C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

lowering concern!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 14, 2007 | 10:04 PM
  #1  
nickydags's Avatar
nickydags
Thread Starter
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Saratoga Springs New York
Default lowering concern!

well...I just purchased a red 2000 Hardtop and am now a proud corvette owner. I did black w/polished lip 19's on all 4 corners, a vararam intake and the granatelli exhaust, some tint, ripper shifter and a few more odds and ends......however the new look of the car makes me think of ordering some locking hubs for it...it looks like a 4X4 it is way to high/has way to much wheelwell and needs to be lowered immediately if not sooner......the back is a no brainer with some longer bolts I know...but...my front already has only 2 threads showing, so my options are...... cut the bushings?.....remove the bolts entirely?.....Ive heard I can use C6 front bolts also....I think cutting the bushings wont even get me enough of a drop to make it worth my effort.....I dont know if taking the bolts right out will do any long term damage?.....and what kind of results would I get with the C6 front bolts?....I dont have the Z51 suspension...Im running 245/35/19 fronts and 275/30/19 rears. This forum is the best when it comes to advice on which direction to go in, so I thought I'd put it out there and see what everyone thought...any comments/replies would be greatly appreciated.....

Last edited by nickydags; May 14, 2007 at 10:07 PM.
Reply
Old May 14, 2007 | 10:14 PM
  #2  
nickydags's Avatar
nickydags
Thread Starter
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Saratoga Springs New York
Default

I cant figure out how to post a picture...if anyone can help me let me know...I'll email them a pic... or walk me through it...whatever we need to do..thanks
Reply
Old May 14, 2007 | 11:01 PM
  #3  
mvvette97's Avatar
mvvette97
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,394
Likes: 12
From: Leon Iowa
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
Default

I cut the front bushings on mine. I think it helped quite a bit. If you need a picture posted just pm me and I'll help you out....Marc
Reply
Old May 15, 2007 | 11:10 AM
  #4  
BitViper's Avatar
BitViper
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,103
Likes: 7
From: Sandy Ego Ca.
Default

The bushings are there for a reason....go ahead and lower on the bolts only..youll get ~1 in..anymore your just asking for trouble or bad handling.

The CD that comes with teh car suggest's that to "Obtain better handling" to lower on the bolts but cutting the bushings just seem's wrong..

BUT..lots of folks do and never have problems..your choice
Reply
Old May 15, 2007 | 12:36 PM
  #5  
hotwheels57's Avatar
hotwheels57
Race Director
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
Default

but...my front already has only 2 threads showing,
I've resisted lowering my Z16 so far, but I've read and researched enough of the procedure that your comment caught my attention.
On the front of a lowered car you should see more threads shown at the very top of the adjustment stud above the control arm. Your goal is reducing the amount of space between the bushing and the spring.
So, are you saying you only have 2 threads showing at the top of the stud or between the bushing and the bottom of the front spring?

Last edited by hotwheels57; May 15, 2007 at 07:41 PM.
Reply
Old May 15, 2007 | 04:52 PM
  #6  
FKING1's Avatar
FKING1
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,814
Likes: 105
From: Dearborn Heights Michigan
Default

Do a search, there are numerous how to lower threads.
Reply
Old May 16, 2007 | 01:30 AM
  #7  
striper's Avatar
striper
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Default

..my front already has only 2 threads showing.[/QUOTE]

When lowering in the rear you want as few threads showing as possible. However, when lowering the front you turn the bolts in the opposite direction. You want as many threads showing as possible. The bolts work opposite of each other's relationship to their respective springs. You should get at least an inch lower just adjusting the stock bolts. I did that and cut the front bushings by half. The car sits nice and I don't have too much problem in everyday driving with the rdeuced ground clearance. I personally wouldn't go any lower, then real problems would start. The video that came with my '03 Z06 even states that lowering an inch is a good amount for improving handling.
Reply
Old May 16, 2007 | 01:35 PM
  #8  
waupachino's Avatar
waupachino
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,409
Likes: 34
From: St. Louis Missouri
Default

The big wheel well gap might also be because of your Tire choice. If you listed the tires correctly at 245/35/19 Front and 275/30/19 rears. Your rear tires are actually shorter then the fronts. 245/35/19 are 25.8 inchs in diameter and 275/30/19 are 25.6 inchs in diameter. Which also puts the rears 1 inch in diameter shorter then stock 275/40/18 which are 26.6 in diameter. Just something to think about.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

 Joe Kucinski
Old May 16, 2007 | 02:35 PM
  #9  
GRUNIE's Avatar
GRUNIE
Drifting
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,608
Likes: 11
From: Aliso Viejo So. Cal.
Default

Be sure to align after you lower!
Reply
Old May 16, 2007 | 05:44 PM
  #10  
nickydags's Avatar
nickydags
Thread Starter
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Saratoga Springs New York
Default

Thanks for the help guys...I have the front all the way down on the stock bolts...haven't cut the bushings.....Im going to let it settle in and see what it looks like...maybe we'll cut the bushings or swap out for C6 bolts if it isnt low enough...Im going to try to do the rear tomorrow.....its been raining like crazy here so I haven't taken it out to settle out the front....so I'll let it settle, then lower the back accordingly, I think that would be the way to go.... drive it a few days...then get it aligned....I'll try and post some pics when its finished...thanks again for the replies....Nick
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To lowering concern!





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:50 PM.

story-0
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-1
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-20 17:58:41


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-3
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

Slideshow: 10 things C8 Corvette owners hate, but won't tell you.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-01 18:36:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

Slideshow: Should you add one of these incredible Corvettes to your garage?

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-01 18:14:05


VIEW MORE
story-7
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

Slideshow: Every Corvette Grand Sport explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-26 07:13:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

Slideshow: Breaking down the 2027 Grand Sport, Grand Sport X, Stingray, and LS6 V8.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-26 13:48:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

Slideshow: 5 reasons bad drivers crash sports cars & 5 ways to avoid a costly shame!

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-25 16:32:55


VIEW MORE