Why Is Alignment Needed When Lowering?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Bend Or
Why Is Alignment Needed When Lowering?
I am considering lowering my 02 Vert, about an inch, for appearance more than anything. Can people chime in why lowering the car an inch changes the alignment characteristics of the vehicle and suspension? Will I also notice any handling improvements with an inch of lowering? I have the Z-51 suspension and will be putting on the Z06 front anti-sway bar. Thanks in advance for your responses.
Marc in Bend, Oregon
2002 EB Vert 6-sp
Marc in Bend, Oregon
2002 EB Vert 6-sp
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,126
Likes: 19
From: Streamwood illinois
Re: Why Is Alignment Needed When Lowering? (BluGem)
well as you lower your car you create negative camber (tops of tires point in) because the camber links are stationary and you are moving their pivot point . Think of it like this. As you load the suspension as in a corner etc, you create negative camber. If you ever were into rc cars you could easily replicate what im talking about.
Dave
Dave
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 7,076
Likes: 26
From: Nevada and Florida
Re: Why Is Alignment Needed When Lowering? (BluGem)
It will increase negative camber but may still be in an acceptable range. Tires also make a difference. You can run a little more negative camber with non-run flats. Handling will improve and suspension travel is still OK with Z51.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
Re: Why Is Alignment Needed When Lowering? (BluGem)
You might "feel" a slight improvement, but real, measurable improvements are insignificant. As for alignment, keep in mind that even the factory settings might be off, which will be exagerrated after lowering. Always a good idea to get a periodic alignment even if your car is bone stock.
Lowering by itself is really for :cool: factor.
:cheers:
Lowering by itself is really for :cool: factor.
:cheers:
