[Z06] Observations on lowering
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,171
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
Observations on lowering
I know that this topic has been beat to death somewhat in the past, but I am so excited that I could not resist posting my experience. For almost a year now, the stock 4X4 look (with that huge gap between the tires and the body) drove me absolutely nuts. So, I finally took the plunge and got my Z lowered to the bottom of the factory bolts. I know, some of you hardcore guys are gonna say that that was whimpy whimpy, and you might be right. In fact, I was really concerned with whether the 3/4" to 1" was even going to be noticable. But, I thought I would start there and work my way down. But, OMG! What a major difference! I cannot get over how much better the car looks. If any of you are on the fence about this, just do it. It is tremendous. The ride is a bit stiffer over the bumps, but I kinda like that. I don't think I'm gonna go any lower. Instead, I think a new set of 19s in the back and 18s in the front will fill the remaining gap just right. BTW, I took the advice of some of the forum members and had the wheels aligned right after. That is a must. My guy told me that the lowering threw the alignment way off.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 625
Likes: 0
From: Anaheim Hills CA
Originally Posted by mikeo
I know that this topic has been beat to death somewhat in the past, but I am so excited that I could not resist posting my experience. For almost a year now, the stock 4X4 look (with that huge gap between the tires and the body) drove me absolutely nuts. So, I finally took the plunge and got my Z lowered to the bottom of the factory bolts. I know, some of you hardcore guys are gonna say that that was whimpy whimpy, and you might be right. In fact, I was really concerned with whether the 3/4" to 1" was even going to be noticable. But, I thought I would start there and work my way down. But, OMG! What a major difference! I cannot get over how much better the car looks. If any of you are on the fence about this, just do it. It is tremendous. The ride is a bit stiffer over the bumps, but I kinda like that. I don't think I'm gonna go any lower. Instead, I think a new set of 19s in the back and 18s in the front will fill the remaining gap just right. BTW, I took the advice of some of the forum members and had the wheels aligned right after. That is a must. My guy told me that the lowering threw the alignment way off.
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,822
Likes: 2
From: San Clemente CA
I've got all four tires off the ground for the first time right now. It's up on jackstands and just had her first oil change. I started probing around under the car and found the lowering bolts. Looks pretty simple, but I'm really "fence sitting" on this one. I scrape the front air dam everytime I pull in and out of my driveway and head down the hill out of our street. I'm afraid I'll start scraping the skids on the pavement/driveway if I start lowering it. 
Will going down an inch or so cause me to start scraping the front skids? I really would like to get rid of most of that fenderwell gap!
Will going down an inch or so cause me to start scraping the front skids? I really would like to get rid of most of that fenderwell gap!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 9,251
Likes: 217
From: 2007 Nat'l Corvette Challenge 11.50 index Champ. New Jersey
Originally Posted by THEDVS1
I'm really "fence sitting" on this one. I scrape the front air dam everytime I pull in and out of my driveway and head down the hill out of our street. I'm afraid I'll start scraping the skids on the pavement/driveway if I start lowering it.
Will going down an inch or so cause me to start scraping the front skids? I really would like to get rid of most of that fenderwell gap!
Will going down an inch or so cause me to start scraping the front skids? I really would like to get rid of most of that fenderwell gap!
I cut the front dams down 1"-solved 95% of my scraping. When I move in the spring, I'm going to lower it approx. 1", so I guess I'll be back where I started.... I smoetimes scrape the skids, but nobody ever sees there!
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 19,105
Likes: 2
From: Paducah KY
Cruise-In VII Veteran
Originally Posted by THEDVS1
Hmmn, maybe I'll add those little wheels to the front skids for insurance. It's still up off the ground, but I've got my wrenches standing by... 
Here's the link:
https://www.aandacorvette.com/cart/s...sp?MainCatID=5
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Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,822
Likes: 2
From: San Clemente CA
Originally Posted by Z06-JIM
I highly recommend the Frame Saver / Rocker Rail Combo from A & A Corvette Specialities. They really work and are an easy install.
