Raising a C5
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,203
Likes: 63
From: Staten Island NY
Raising a C5
Well, after looking at dozens of C5s I finally found one I liked enough to buy.
Its a Torch Red 1999 coupe with 20K miles on it.
Only problem is it seems like it was lowered. There is about 2.5 inches of clearence between the front air dam and the ground. I checked some other C5s and the clearence was 4 inches.
The front scrapes on almost everything!
How do I raise it back up and how much travel is there?
Thanks!
Its a Torch Red 1999 coupe with 20K miles on it.
Only problem is it seems like it was lowered. There is about 2.5 inches of clearence between the front air dam and the ground. I checked some other C5s and the clearence was 4 inches.
The front scrapes on almost everything!
How do I raise it back up and how much travel is there?
Thanks!
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,333
Likes: 1
From: VA
St. Jude Donor '03-'11
There are 4 bolts (one on each side) near the ends of the springs that allow you to adjust the ride height.
After you make the adjustment, allow a little bit of driving time for the car to settle to its final height.
Do some search for lowering on the forum... same procedure.
After you make the adjustment, allow a little bit of driving time for the car to settle to its final height.
Do some search for lowering on the forum... same procedure.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,641
Likes: 7
From: Beautiful CO
St. jude Donor '14
How high do you want to go?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...&category=7251
Just kidding, the 4-bolt adjustment will work if it still has the original bolts.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...&category=7251
Just kidding, the 4-bolt adjustment will work if it still has the original bolts.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
Reverse this process. Turn the from bolts clockwise until you've attained the lofty heights your seeking. Do the same to the rears while using a wrench to hold the nut stationary.
It's a sad day when the vette must be raised.
After
Before
You'll need to get an alignment after you readjust the height.
It's a sad day when the vette must be raised.
After
Before
You'll need to get an alignment after you readjust the height.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,203
Likes: 63
From: Staten Island NY
Thanks a million for the pictures Patches !! I hope the bushings were not cut. (Do you know how thick the stock bushings are?)
The front air dam is 2 inches off the ground, it hits the driveway and all the speed bumps in my area. Not just the edge either.
I have to start a new website for C5 mods like I did for C4s.
Thank you again!
WS
The front air dam is 2 inches off the ground, it hits the driveway and all the speed bumps in my area. Not just the edge either.
I have to start a new website for C5 mods like I did for C4s.
Thank you again!
WS
Last edited by warren s; Aug 3, 2004 at 10:33 PM.
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,405
Likes: 26
From: Whippany NJ
CI 6-7-8-9 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Just a note, those air dams are 100% flexible so everytime you scrape it, the dam just folds and thensprings back to normal. no harm is done.
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
How high do you want to go?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...&category=7251
Just kidding, the 4-bolt adjustment will work if it still has the original bolts.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...&category=7251
Just kidding, the 4-bolt adjustment will work if it still has the original bolts.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 16,376
Likes: 404
From: Should this thoughtful, valuable contribution meet with no acknowledgement or 'thanks' this post----
sounds like someone upgraded the bushings etc to urethane...about a $200 mod if the whole car was done. Do you see orange rubber elsewhere in the suspension?
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
I just bought the car a few weeks ago, it looks like there were a lot of updates according to the dealers records the front is to low to get a jack under her to see much. The air dam is 2 inches of the ground. I'm in the process of getting some ramps. thanks for replying.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 798
From: Windsor CA
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
This brings up something I've wondered, my car looks about the same as the car in post #7 but with 3" to the front dam and 1-3/4" tire to lip front and 2" tire to lip at rear. Anyone have an idea what stock might be given these measurements. I definitely would not want the front any lower or higher on my car as it hits about 50% of pavement going up & down most driveways & dips in the road and I feel it looks about right height wise.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 16,376
Likes: 404
From: Should this thoughtful, valuable contribution meet with no acknowledgement or 'thanks' this post----
I just bought the car a few weeks ago, it looks like there were a lot of updates according to the dealers records the front is to low to get a jack under her to see much. The air dam is 2 inches of the ground. I'm in the process of getting some ramps. thanks for replying.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 4,671
Likes: 1,245
From: Southern Ca
