How can I increase front ride height?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Riverside CA
How can I increase front ride height?
I had to remove the remains of my front air dam today. What are my options when it come to lifting the front end of an '87 Z52? How complicated is a front spring swap? Would a switch to high pressure gas shocks help? Am I doomed to a life of slowing to almost walking speed to negotiate woop de doos & speedbumps?
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas Nevada
Re: How can I increase front ride height? (farhorizon)
You want to RAISE it? Wow...
One option is check into the Z51 front air dam, its not as tall (I think thats how it works anyways). Might be the other way around, been years since I checked into it...
Measure the front height of your car (at a referenceable point for others to check). I can compare our 88 to it. It might be that your spring is broken (http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=460978) happened to his rear.
Use the search feature on the site and you will be able to find peoples opinion of the front spring swap (IMO they horrify it, its not that bad to me). Your about 2 hours south of me, so if it came down to a spring swap I'd be willing to cruise down there on one of my weekends off to help you out.
As another note, it is a sports car, it does sit low, it will scrape, it sounds worse then it is, and a peice of metal (street sign) can make that air dam stay in place even after hitting road kill that will rip oil filters off and lead to the demise of your motor (sorry...)
Matt
One option is check into the Z51 front air dam, its not as tall (I think thats how it works anyways). Might be the other way around, been years since I checked into it...
Measure the front height of your car (at a referenceable point for others to check). I can compare our 88 to it. It might be that your spring is broken (http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=460978) happened to his rear.
Use the search feature on the site and you will be able to find peoples opinion of the front spring swap (IMO they horrify it, its not that bad to me). Your about 2 hours south of me, so if it came down to a spring swap I'd be willing to cruise down there on one of my weekends off to help you out.
As another note, it is a sports car, it does sit low, it will scrape, it sounds worse then it is, and a peice of metal (street sign) can make that air dam stay in place even after hitting road kill that will rip oil filters off and lead to the demise of your motor (sorry...)
Matt
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,631
Likes: 0
From: Union City CA
Re: How can I increase front ride height? (VetteRacer282)
I ran over a couple of cats here, Their pretty dumb, they dont even move when you give them a chance. SO I just help out in decreasing the popluation of cats here, thier's just way too many of them. :yesnod:
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17,367
Likes: 1
From: Kentucky
Re: How can I increase front ride height? (Light84vette)
:jester Seriously, I'm running without an airdam altogether right now. I can't decide if I want to put one on. I've seen a couple more without theirs too. [Modified by castivers, 9:37 PM 12/31/2002]
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Riverside CA
Re: How can I increase front ride height? (farhorizon)
Thanks for the offer of help, VetteRacer. I've had sports cars before, an RX7, a Fiero, and a Starion, and I've grown used to driving vigorously. I don't remember bashing the front end of any other car this hard. Even with the air dam removed, I scraped the front backing out of a driveway this evening.
The front tire to fender lip clearance is less than 1.25 inches, while I've got over 2.75 inches clearance in the rear. Are these fiberglass springs known to sag this badly with age? Is there any ride height adjustment built into a C4? (I'm a sport bike rider also, I'm used to multi adjustable suspension.) I've increased ride height on Bugs by installing high pressure KYBs, is there a chance that I could go this route on this coupe?
I know that the Z51 package has much stiffer springs, do they also have more arch?
The front tire to fender lip clearance is less than 1.25 inches, while I've got over 2.75 inches clearance in the rear. Are these fiberglass springs known to sag this badly with age? Is there any ride height adjustment built into a C4? (I'm a sport bike rider also, I'm used to multi adjustable suspension.) I've increased ride height on Bugs by installing high pressure KYBs, is there a chance that I could go this route on this coupe?
I know that the Z51 package has much stiffer springs, do they also have more arch?
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 13,356
Likes: 0
From: tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '04 & '05
Re: How can I increase front ride height? (farhorizon)
Get the front spoiler kit from Mid America ($129.95). Even comes with brake cooling ducts and hose.....Nice kit...Put on the front of my '84.....Cool...
tony
:thumbs:
tony
:thumbs:
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas Nevada
Re: How can I increase front ride height? (farhorizon)
I dont think shocks will do much. Changing my shocks to Koni adjustable, on soft and on hard, only about 1/4-1/2 difference in height.
The Z51 spring is actually lesser of an arch (http://www.vetteracer.com/pics/Vette/Springs.jpg Front is an 88+ Z51 spring, the rear is Base 87) But it takes more weight to compress it (ride height is said to be same.
