Disappointed with lowered C5 :(
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,762
Likes: 2
From: Murphy TX
My coupe is lowered on stock bolts with cut bushings and is riding on Z06 springs, sways and Bilsteins. WIth -1.5*/-1* camber it rides incredibly, and hugs the track better than I could have hoped for with stock GM components.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 487
Likes: 0
From: Below the Mason/Dixon Line Alabama
Originally Posted by Prosecutor
Well, I can see a drop...but it is subtle. Actually, I feel it more from the inside. Still, I didn't cut bushings or anything. I guess that is why I am so surprised at the decrease in ride quality. I understand the mechanics of shocks (roughly). I just seems that the decrease in quality exceeds the drop in height, at least based on what I hear from others after that mod.
You are right about the settling. It took mine about 150 miles to level off. I put about 370 on the clock today. Alignment is soming in the near future...and most likely new shocks.
I appreciate all of the input....thanks guys.
You are right about the settling. It took mine about 150 miles to level off. I put about 370 on the clock today. Alignment is soming in the near future...and most likely new shocks.
I appreciate all of the input....thanks guys.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 977
Likes: 0
From: N/A
St. Jude Donor '06-'09
Originally Posted by lemansbleu2004
I'm surprised that you felt any difference at all. Mine is lowered like that and I can't tell any difference (25,000 miles on mine).
Except mine is an '03 coupe.Jeff
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,675
Likes: 58
From: Hayward (Bay Area) CA
I've read many-many posts, and seen pix of guys who have lowered their cars on stock bolts. I've never heard anyone else complain about it, but it seems this is quite possible after reading this thread. My question is (in theory), if you lower your car.... the ride quality would suffer a little, (which would be the same case if you used T1 sways, or any perf shocks/springs) but then shouldn't you get better handling (center of gravity factor) by lowering ???
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,762
Likes: 2
From: Murphy TX
Vette_Fan,
Lowering causes the ride quality to suffer because you are running the shocks in constantly compressed mode, hence they do not operate as well, and can also bottom out.
This is a very different effect than moving to perf shocks/springs or bars.
When you lower a C5 a few things happen, you change the distance between the A-arm and spring, alter the static angle of the A-arm, reduce the range of travel available to you, and you compress the shocks.
The TRUE answer to lower is spindles that change where the hub mounts (expensive and not really needed). The next best thing is shocks that are appropriately designed - hence the use of Bilstein sports on lowered cars.
If you lower very far on FE1 springs then the new shocks may not be enough, because the soft springs will allow alot of travel with big bumps and you could run into clearance issues.
Lowering causes the ride quality to suffer because you are running the shocks in constantly compressed mode, hence they do not operate as well, and can also bottom out.
This is a very different effect than moving to perf shocks/springs or bars.
When you lower a C5 a few things happen, you change the distance between the A-arm and spring, alter the static angle of the A-arm, reduce the range of travel available to you, and you compress the shocks.
The TRUE answer to lower is spindles that change where the hub mounts (expensive and not really needed). The next best thing is shocks that are appropriately designed - hence the use of Bilstein sports on lowered cars.
If you lower very far on FE1 springs then the new shocks may not be enough, because the soft springs will allow alot of travel with big bumps and you could run into clearance issues.
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
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,396
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento CA
lowering
I did not notice a big difference in ride quality when I lowewred mine, I love the look. It does not look juvenile, it makes the car look mean. ztheusa, you probably don't like loud muffers either.
Jeffy'
Jeffy'
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,675
Likes: 58
From: Hayward (Bay Area) CA
.........WILL this Work ......
Now if someone can give detailed instructions on how to lower correctly on stock bolts and where they are located. Another questions - Say, if I lower it 1/4 inch at a time, WILL that work? Say I do quater inch, and then a week later another quater inch (front and rear) Will this work? Whats the "Safe Zone", before lowering too much..? Thanks guys... You're the best....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 769
Likes: 0
From: simpson town Mo
Originally Posted by ztheusa
Not only that, but it looks juvenile!
ju·ve·nile ( P ) Pronunciation Key (jv-nl, -nl)
adj.
Not fully grown or developed; young.
Of, relating to, characteristic of, intended for, or appropriate for children or young people: juvenile fashions.
Marked by immaturity; childish: juvenile behavior. See Synonyms at young.
n.
A young person; a child.
A young animal that has not reached sexual maturity.
An actor who plays roles of children or young persons.
A children's book.
ju·ve·nile ( P ) Pronunciation Key (jv-nl, -nl)
adj.
Not fully grown or developed; young.
Of, relating to, characteristic of, intended for, or appropriate for children or young people: juvenile fashions.
Marked by immaturity; childish: juvenile behavior. See Synonyms at young.
n.
A young person; a child.
A young animal that has not reached sexual maturity.
An actor who plays roles of children or young persons.
A children's book.
Wow. Im glad im 25 or i would have taken offense.Seriously,i hope i never have your state of mind.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,954
Likes: 524
From: Witness Protection Program Somewhere, USA
Originally Posted by Snake11eyeS
Mine is an 04 with 800 miles and I didn't notice any difference after lowering.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 383
Likes: 0
St. Jude Contributor '04
Hmmm, I may think twice about my plan to lower my car. I was going to lower with stock bolts for about one inch drop, but now, I'm not so sure if I want to do this bases on some of the responses.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 769
Likes: 0
From: simpson town Mo
Originally Posted by AOC
Hmmm, I may think twice about my plan to lower my car. I was going to lower with stock bolts for about one inch drop, but now, I'm not so sure if I want to do this bases on some of the responses.
Its reversable but im 100% sure the looks outweigh the negatives(if any) when you see it a bit lower.
Wheres E.G when we need him?
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 97
Likes: 1
From: Smith Maryland
I lowered my car all the way, swapped the suspension for Z06 springs, sways and shocks and got rid of the runflats. The ride was a little stiffer, but the ride was much better. I recently sent my HRE's to be polished and was forced to put the run flats back on and can't believe how crappy the car feels. I was riding home the other day and could not believe how much of the road I was feeling. I am thinking about raising the car a little, because I did notice some damage to the bottom of my vehicle despite having the frame savers. 
For those of you that know about shocks, I just ordered Z06 shocks, but am now considering sending them back and ordering the Bilsteins. Is there that much of a difference between the Z06 shocks and the bilsteins?
BTW...I am 40 and think the car looks awesome! I have gotten tons of compliments from other vette owners who have parked their vette next to mine.
For those of you that know about shocks, I just ordered Z06 shocks, but am now considering sending them back and ordering the Bilsteins. Is there that much of a difference between the Z06 shocks and the bilsteins?
BTW...I am 40 and think the car looks awesome! I have gotten tons of compliments from other vette owners who have parked their vette next to mine.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,040
Likes: 3
From: "Same as it always was"
I took my stock height Z06 into the dealer the other day and they couldn't get it on their rack 
I complained to the owner and no s@#t this is what he said, "we don't sell Z06's for that reason"
It's like he didn't care if he could service my car or not.
Lowered cars, getting them on jacks, something to think about, especially if you're on the road
I complained to the owner and no s@#t this is what he said, "we don't sell Z06's for that reason"
It's like he didn't care if he could service my car or not.
Lowered cars, getting them on jacks, something to think about, especially if you're on the road
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 3
From: Ventura, CA Fight On Forever
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05
Do you happen to have F55 Suspension, aka MSRC? If so, make sure the infamous Shock Stuffers are removed. Many stories here about them, mine among them. Best,
mtv
mtv
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,865
Likes: 0
From: Chicago il
I lowered mine on extended bolts with urathane bushings, There is a considerable differeancein ride quality, but my wheel sit well inside the wheel well. Its slammed. Im about as low as you get without going to coil overs. Its easy and fast enough to adjust it based on the event or what i feel like. Im going to bring it up about 3/4" and put the stock bushings back in to soften up the ride for long rides
