O.T. Do Lowering Springs Have Any Cons As Long As They Don't Lower Too Much?

Drdan

Drdan

Joined
Dec 24, 2003
Messages
1,390
I never lowered a car before, but saw the springs available where the other performance items were offered, so I'm wondering if any car buffs can give me some advice...

I'm told that the lowering springs (H & R) will lower the car 35 mm., and it will have improved stability while cornering, and be even more responsive. Are there any cons other than losing my oil pan on bad roads if they are properly installed? Also, should I also upgrade the shocks too?

Thanks!
 
what car?

why do you want to? Have you had problems?

would this be the only modification you would make?
 
Kismet said:
what car?

why do you want to? Have you had problems?

would this be the only modification you would make?
Click to expand...

MB slk. No problems; just got the car yesterday. :D I just want even better cornering (less roll and more stability) and handling. I only plan on getting Goodridge braided stainless steel brake lines. Everything else is O.K.
 
YESTERDAY?????????????????????????????????????????



take two aspirins and call me in a month
 
My wife said something similiar, Kismet. :D I overlooked the sport suspension option, and would like it a tuned just a bit. Besides the brake lines, I'm happy with everything else. :rolleyes:
 
Doing one thing often leads to the necessity of doing another.:rolleyes: Do you mean this is a brand new car and you didn't get the sport suspension or something else?
If it is a new car and you didn't get the sport suspension it's your bad.:p
Also if it's a new car I would speak to the dealer about any mods as they might negate any warranty.
If you lower it definitely put on new and improved shocks!!!! You'll need 'em.;) :D

And if you do anything to make it go faster you also need to work on making it stop better, and faster.
In other words, "You can't do one thing without doing something else."
Oh wait. I pretty much already said that din't I?:rolleyes: :p ;) :D
 
Putting on stiffer suspension would make it handle better around turns without lowering it.
What happens to wheel travel with these lowered jobs?


munk
 
If you are going to lower your car, then it opens a whole new can of worms as to how the car rides, center of gravity, the effects on your tires, etc... If I were you, I would also get a strut tower brace(s) and a camber kit. This will prevent your tires from bowing out at the bottom and you won't be buying new tires every month. Hell, if it has been a while I would replace the shocks and struts as well to handle the shorter distance of travel that you will have on the new stiffer springs. You may want to consider looking into Eibach, KYB, or Tokico.
 
Not sure how things work where you are, but here in the Denver Metro area, many alignment shops will not touch a lowered car. "Put it back to factory, and we will do an alignment", is what they usually tell people. Lowering a car changes the steering geometry, and if not done properly, can cause problems with tire wear, and handling. Lowering it 35mm (3.5cm, or 1.37795in), you may need to change your camber/caster settings to avoid the tire wear problem. Depending on the car, you may also need to change out the steering arm, and stabilizer bars. You may also need to buy new low profile tires, and rims. Just don't make them stick out past your fenders, your wheel beerings would suffer.
 
And all so if you hit a softball or beer bottle on the road, your undercarriage can kick it around to the sidewalk.


munk
 
I would not do it. The engeneers and manufactuer spent a lot of time and money getting that car to ride the way it does. Don't you think they would have lowered it at the factory if it was going to make it better?

You want a car the handles right out of the box, get a C5 or C6 Vette.
 
SkagSig40 said:
I would not do it. The engeneers and manufactuer spent a lot of time and money getting that car to ride the way it does.
Click to expand...


This statement wraps it up. There is a ton of engineering that goes into tuning suspensions. That is not to say that you can't do it, but prepare for alot of trial and error as well as spending a boatload of cash.

On the other hand, if your car brand has a tuner brand, (for instance BMW has there 'M' series tuners, Mercedes Benz has AMG as a tuner brand, Subaru has there SPT or STI tuner line) you can buy performance parts that have been optimized for your car.

That is a far cry from buying lowered springs (of a wide variety of heights and stiffness ratings) and a set of adjustable struts so that you can experiment.

Still there are others out there that know how to do it. Most can't. Those who can, usually make a lot of money doing it.

Lastly, parts always cost less when it comes with the car.
 
Thanks for the input guys... :cool:

I'm going to leave it as it is. If I did lower it, I assumed that lots of other things would come into play, and would have to be dealt with. Great input from several guys who would know.

Ben's advice would be the most practical, since it would be easy to reverse. :D
 
A good way to improve handling & cornering is to get new tires and get REALLY GOOD tires. Get the right size (the ones that match what the engineers above recommended) but get high quality.

I've noticed that whenever I get new tires, the car feels much better.

At very least, get them balanced and keep an eye on the pressure.
 
Falling knife...

I'm going to get "Z" rated Pirellis. Tires make an enormous difference...

Bruise...

Invaluable advice! :D Where would we all be without your sage postings? :D :rolleyes: :eek:
 
I have z rated tires on my Z28 Camaro. You can tell a big differance from going just a few down to like v rated. Z are worth it but are a softer rubber and wear fast! My advice is to rotate them at the very least every 4,000 miles or less to keep the life up. I noe have 25,000 on my z tires and they still have lots of life in them.
 
DrD?

If you MUST do something expensive with little return on the investment and with little or no value to the rest of the world, look around at vintage road racing in Italy. The Italians are as nuts as the rest of the world. Check out old Mini-Coopers, maybe finding one that has bankrupt its current owner and is ready for your pockets.

At the very least you get to buy some gloves that have "speed holes" in the backs to reduce drag. At best, you can sink a fortune into an activity that will reward you with $15 trophies that you could buy right now, without the car.
 
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