1.25" wheelwell seems low, I will check the 88 on my way in from New Years Party :D The springs normally dont seem to sag from age (that was a high point in the selection of fiberglass springs, not supposed to weaken with age), just ocassionally break, which would make it sag.
Not sure on the Fiero and Starion, but I know RX7's (atleast 1st and 2nd gens) dont sit as low as the Vettes.
Anyways, check to see if its broken, get in there with a mirror (take off front tires) and a flashlight if you have too. And keep my email on hand incase you need help replacing the spring (let me know if you need a spring as well, I might know of a few that'll be a good replacement).
Matt
The Z51 spring is actually lesser of an arch (http://www.vetteracer.com/pics/Vette/Springs.jpg Front is an 88+ Z51 spring, the rear is Base 87) But it takes more weight to compress it (ride height is said to be same.
1.25" wheelwell seems low, I will check the 88 on my way in from New Years Party :D The springs normally dont seem to sag from age (that was a high point in the selection of fiberglass springs, not supposed to weaken with age), just ocassionally break, which would make it sag.
Not sure on the Fiero and Starion, but I know RX7's (atleast 1st and 2nd gens) dont sit as low as the Vettes.
Anyways, check to see if its broken, get in there with a mirror (take off front tires) and a flashlight if you have too. And keep my email on hand incase you need help replacing the spring (let me know if you need a spring as well, I might know of a few that'll be a good replacement).
Matt
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas Nevada
Re: How can I increase front ride height? (castivers)
:Seriously, I'm running without an airdam altogether right now. I can't decide if I want to put one on. I've seen a couple more without theirs too.
Matt
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17,367
Likes: 1
From: Kentucky
Re: How can I increase front ride height? (VetteRacer282)
:Seriously, I'm running without an airdam altogether right now. I can't decide if I want to put one on. I've seen a couple more without theirs too.
May look fine, but it hurts cooling. I noticed atleast 10 degree increase when mine was originally torn off (dang Jackrabbits). Unless your run good temps (under 200) all the time then I would replace it.
Matt
May look fine, but it hurts cooling. I noticed atleast 10 degree increase when mine was originally torn off (dang Jackrabbits). Unless your run good temps (under 200) all the time then I would replace it.
Matt
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 6,097
Likes: 0
From: High Plains Drifter Fayetteville, AR
Re: How can I increase front ride height? (VetteRacer282)
When you are checking the spring, wear a couple pairs of heavy leather gloves and run your hand along the spring. If there is any splintering, it will snag on the glove.
Good luck.
J :seeya :steering:
Good luck.
J :seeya :steering:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,093
Likes: 215
From: Ca.
Re: How can I increase front ride height? (farhorizon)
You can try lowering the back which will raise the front some. It's an easy turn of a nut and bolt in the back.
To raise the front-after making sure the spring is OK-there are aluminum "shims" on the mounting points of the front spring-just add one each side for about 1/2inch increase. You can get the shims from a boneyard.
I saw yours is an 87 with Z-52-they do sit low....
To raise the front-after making sure the spring is OK-there are aluminum "shims" on the mounting points of the front spring-just add one each side for about 1/2inch increase. You can get the shims from a boneyard.
I saw yours is an 87 with Z-52-they do sit low....
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas Nevada
Re: How can I increase front ride height? (castivers)
castivers: To me thats hot. On my 87 in 100-110 summer days I never hit above 210. On normal days (under 100) 190 was tops.
Our 88 runs a bit hotter at about 200 on normal days.
Oil stays at same temp as coolant within ~8 degree.
Matt
Our 88 runs a bit hotter at about 200 on normal days.
Oil stays at same temp as coolant within ~8 degree.
Matt
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 5,086
Likes: 0
From: Northern tip of Virginia
Re: How can I increase front ride height? (VetteRacer282)
my vote goes towards a broken front spring...and a replacement will put you back to stock hieght.
Otherwise, maybe someone has cut the rubbers off the end of your spring to lower the front..(typical mod here on the forum)
if your spring appears to be ok.. the proper way to raise it is to ADD shims or spacers between your rubber bumpers and the mount point...
