Lowering the camaro - what's going to happen? - Page 2 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

USAFJeeper · 12-01-2008, 08:05 PM

I never understood lowering cars, then again I have driven 4wd vehicles since 1980

andyrew · 12-01-2008, 08:47 PM

USAFJEEPER,
Lowering the car lowers the COG on the car, generally stiffens up the suspension, and gives the driver a better feel of the road, In general it really helps the handling, assuming that the suspension still has perfect range of movement.

In general what is affected by lowering is the alignment, not to mention the position the shocks are generally used in, thus if shocks that have been properly valved for the lowered position are not used, the stock shocks will prematurely fail (were not talking immediate, but maybe 50-75% reduction in life.... Simply a guess).

*CamaroSpike23* · 12-01-2008, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andyrew

In general what is affected by lowering is the alignment, not to mention the position the shocks are generally used in, thus if shocks that have been properly valved for the lowered position are not used, the stock shocks will prematurely fail (were not talking immediate, but maybe 50-75% reduction in life.... Simply a guess).

they will wear faster than that. when I first lowered my 94Z i just replaced the springs with lowering springs and put brand new stock shocks in (i know, im stupid), and it wasnt 6 months before they bottomed out.

1.5" drop springs equate to about a 2" overall drop once everything settles out.

Belo · 12-02-2008, 09:50 AM

my gtp is lowered, and I also love the look, but this car doesn't need it imo. Besides, sometimes the extra jolt from bumps gets annoying. But I do love the cornering.

blackZbandit · 12-02-2008, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andyrew

USAFJEEPER,
Lowering the car lowers the COG on the car, generally stiffens up the suspension, and gives the driver a better feel of the road, In general it really helps the handling, assuming that the suspension still has perfect range of movement.

In general what is affected by lowering is the alignment, not to mention the position the shocks are generally used in, thus if shocks that have been properly valved for the lowered position are not used, the stock shocks will prematurely fail (were not talking immediate, but maybe 50-75% reduction in life.... Simply a guess).

Sounds like you know what you're talking about, so if one were to have ambitions having dropping their car about an inch what would suggestion be to do it safely (besides not doing it)?

*CamaroSpike23* · 12-02-2008, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackZbandit

Sounds like you know what you're talking about, so if one were to have ambitions having dropping their car about an inch what would suggestion be to do it safely (besides not doing it)?

.5-.7" drop springs and revalved shocks. then get an alignment.

blackZbandit · 12-03-2008, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamaroSpike23

.5-.7" drop springs and revalved shocks. then get an alignment.

Can the original shocks be revalved or should you buy new ones?

2010_5thgen · 12-03-2008, 09:07 PM

im planning on lowering mine but i was going to go with 1.5-2 inches. they are pretty low but the good thing is that the front ends arent as long as they wereon the 4th gen which meens you dont have to take such a drastic angle to get into some raised parking lots. i had it down pretty good with my T/A.

*GTAHVIT* · 12-03-2008, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackZbandit

Can the original shocks be revalved or should you buy new ones?

I would by new ones. If you get a good set, the new ones will be fully adjustable and you won't have to worry about it again.

andyrew · 12-03-2008, 11:27 PM

Black,

1" drop eh? If you want it done on the cheap, lowering springs and an alignment.

Shocks will be fine for a couple of years (honestly) if you have good roads. By that time you might want to go with full coil overs, or if you like the ride and the shocks are starting to get a little bouncy then replace your shocks with properly valved shocks.

Your not lowering the car all that much.

Its like a 150lb driver vs a 250lb driver and passenger for 2 years.

Yes weight will lower a car. (So if you want to go super cheap, fill the bumpers with 200lbs of lead.... done!!! {and its been done before})

Info@PeddersUSA.com · 12-04-2008, 02:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seeknay2000

I'm thinking of lowering the camaro - not sure, maybe 1-1.5". I like the lower look, I think it's real bad-ass, just my opinion. My question is how does lowering a car effect the suspension/performance/handling? Is it a good idea or not? How should I lower it?

I don't like the idea of having "bags" on the car but it is a possibility so I can raise it when I need to. I live in Philly (anybody who's been there knows of the potholes - the streets are almost like off-road streets). My main concern is I want to lower it without spending a lot of money, but I also don't want it to negativley affect the performance or handling. For me this car is performance 1st, looks 2nd.

Thanks for you help!

1 to 1.5 inch drop will work. Dropping it super low will have some very aggressive negative affects on the geometry of the Camaro.
Pedders will have available drop coils, and an eXtreme XA Mono tube 30 way adjustable coil over with 3 different spring options.

