Lowering an 85 on 19's question
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 858
Likes: 10
From: Chandler AZ
St Jude Donor '14
Lowering an 85 on 19's question
Ok, I must admit I'm confused with all the different ways I read that people lower there c4's. There seems to be a multitude of different ways. I have a 85 z51 w/ KYB's. I just bought the kit from Corvette America, then I read that the early cars need the upgrade bracket kit from Mid-America. Do I really need that?? Also I read that others remove shims or something to go even farther?? I'm bout to bolt up my 19in CCW'S 265 30f and I want to be as low as possible. I don't mind a lil rubbing btw. Plz help.
O and of course this discussion is for front only, rear is pretty self-explanatory lol.
O and of course this discussion is for front only, rear is pretty self-explanatory lol.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
As you have probably read, lowering the car in front will require removal of the front spring. So figure on a few hours of work and also figuring out how to get the car high enough so that the spring will come out.
This link uses an '85 Z51 car and has some good information and pics. I wouldn't install the longer rear bolts until the front is done. That way you can eyeball the lowering amount needed based on where the front is sitting. Then get a 4-wheel alignment.
Definitely get the tires and wheels mounted first and put them on the car. The early (84-87) C4's had a different wheel offset (38mm) compared to the 88-later cars (56mm). You may need adapters to get the wheels to sit properly in the wheelwells. The tire size should be OK (the overall diameter of the tires you will use is slightly smaller than the OEM 255/50-16 so expect the speedo to read a bit higher than the actual speed) but make sure there is no interference between the tire and frame at full lock.
This link uses an '85 Z51 car and has some good information and pics. I wouldn't install the longer rear bolts until the front is done. That way you can eyeball the lowering amount needed based on where the front is sitting. Then get a 4-wheel alignment.
Definitely get the tires and wheels mounted first and put them on the car. The early (84-87) C4's had a different wheel offset (38mm) compared to the 88-later cars (56mm). You may need adapters to get the wheels to sit properly in the wheelwells. The tire size should be OK (the overall diameter of the tires you will use is slightly smaller than the OEM 255/50-16 so expect the speedo to read a bit higher than the actual speed) but make sure there is no interference between the tire and frame at full lock.
