Yet another lowering question
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 831
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque NM
Yet another lowering question
The front of my vette sat at 26 7/16" from ground to fender, I know that's not the proper way to measure, however I wanted it approximately 1/2" lower in the front and 3/4" in the back. Back went down around 1/2" on stock bolts, the front didn't drop at all, and before you ask, it's been at least 2 weeks and 200 miles of waiting for it to settle. Tonight I installed the rear bolts from zip, and it was a little lower than I wanted, but the rear is simple enough to adjust. I've read plenty of threads about lowering and it seems that when using the zip bolts on the front, the little bushing tends to come loose from the bolt, so; should I just cut the bushings in the front, or install the zip bolts and use a bunch of black rtv to seal the bushing to the bolt before I put it in? BTW, I'm not going to go all the way down on the aftermarket bolts (or stock front with cut bushing), I just want 26" in the front and 27 1/8" in the rear
Oh, sorry for beating the dead horse
Oh, sorry for beating the dead horse
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
Likes: 17
From: Belleville Mich.
It sounds as though you are doing your own work.
I wouldn't cut the GM stock front adjuster bushings.
I'd install the Zip front adjusters just the way that you bought them.
Keep an eye on the small rubber pad, around semi annually for wear & tear & to make sure that they haven't deteriorated.
I wouldn't cut the GM stock front adjuster bushings.
I'd install the Zip front adjusters just the way that you bought them.
Keep an eye on the small rubber pad, around semi annually for wear & tear & to make sure that they haven't deteriorated.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 831
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque NM
Thanks Bumble. Yep, doing all my own work, justified the new aluminum racing jack
I'll keep an eye on that bushing, vette has only been averaging 3k miles a year, so it shouldn't be too much of an issue
I'll keep an eye on that bushing, vette has only been averaging 3k miles a year, so it shouldn't be too much of an issue
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 4,558
Likes: 286
From: Houston Texas
C5 COTM Coordinator
I personally installed the same kit myself. Like you said back was a snap. On the front I did remove the stock C5 bolts and installed the C6 bolts provided with the kit. I didn't want to take any shortcuts and just cut the bushings on the stock c5 bolts. Make sure to soak the bolts with some wd-40 overnight to loosen it up some and not risk cross threading anything.Honestly for me it didn't lower a whole bunch more than on max on stock bolts but it was noticeable. Although for the front it is kind of difficult to dial in perfect measurements. After trial and error of adjusting I ended up going as low as possible on the kits bolts but it is still not perfect. A buddy from the forum (Toque) told me he had almost the same problem which is why later he installed coilovers and it was much easier to dial in even numbers all around. Eventually when funds are available I'll be doing the same. Hope this helps and enjoy your lowered vette.
Last edited by Maxx_Z06; Feb 5, 2013 at 11:23 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 831
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque NM
I personally installed the same kit myself. Like you said back was a snap. On the front I did remove the stock C5 bolts and installed the C6 bolts provided with the kit. I didn't want to take any shortcuts and just cut the bushings on the stock c5 bolts. Make sure to soak the bolts with some wd-40 overnight to loosen it up some and not risk cross threading anything.Honestly for me it didn't lower a whole bunch more than on max on stock bolts but it was noticeable. Although for the front it is kind of difficult to dial in perfect measurements. After trial and error of adjusting I ended up going as low as possible on the kits bolts but it is still not perfect. A buddy from the forum (Toque) told me he had almost the same problem which is why later he installed coilovers and it was much easier to dial in even numbers all around. Eventually when funds are available I'll be doing the same. Hope this helps and enjoy your lowered vette.
I found out why my drivers side has always sat just a little lower than the passenger side
Needless to say, I don't think it's going to be any lower than it already was with the zip/c6 bolts
. Looking like I'll have to raise the rear end more than I wanted just to get the correct stance, even though the entire car will be at least a 1/2" higher than I want. Time to start saving for coilovers I guess