Decided NOT to lower it, at least until I do more homework about these framesavers and skid wheels. When I dropped the car back off the jackstands, I measured the clearance at the wheelwells. All four were different, with the biggest difference between the fronts. The driver's side measured about 28 1/4 inches, while the pass. side measured 27 1/2". I wonder if GM did that on purpose to offset driver's weight? The right rear also was higher than the left by about 1/2". Maybe that was also to offset a full tank of fuel. I've only got about 50 miles worth of gas left in it right now.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 600
Likes: 0
From: Kannapolis NC
That difference in height could be because the suspension settled unevenly..... and there is a little bind in it just after lowering it off the jack....
go drive the car around then pull it back in and measure... just might be closer to equal...
go drive the car around then pull it back in and measure... just might be closer to equal...
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,822
Likes: 2
From: San Clemente CA
Actually, that was AFTER I drove it about 10 miles. I knew it needed to get settled out a bit.
BTW Mike, sorry to hijack your thread. It's just that you hit on exactly what I was thinking about today. I'm glad you're thrilled, and you've gone a long way towards swaying me into lowering my Z. I can't stand the gap either!
BTW Mike, sorry to hijack your thread. It's just that you hit on exactly what I was thinking about today. I'm glad you're thrilled, and you've gone a long way towards swaying me into lowering my Z. I can't stand the gap either!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,171
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
Originally Posted by pb24dagrk
where did you get the alignment done? I just lowered the car myself also (by tightening the bolts all the way)....is he local? i work in irvine, live in anaheim
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,171
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
Originally Posted by THEDVS1
I've got all four tires off the ground for the first time right now. It's up on jackstands and just had her first oil change. I started probing around under the car and found the lowering bolts. Looks pretty simple, but I'm really "fence sitting" on this one. I scrape the front air dam everytime I pull in and out of my driveway and head down the hill out of our street. I'm afraid I'll start scraping the skids on the pavement/driveway if I start lowering it.
Will going down an inch or so cause me to start scraping the front skids? I really would like to get rid of most of that fenderwell gap!
Will going down an inch or so cause me to start scraping the front skids? I really would like to get rid of most of that fenderwell gap!
I wish I had the 19/18 tire set up 
Maybe after the cam and LT's I can talk the boss into it(yeah right) 
We needs pics 
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Hicksville N.Y.
I'm also on the fence. I just installed the CCW 505A's on my z, 19's all around and it does look great but there is a significant gap in the well. John from CCW said to lower the rear by a half to three quarters of an inch. I spoke to my Corvette mechanic at the dealer today about needing to align the car and he said it was not necessary. He said in fact the camber would probably be better then stock. So to tell you the truth, I'm not sure what to do. It's very hard to find a good alignment facility to do the work. I think we all can agree about past alignments that we have had with our other cars and the results sometimes are not good.
Stevie D.
Stevie D.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,171
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
Those CCWs are beautiful! But, IMHO, you won't be optimizing the look unless you go lower. To me, it just doesn't look right. Is there a Corvette specialty shop in your area? Mine charged me less than $100 for the alignment and it drives as straight as an arrow. Good luck.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Hicksville N.Y.
Thanks, I'll try that. You are absolutely correct, the car with CCW's look alot better lowered. Again, my only question is align vs not aligning after lowering the car. I'm not really sure what changes when the car is lowered. It's just backing off the lowering bolts. Maybe I am missing something. It really has nothing to do about cost.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,822
Likes: 2
From: San Clemente CA
Originally Posted by Stevie Deech
Thanks, I'll try that. You are absolutely correct, the car with CCW's look alot better lowered. Again, my only question is align vs not aligning after lowering the car. I'm not really sure what changes when the car is lowered. It's just backing off the lowering bolts. Maybe I am missing something. It really has nothing to do about cost.
Thanks!
Thanks!
