Appearance & Detailing Interior & Exterior Appearance Modifications

How to lower my car?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 2, 2005 | 01:43 PM
  #1  
8banger's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (16)
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,120
Likes: 0
From: Chicago - Southside
Default How to lower my car?

Hey everyone. I'm lowering my car this Spring, just because I don't like the stock ride height. However, there are two ways I can do this:

1.) I can get Eibach ProKit or Sportline springs and drop the whole car (ProKit - 1.5" drop front, 1.3" drop rear/Sportline - 1.7" drop front, 1.8" drop rear). This would make the car handle better and give it more of a sleek look.

2.)I can get the BMR 1" lowering springs and just drop the front of the car. This would probably be better for racing since I'd have the softer stock springs in the back for better weight transfer. I wouldn't expect much improvement for handling, but it might have the retro muscle car-type stance. But I'm also worried my car might look like kind of goofy like this.

Any opinions?
Reply
Old Jan 2, 2005 | 03:38 PM
  #2  
GM Muscle's Avatar
10 Second Club
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,878
Likes: 0
From: Laconia, NH
Default

It would probrably look best if you just to do all four springs. When it comes time to replace the shocks get coil overs for the front so you can tweek the stance alittle more if you want to go for the slammed front look. Their are plenty of quick cars that run lowering springs. I'm not sure if the Eibachs are a progressive rate spring but that's what I would look for if you want to try and get the best of both worlds.
Reply
Old Jan 2, 2005 | 03:40 PM
  #3  
8banger's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (16)
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,120
Likes: 0
From: Chicago - Southside
Default

Originally Posted by GM Muscle
It would probrably look best if you just to do all four springs. When it comes time to replace the shocks get coil overs for the front so you can tweek the stance alittle more if you want. Their are plenty of quick cars that run lowering springs. I'm not sure if the Eibachs are a progressive rate spring but that's what I would look for if you want to try and get the best of both worlds.
Oh wow, didn't even think about the coilover possibility. Progressive rate? Not sure about that on the Eibachs either but I have to look into now. Thanks a lot.
Reply
Old Jan 2, 2005 | 03:47 PM
  #4  
GM Muscle's Avatar
10 Second Club
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,878
Likes: 0
From: Laconia, NH
Default

No problem. I know the Hotchkis springs are progressive and I've heard great things about them as far as looks and handling. I run Hypercoils but I don't think that they are available anymore. Get a set of drag shocks with them and you should get plenty of wieght transfer. With my rear shocks set at 3 and the fronts at 1, it feels like the car hits the bump stops on a hard launch.
Reply
Old Jan 2, 2005 | 03:48 PM
  #5  
8banger's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (16)
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,120
Likes: 0
From: Chicago - Southside
Default

Originally Posted by GM Muscle
No problem. I know the Hotchkis springs are progressive and I've heard great things about them as far as looks and handling. I run Hypercoils but I don't think that they are available anymore. Get a set of drag shocks with them and you should get plenty of wieght transfer. With my rear shocks set at 3 and the fronts at 1, it feels like the car hits the bump stops on a hard launch.
I checked into the Eibachs and both the Sportline and ProKits are progressive. I've seen the Hotchkis installed before and really like them. What would you recommend for drag shocks. Thanks again.
Reply
Old Jan 2, 2005 | 04:04 PM
  #6  
GM Muscle's Avatar
10 Second Club
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,878
Likes: 0
From: Laconia, NH
Default

I run the QA1 "R" series fronts and regular QA1s in the rear. Both are 12 way adjustable but the "R" series only have an adjustable extension and the compresion is fixed. So I run mine at 1 on the street and they still feel nice and stiff yet when I launch the car it still pulls the nose good and I get plenty of transfer. The fronts are also adjustable coil overs that can be used with a stock style spring if you buy the BMR spring seats or modify the stock ones.
Reply
Old Jan 2, 2005 | 04:08 PM
  #7  
need-a-z's Avatar
On The Tree
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake, VA
Default

I would go with the Eibach kit. I have them on my 92 and love them. The ride is still very good. Good luck!!!
Reply
Old Jan 2, 2005 | 10:03 PM
  #8  
dave70's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 630
Likes: 0
From: Thibodaux Louisiana
Default

do all 4 springs imo the back of the car is too high already and 2 diff rate springs can't be good for handling (may be dangrous even) whatever springs you go with thy to use all your susp. parts from the same co. they make everything to work 2gether i think;4 whatever it's worth
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

 Brett Foote
story-1

Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-8

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-9

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jan 2, 2005 | 10:48 PM
  #9  
Poik's Avatar
TECH Addict
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,564
Likes: 0
From: Bellingham/Edmonds, WA
Default

Front and rear springs already have different rates..

As for the raked look: I was thinking about doing this as well, but my friend pointed out to me that in order to look good raked, your wheels have to fill the well up. Think about it.. This made me decide to go with the Eibach Prokit, over the sportlines because IIRC the prokit is a linear rate.
Reply
Old Jan 2, 2005 | 10:50 PM
  #10  
8banger's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (16)
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,120
Likes: 0
From: Chicago - Southside
Default

Originally Posted by Poik
Front and rear springs already have different rates..

As for the raked look: I was thinking about doing this as well, but my friend pointed out to me that in order to look good raked, your wheels have to fill the well up. Think about it.. This made me decide to go with the Eibach Prokit, over the sportlines because IIRC the prokit is a linear rate.
I'm definitely stepping up to 17's eventually, but I don't know if that would be enough to fill those wheel wells. What's IIRC?
Reply
Old Jan 2, 2005 | 10:52 PM
  #11  
Poik's Avatar
TECH Addict
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,564
Likes: 0
From: Bellingham/Edmonds, WA
Default

If I recall correctly.
Reply
Old Jan 2, 2005 | 10:59 PM
  #12  
D Rock's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 740
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville, NC
Default

I have the BMR springs and personally I like them, and if I lowered my car much more then my Torque arm would scrape even more.
Reply
Old Jan 3, 2005 | 12:15 AM
  #13  
Slammed-am's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,326
Likes: 1
From: NW Houston/Nacogdoches, Texas
Default

Slam that ho on all 4 corners!
Reply
Old Jan 3, 2005 | 12:17 AM
  #14  
8banger's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (16)
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,120
Likes: 0
From: Chicago - Southside
Default

Originally Posted by Poik
If I recall correctly.
Gotcha...thanks. I feel a little humbled now. I like the look of Sportlines, but I don't know.
Reply
Old Jan 3, 2005 | 08:39 PM
  #15  
ZEEMAN's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,515
Likes: 0
From: HOT-LANTA
Default

if you go with eibach have you thought about going with an LT1 set. the guys at gmmg said they sit alot better then ls1 springs. thats also what is ran on the stage III ZL1 cars and the stance on those things is sinister.
Reply
Old Jan 3, 2005 | 09:04 PM
  #16  
KillerD's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
20 Year Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 390
Likes: 0
From: Atmore, AL
Default

I dont think you would be happy with the sportlines. I just dont think they look good. I just picked some Hotchkis springs...cant wait to install em
Reply
Old Jan 3, 2005 | 09:52 PM
  #17  
02WS6Bird's Avatar
12 Second Club
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,321
Likes: 0
From: Palos Hills, IL
Default

if you want a REALLY slammed car and performance...look into DMS, G2, and possibly H&R is it? all are over 1.5" drop and all handle great much better then the Sportlines....sportlines are for appearance only. if you want handling but dont wanna go that far down and remain street friendly with ride comfort go with Hotchkis, Pro-Kit, Hypercoils, Ground Control and there are others whihc are all around 1.5" drop

BMR is a great all around spring...takes care of that 4x4 stance and provides handling with good spring rates

ill take up Xsta Z28's advice and say stay away from Eibach tho
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2005 | 11:24 AM
  #18  
MadIceV8's Avatar
Customizing Director
20 Year Member
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,778
Likes: 4
From: SW Chicago, IL
Default

Sportlines look the best, and are not as bad as people say. For the street they handle good and they aren't that bad at the drag strip. G2 or DMS will raise the car a little bit more compared to the sportlines, but the car will handle much better at a track... and give you a little more clearance if you are worried about bottoming out. I will probably be switching to the G2 springs because they might finally be offered again (In the past they were impossible to get).
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:56 AM.

story-0
6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

Don't get dad new socks or a grill brush this year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-04 18:13:20


VIEW MORE
story-1
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-2
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-4
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-6
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-9
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE