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Topic: Lowering front end

in Forum: C3 Handling Components

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Lowering front end (1/14)
4/12/08 10:02am

hvb79
Former Member
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Renton, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1979 - Light Custom - Lamborghini Orange

Joined: 4/12/2008
Posts: 21

New member with a dumb question.

I would like to lower the front end of my 79 about an inch.

Any ideas?

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Lowering front end (2/14)
4/12/08 3:16pm

79rebuild
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Yelm, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1979 L82 4 speed Scat 383 crank 190 cc Procomp Aluminum Heads 202 160 stainless valves GM Powder metal rods Speedpro H860CP Hypereutectic pistons 280 cam hydralic HEI Pro comp 1.6 roller rockers Mighty Demon 750 Sanderson CC1AP Hedders.

Joined: 7/12/2007
Posts: 356

I see the 550lb springs are an inch shorter but I don't think the ride height is affected. You might be looking at the adjustable coil over over some other suspension mod. I seen a 79 at the swap meet just recently and his was low. He had the VB&P suspension kit on it. Why do you want to lower the front?

Lowering front end (3/14)
4/12/08 10:42pm

DaveM

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Flanders, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1982 Black, ZZ4, Hooker Side Pipes, 3.55 Rear, Rebuilt & upgraded 700R4, All new suspension, brakes, & new Charcoal interior.

Joined: 1/27/2004
Posts: 2553

I put the 550lbs. springs in my car and the front is higher than it was before.

Dave

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Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82

Lowering front end (4/14)
4/13/08 5:22am

Lynne73
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Easton, PA - USA

Vette(s):
1973 Coupe 350 Auto.T-Tops L48,65450 miles.

Joined: 11/6/2003
Posts: 232

You could take your coils out and cut 1 ring off. Be sure to use a cut off wheel, not a torch. Go to a Spring Shop the have catalogs for all spring heights, inside, outside diameters, spring rates and wire size.

Dave- Lynne 73

Lowering front end (5/14)
4/13/08 6:26am

73 Blue Ray
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Joined: 3/22/2008
Posts: 13

Last year I put a ZZ-4 in and my front end was higher than I liked, so I did what Dave suggested, I cut off one ring from my springs. It took 5 metal cutting blades and a sawsall but I finally got them cut. phew

A cut off wheel maybe easier!! My car does look better and I still hope it will settle even a little more and look even better. Good luck Smile

Lowering front end (6/14)
4/13/08 9:38am

hvb79
Former Member
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Renton, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1979 - Light Custom - Lamborghini Orange

Joined: 4/12/2008
Posts: 21

For some reason, the front end on my car is slightly higher and I would like its stance better if it was lowered a bit.

Lowering front end (7/14)
4/13/08 9:39am

hvb79
Former Member
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Renton, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1979 - Light Custom - Lamborghini Orange

Joined: 4/12/2008
Posts: 21

Thanks for the advice.

Did the shortening of the coil affect the ride a all?

Lowering front end (8/14)
4/13/08 11:34am

Since your local you can give these guys a shout, Right Way Spring Co 2545 Jefferson Avenue, Tacoma Wa, I had them put new cushions and bands on my leafs. The guy there was smart, knew a lot about vette's too. I may have to do the same thing if mine don't settle down, It's sitting a little high in the front with the new engine, but I just put it all back together new shocks etc..so I want to see if mellow out a little.

Lowering front end (9/14)
4/13/08 6:21pm

suncountry

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Moses Lake, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II

Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134

I have the 550 lb springs on my 76 and the ride is still great. It did drop the front a little. Look at my pic Wink

Lowering front end (10/14)
4/13/08 7:02pm

73 Blue Ray
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Joined: 3/22/2008
Posts: 13

If anything I think it helped the ride Smile

Lowering front end (11/14)
4/14/08 10:01am

VetteSpecialties
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Mounds View, MN - USA

Vette(s):
70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe

Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031

In theory, cutting a coil should stiffen the ride. In practice, you will probably not notice unless you cut quite a few.

Larry

Lowering front end (12/14)
4/14/08 2:07pm

gs77vet
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Joined: 3/19/2005
Posts: 385

I had bilstein shocks put on the front end with new bushings, rocker arms, etc. everything new as possible. The shocks make my 77 set up higher than I like, I do like the way suncoutrys 76 looks. I paid so much for those dang shocks, $98.00 each, then I say them in Ecklers mag. for $85.00 each. I was very pissed at my mechanic. I feel like some one saw me coming dressed as an idiot. I think I'm going to try the 550 lb. springs. Gene

Lowering front end (13/14)
4/14/08 2:32pm

I threw the 550lb springs should not affect ride height out there based on what I read from Corvette Americas parts description. Now I'm interested in it I'm going to make some calls and see what people say.

Lowering front end (14/14)
4/18/08 7:43am

hvb79
Former Member
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Renton, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1979 - Light Custom - Lamborghini Orange

Joined: 4/12/2008
Posts: 21

I also like the way suncountry's stance looks.

I might just trying clipping off one coil and if that doesn't do the trick, I'll try the 550 lb springs.

Thanks everyone!

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