Lowering theC5
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 830
Likes: 0
From: Pasadena MD
Lowering theC5
Do I really need to cut the rear bushings. It looks like I can just back the nut out to two threads???? :confused: I don't want too harsh a ride since I'm missing a few discs.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 615
Likes: 2
From: Brea, California, USA
Re: Lowering theC5 (jawski)
The rear end is so easy to play with..literally 10 minutes with a floor jack.. try it without cutting the bushings and if you get what you ant height wise be done with it. If not try one bushing at a time. It does make the rear a little harsh when you cut two of them out.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 1
From: Morganton, NC, USA
Re: Lowering theC5 (jawski)
Instead of paying $30 to $40 for a rear "lowering kit", go to a good hardware store and buy 2 grade 8 bolts, 1/2" corse thread by 6" long and 2 Nylock nuts. Cost should be less than $10. Replace the factory bolts and nuts with these using the original bushings to keep from getting a harsh ride. These offer plenty of adjustment to lower as much as you would want. Make sure the car is supported on the rear crossmember before removing a bolt. You can adjust the bolts without this support if you can fit underneath; just don't let a nut pop off. :yesnod:
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,430
Likes: 914
From: CONCORD NC
Re: Lowering theC5 (jawski)
I recommend NOT trying the 1/2" bolt method. I size difference is just enought that the rubber dampers will eventually come apart.
Trust me, I tried this back in 98'. I ended up picking up the correct METRIC longer bolts at METRIC FASTENERS of CHARLOTTE (NC). You need #931 14x180 bolts and #9021 14mm washers. These are very heavy grade bolts much longer than stock. Their number is 704-333-1227 or 800-438-4136
Dave
Trust me, I tried this back in 98'. I ended up picking up the correct METRIC longer bolts at METRIC FASTENERS of CHARLOTTE (NC). You need #931 14x180 bolts and #9021 14mm washers. These are very heavy grade bolts much longer than stock. Their number is 704-333-1227 or 800-438-4136
Dave
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 17,118
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From: Charlotte NC
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St. Jude Donor '08-'25
Re: Lowering theC5 (y2khardtop)
Dave,
Never meet you before, but i believe we know some of the same people at More performance in Charlotte. Since I know you race your car...what do you think is the maximum amount a car can be lowered and still be drivable. 2 inches all the way around? Another thing, you must get your car realigned after it is lowered, right? Well i've been unable to find anyone locally who can realign. Any suggestions? Also, you were speaking in the post about the back end of the car. What about the front?
Thanks,
Rick
Never meet you before, but i believe we know some of the same people at More performance in Charlotte. Since I know you race your car...what do you think is the maximum amount a car can be lowered and still be drivable. 2 inches all the way around? Another thing, you must get your car realigned after it is lowered, right? Well i've been unable to find anyone locally who can realign. Any suggestions? Also, you were speaking in the post about the back end of the car. What about the front?
Thanks,
Rick
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,331
Likes: 32
From: USA
Re: Lowering theC5 (jawski)
Jawski,
Never, never cut the rear bushings. Although I have used the longer 1/2" rear
bolts without problem, Dave Farmer is right. Get the proper size bolts to fit the bushings.
The front is another story. You will get 3/4 to 1" drop without cutting the bushings. You wll notice a harsher ride if you have to cut them.
Lower the front and rear with the stock bolts and drive the car for a couple of days and see what you think. Then decide to go lower if needed.
Never, never cut the rear bushings. Although I have used the longer 1/2" rear
bolts without problem, Dave Farmer is right. Get the proper size bolts to fit the bushings.
The front is another story. You will get 3/4 to 1" drop without cutting the bushings. You wll notice a harsher ride if you have to cut them.
Lower the front and rear with the stock bolts and drive the car for a couple of days and see what you think. Then decide to go lower if needed.
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Pro
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 736
Likes: 0
From: Breese Illinois
Re: Lowering theC5 (corvette dave)
JAWSKI,
Once you lower the car you have a couple of options to help "soften" it again that involve the rear shocks.
1) Reverse the plate that holds the top of the shock - it's concave if you look at it from the top, when you reverse it, it becomes convex and lengthens the travel of the shock or
2) Remove the shock and elongate the bottom hole in the shock, which once again lengthens the available travel.
Do both of them and you get twice the travel. Can't remember who I got the info from, but it was from a fellow CF member.
later,
Once you lower the car you have a couple of options to help "soften" it again that involve the rear shocks.
1) Reverse the plate that holds the top of the shock - it's concave if you look at it from the top, when you reverse it, it becomes convex and lengthens the travel of the shock or
2) Remove the shock and elongate the bottom hole in the shock, which once again lengthens the available travel.
Do both of them and you get twice the travel. Can't remember who I got the info from, but it was from a fellow CF member.
later,