C5 Mild Drop

[Remo]

Folks,

Would like to lower mine about one inch. Where are the bolts/nuts located on the stock suspension to lower the body? Does it require removing the wheels to get access?

Remo
:cool

 

[johnl]

Yea I'm afraid you do. I took mine down to the stops in the front. It's about 1 inch on the lowering bolt.
I found a link with some instructions. I'll try to dig it up. It only took me a couple of hours and most of that time was getting it on and off the jack stands. (I always put it up on the stands when I work on it). It's not too hard but you do have to take apart part of the suspension. (Good time to change out the front sway-bar)
I'll try to dig up the link and edit it into this post.
John

EDIT: here's one Not too bad http://corvetteforum.com/techtips/viewsubtopic.php?SubTopicID=27&TopicID=1

This is the one I followed: Pics included:
http://corvetteforum.com/techtips/viewsubtopic.php?SubTopicID=90&TopicID=1

 

[Remo]

Note to East Bay

johnl,

Thanks for the information - it's outstanding and clearly lays out what needs to be done. As it turns out I am having some other work done to the car at a shop in this area and they have done many of these lowering jobs. I'm looking to lower it about 1" and they say that can be done with the stock bolts and no cutting of bushings. I'll let you know how it turns out and attach some pics.

Remo
:cool

 

[johnl]

It wil look just fine. I took the front down the same amount you are thinking to do. And I took the rear down about 1/2" (2 sections, 1/4", off the rubber spacers).
It looks and drives great.
Good luck.

 

[Ctfoodguy2000]

Hi guys... I also was thinking about lowering on stock bolts only. I have heard different comments; do you have to align after lowering and the car "settles"?:confused

 

[Remo]

Steve,

The car goes in next Wednesday. I'll give you the details after the work is completed.

Remo
:cool

 

[SlowRide]

Hi guys... I also was thinking about lowering on stock bolts only. I have heard different comments; do you have to align after lowering and the car "settles"?:confused

Yes, it would be a good idea. My Dad did after he lowered his Z06. I can't remember what kit he used. We installed new longer bolts in the rear and merely tightened the front bolts (they turn counterclockwise). It was an easy process. Of course having a lift really helped.

 

[Ctfoodguy2000]

Thanks Remo... I can't wait to hear how satisfied you are!

SlowRide - was the alignment out of spec?? I'm sure it is probably smart to have it aligned!

 

[SlowRide]

SlowRide - was the alignment out of spec?? I'm sure it is probably smart to have it aligned!

The directions in the lowering kit stated to have it aligned after it was lowered. We had it aligned to be on the safe side.

 

[hawaii-5-lo]

heres a 3 inch drop in the back and 2 1/2 in front,it took about 3 hours.it should settle after a couple miles.its so much bull in my opinion that you should wait 1 week or 1oo miles etc...if that were true your car would have to settle every time you went over a huge dip to exersise the suspension.if i jack up my car then let it down it settles after i leave my driveway.good luck the look is killer,later,Todd.

 

[Gorgon]

Remo, how'd the lowering go? My C5 was lowered by the previous owner, I think he said 1.5 inches. I like it.

Leon

 

[Remo]

No No on Lowering

Gentlemen,

I decided against lowering my C5 and here's why. I took the car to Ron's Corvette Service & Restoration. Many of you in the northeast know him as one of the finest Corvette garages in the country. Recognized by NCRS, well know at all major Corvette meets, Bowling Green, Bloomington, Carlisle,etc.

Ron's advise was to leave it alone. He said it would change the geometry of the suspension and not in a good way. It would deteriorate the performance of the interactive suspension and to some degree reduce the effectness of the traction control system as well. Based on that information and the fact that Ron probably has a little more information than the average Vette owner - I had to agree with his assessment. Incidentally Ron has done many lowereing jobs on C5's (takes less than two hours) and is completely familure with the process. Also for those of who asked - yes if you lower your C5 you will need to do a four wheel allignment.

Remo
:cool

 

[Ctfoodguy2000]

Remo - thanks for the update. I have 2 concerns with lowering - (1) worried that I would bottom out more then I already do and (2) how does it affect the Vette. Interesting comments that you posted.

On a different note - where were you yesterday! I made it up to Shrewsbury & met Guy, Elaine & Alan Kemp, Jim & Arlene Martley, and Jack at the candy show.

 

[Remo]

Sweet Vettes @ the Candy Store

Steve,

I had no idea that you and Guy had a last minute plan to go. Of course Guy told me this morning that he forgot to call me. As it turned out I went to my nephews graduation party (family deal). No way I was getting out of that one.

Remo
:cool