Otherwise, maybe someone has cut the rubbers off the end of your spring to lower the front..(typical mod here on the forum)
if your spring appears to be ok.. the proper way to raise it is to ADD shims or spacers between your rubber bumpers and the mount point...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 5,192
Likes: 1
From: Airport Cruise-in 1 Veteran Airport Cruise-in 2 Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: How can I increase front ride height? (castivers)
castivers,
The front spoiler has a tremendous amount of influence toward cooling. The more broke your spoiler and/or lower radiator baffle is, the less cooling your radiator will see. I have broken mine twice and noticed improved coolant temperatures after replacement. I ran it one day to the parts store w/o any of the 3 pc. spoiler in place and the temps got to the 228 range rather quickly and the fan seemed to be running constantly at around town speeds. Sure you can run it like this, as long as you keep the radiator free of debris. ;)
I have the base suspension so I can't vouch for the Z51-52 but, I replaced my shocks and I don't scrape the curbs anymore. Some of that could also be from the debris screen I made. I used the lower radiator baffle bolts for the bottom of the screen and zip tied the top to the front cross member tie bar. When I did this it raised the center spoiler a little bit. By a little bit I mean somewhere under an inch but every bit helps. :thumbs:
The front spoiler has a tremendous amount of influence toward cooling. The more broke your spoiler and/or lower radiator baffle is, the less cooling your radiator will see. I have broken mine twice and noticed improved coolant temperatures after replacement. I ran it one day to the parts store w/o any of the 3 pc. spoiler in place and the temps got to the 228 range rather quickly and the fan seemed to be running constantly at around town speeds. Sure you can run it like this, as long as you keep the radiator free of debris. ;)
I have the base suspension so I can't vouch for the Z51-52 but, I replaced my shocks and I don't scrape the curbs anymore. Some of that could also be from the debris screen I made. I used the lower radiator baffle bolts for the bottom of the screen and zip tied the top to the front cross member tie bar. When I did this it raised the center spoiler a little bit. By a little bit I mean somewhere under an inch but every bit helps. :thumbs:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,784
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
Re: How can I increase front ride height? (Phil-tha-Rush)
my vote goes towards a broken front spring...and a replacement will put you back to stock hieght.
Otherwise, maybe someone has cut the rubbers off the end of your spring to lower the front..(typical mod here on the forum)
if your spring appears to be ok.. the proper way to raise it is to ADD shims or spacers between your rubber bumpers and the mount point...
Otherwise, maybe someone has cut the rubbers off the end of your spring to lower the front..(typical mod here on the forum)
if your spring appears to be ok.. the proper way to raise it is to ADD shims or spacers between your rubber bumpers and the mount point...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,631
Likes: 0
From: Union City CA
Re: How can I increase front ride height? (War Machine)
So maybe that can explain why it overheats all the time. Or can it be dead cat'a stuck in the front of my car causing it to overheat?? Sometimes when I drive for more that 45mins, it smells like shake-and-bake all those dead cats always frying. Owell Maybe I should get one of those cat shield thingies to scoop away those dead cats :lol: :lol: :lol:
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,636
Likes: 3
From: Lafayette IN
Re: How can I increase front ride height? (VetteRacer282)
Changing my shocks to Koni adjustable, on soft and on hard, only about 1/4-1/2 difference in height.
Thanks, -Matt-
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 871
Likes: 0
From: Costa Mesa CA
Re: How can I increase front ride height? (farhorizon)
Here's what I noticed over the years. I matters a lot what shocks you have on your car.
At 112K miles I replaced the worn Bilstens in front with Monroe's best gas shock. After a few days, I notice my car was taking on a neat "raked" look. Cool. A few days more and it was starting to look like a stink bug with his butt in the air. The front had dropped so much it look dumb. It had to be the shocks. I replace all four corners with KYB's and up the front came but the back stayed the same.
Problem fixed. Always use top quality gas shocks- Bilstens, Koni's, KYB's, Edelbrock, etc. Could any of this apply to you?
Oh yeah. I also have an '87 Z52.
BIG JIM
[Modified by BIG JIM 54, 4:28 AM 1/2/2003]
At 112K miles I replaced the worn Bilstens in front with Monroe's best gas shock. After a few days, I notice my car was taking on a neat "raked" look. Cool. A few days more and it was starting to look like a stink bug with his butt in the air. The front had dropped so much it look dumb. It had to be the shocks. I replace all four corners with KYB's and up the front came but the back stayed the same.
Problem fixed. Always use top quality gas shocks- Bilstens, Koni's, KYB's, Edelbrock, etc. Could any of this apply to you?
Oh yeah. I also have an '87 Z52.
BIG JIM
[Modified by BIG JIM 54, 4:28 AM 1/2/2003]
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Riverside CA
Re: How can I increase front ride height? (BIG JIM 54)
Big Jim, thanks for the tip! I am running the (I think) original FG3 Delco Bilstein shocks. I was leaning to the KYB swap, but your experience now cinches it for me. The back of my 93,000 mile '87 Z52 is doing the stink bug thing, and I'm glad that somebody with the same problem could offer a proven solution. This board ROCKS!