Lowering F45 suspension
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,270
Likes: 0
From: Rockford IL
Lowering F45 suspension
Just purchased a 98' with the F45 option, want to lower it as low as my 01'(see sig pic), can I go this low with the stock shocks or will I have to go with Bilstiens? I have Bilstiens on the 01', and have had no problems. I was told I could go this low on the F45 without changing the shocks. I already put Bilstiens on the rear, and started the car to move it in the garage, and got a code for"inoperative suspension-do not operate over 80mph". I put longer bolts in the rear, and removed the adjuster completely in the front(thats how my 01' is set up) I really don't care about the F45, I just want it low. Another member suggested leaving the stock shocks on and turning the rear upper shock mount upside down, to help keep from bottoming. Anyone else done this or have any helpful insight? Thanks ! :cheers:
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,922
Likes: 0
From: Boulder, Colorado
Re: Lowering F45 suspension (kwik8racr)
I already put Bilstiens on the rear, and started the car to move it in the garage, and got a code for"inoperative suspension-do not operate over 80mph".
(solution courtesy of Shinobi'97, http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=309754)
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,270
Likes: 0
From: Rockford IL
Re: Lowering F45 suspension (Miles in Michigan)
Thanks for the info, but does anyone know if I can use the F45 shocks and go as low as I want, or am I going to have to put the Bilstiens on, and go with the resistors, to get rid of any codes?
Thanks again for that link, very helpful if that is the route I end up going.
Thanks again for that link, very helpful if that is the route I end up going.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 23,446
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From: MO. Logic + CFOT = Anarchy!
Re: Lowering F45 suspension (kwik8racr)
Yep you can go 1" all the way around with no cutting with the stock shocks. I did all the research and then decided not to lower. :rolleyes:
Oh well.
Oh well.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 16
From: "Once you have flown, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward; for there you have been
Re: Lowering F45 suspension (kwik8racr)
I have seen some pretty low F45 cars.. remove the front adjustor or cut the rubber all the way off... longer rear bolts..... but I am sure the ride is going to blow.... you'll probably get a better ride with the Bilstiens.. and eliminating the suspension error codes with programming or resistors.
[Modified by XmentalPilot, 6:23 PM 7/16/2002]
[Modified by XmentalPilot, 6:23 PM 7/16/2002]
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 158
From: New Bedford MA
Re: Lowering F45 suspension (kwik8racr)
I lowered my 98 F45 vert using Andy's longer bolts and by cranking the fronts all the way without cutting the bushings. I checked the before and after measurements and it was about 1 inch lower before it settled. I had it aligned and put on frame and rail savers.
After a month or so I decided to raised it back up a few turns because It looked really great but the ride sucked. It would hit the stops on bumps and bounce quite a bit especially at speed on the highway. The new height was a little better on the ride quality but now that it was settled the car is almost at the same height front and back. I think that I will bring the back uo 1/2" to get it closer to the stock rake but still lower than stock. This should also help to fix the bouncing problem.
I really like the lowered look but have to balance it with a decent ride. It will still be lower than stock but it won't feel like a street sweeper hitting nearly every little bump or raised manhole. I'm wonder if we can lower the new F55 suspension on the '03 without hurt the ride quality??
After a month or so I decided to raised it back up a few turns because It looked really great but the ride sucked. It would hit the stops on bumps and bounce quite a bit especially at speed on the highway. The new height was a little better on the ride quality but now that it was settled the car is almost at the same height front and back. I think that I will bring the back uo 1/2" to get it closer to the stock rake but still lower than stock. This should also help to fix the bouncing problem.
I really like the lowered look but have to balance it with a decent ride. It will still be lower than stock but it won't feel like a street sweeper hitting nearly every little bump or raised manhole. I'm wonder if we can lower the new F55 suspension on the '03 without hurt the ride quality??
