Once you drive a few miles, much less a few days, your shocks should be settled.
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Old Mar 17, 2002 | 01:43 PM
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Default Re: Lowering Kits. (BobMachus)

My shocks made my car much higher, the old ones were original 14 year old 70k miles ones. Once you drive a few miles, much less a few days, your shocks should be settled.
:yesnod:
When doing the shocks/lowering together, most people just compensate for the "break in period" by setting the rear a little conservative.


[Modified by 365ZUM, 12:44 PM 3/17/2002]
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Old Mar 17, 2002 | 06:28 PM
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Default Re: Lowering Kits. (365ZUM)

Thanks all...

The car only has 18k on it and rides great. I didn't give any thought to changing the shocks at this point. I probably will slap the rear extended bolt kit on next week and bring the rear down and inch or so and see how it looks. I don't really feel like tearing the front end apart yet either and the rear is much higher proportionately then the front. MAybe after I've gotten more comfortable with it, I'll go for the front too.

Thanks again! :cheers:
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Old Mar 17, 2002 | 09:58 PM
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Default Re: Lowering Kits. (78Vette-SA)

Does the lowering kit installation affect the alignment?
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Old Mar 17, 2002 | 10:16 PM
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Default Re: Lowering Kits. (Mark93)

The gold bolts in the picture are all it takes to lower the rear, I didn't do the front because the car now sits level to the ground with just the back bolts. They were pretty easy to replace.
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