You are getting a Camaro. Even the V6s will be performance oriented. Dropping it too much will make a show car only. All show and no go!!

mike
dms

96CAMaro · 12-04-2008, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seeknay2000

I'm thinking of lowering the camaro - not sure, maybe 1-1.5". I like the lower look, I think it's real bad-ass, just my opinion. My question is how does lowering a car effect the suspension/performance/handling? Is it a good idea or not? How should I lower it?

I don't like the idea of having "bags" on the car but it is a possibility so I can raise it when I need to. I live in Philly (anybody who's been there knows of the potholes - the streets are almost like off-road streets). My main concern is I want to lower it without spending a lot of money, but I also don't want it to negativley affect the performance or handling. For me this car is performance 1st, looks 2nd.

Thanks for you help!

First drive the Camaro as is for a couple months and then decide whether you still want to lower your new ride or not. I would just use those extra dollars to tweak the suspension. IMHVO of course.

*GTAHVIT* · 12-04-2008, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dms

1 to 1.5 inch drop will work. Dropping it super low will have some very aggressive negative affects on the geometry of the Camaro.
Pedders will have available drop coils, and an eXtreme XA Mono tube 30 way adjustable coil over with 3 different spring options.

You are getting a Camaro. Even the V6s will be performance oriented. Dropping it too much will make a show car only. All show and no go!!

mike
dms

Adding to the list....

yenkotown · 12-04-2008, 01:33 PM

Eibach already has springs for the car listed in their new app guide that they gave out at SEMA. H&R will have them too. I've had 14 Camaro's all SS or Z28, 1968 to 2001 many were lowered .........no problem whatsoever as long as you do it right and don't hack the springs for example. It made a huge improvement on my '01 SS and "98 Z28 especially. For sure I will do it. Remember all the GMMG cars used Eibachs stock.

12-02-2008, 09:50 AM	#18
Belo Drives: 98 Heavily Modded Pontiac GTP Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 114	my gtp is lowered, and I also love the look, but this car doesn't need it imo. Besides, sometimes the extra jolt from bumps gets annoying. But I do love the cornering. __________________ Future G8 or Camaro SS owner. Help me choose...

12-03-2008, 09:07 PM	#22
2010_5thgen Drives: 2012 Porsche Panamera 4 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 3,274 View My Garage	im planning on lowering mine but i was going to go with 1.5-2 inches. they are pretty low but the good thing is that the front ends arent as long as they wereon the 4th gen which meens you dont have to take such a drastic angle to get into some raised parking lots. i had it down pretty good with my T/A. __________________ Brixton Forged CM10 Wheels IN STOCK!!! RF7 SOON!!!! Camaro/M3/M4 wheels in stock High Gloss Titanium

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12-01-2008, 08:05 PM	#15
USAFJeeper Bringing mullets back Drives: 2010 Rally Yellow 2LT/RS Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Middle Georgia Posts: 631 View My Garage	I never understood lowering cars, then again I have driven 4wd vehicles since 1980

12-01-2008, 08:47 PM	#16
andyrew Drives: Audi A4 STG3, Porsche 914 v8 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Modesto, ca Posts: 126 View My Garage	USAFJEEPER, Lowering the car lowers the COG on the car, generally stiffens up the suspension, and gives the driver a better feel of the road, In general it really helps the handling, assuming that the suspension still has perfect range of movement. In general what is affected by lowering is the alignment, not to mention the position the shocks are generally used in, thus if shocks that have been properly valved for the lowered position are not used, the stock shocks will prematurely fail (were not talking immediate, but maybe 50-75% reduction in life.... Simply a guess).

12-03-2008, 11:27 PM	#24
andyrew Drives: Audi A4 STG3, Porsche 914 v8 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Modesto, ca Posts: 126 View My Garage	Black, 1" drop eh? If you want it done on the cheap, lowering springs and an alignment. Shocks will be fine for a couple of years (honestly) if you have good roads. By that time you might want to go with full coil overs, or if you like the ride and the shocks are starting to get a little bouncy then replace your shocks with properly valved shocks. Your not lowering the car all that much. Its like a 150lb driver vs a 250lb driver and passenger for 2 years. Yes weight will lower a car. (So if you want to go super cheap, fill the bumpers with 200lbs of lead.... done!!! {and its been done before})

12-04-2008, 01:33 PM	#28
yenkotown Drives: Hyundai 2.0T 10 former Corvettes Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Miami Posts: 68	Eibach already has springs for the car listed in their new app guide that they gave out at SEMA. H&R will have them too. I've had 14 Camaro's all SS or Z28, 1968 to 2001 many were lowered .........no problem whatsoever as long as you do it right and don't hack the springs for example. It made a huge improvement on my '01 SS and "98 Z28 especially. For sure I will do it. Remember all the GMMG cars used Eibachs stock.