Lowering a daily driver 1LE, advice please

[MBaseman]

Hello all, I've been doing tons of searching and figured I would start a thread and hopefully get some updated info, while not getting bashed.

I have a 2015 2SS/RS 1LE that is my daily driver. I don't plan to do any track events. I do plan on adding headers and high flow cats very soon, as well as lowering the car a bit to reduce the wheel gap. I am not looking to slam the car and I do not want to make the driveability suffer either. The roads that I drive on are typically in good shape, and I spend most of my time driving up and down the highway at 80 mph, give or take.

I used to think the Pfadt 1.25" springs would be my spring of choice initially, however after more research it seems like there are other good options as well. I have not ruled these out (are they still being made though?)

I have started considering BMR, but not sure if the 1.0" drop will be enough to justify the change, or if it's worth going for the 1.25" drop BMR's.

My goals for the drop would be to keep the ride comfortable and not jeopardize the longevity of the stock struts. I do however want to get rid of the 4x4 looking wheel gap, especially with the G2 tires. Way too much gap.

I'd love to hear fresh insight and feedback from those who have lowered their 1LE and spend a lot of time on the street. Again, I do not plan to track the car but I would still like to get the most out of the car. I like to drive the car hard at times on the street, when it's safe obviously.

Thank you in advance to all!

[JusticePete]

I highly recommend the DSE lowering coils. They have what I consider to be the best rate for a lowered 5th Gen. DSE are the only 5th Gen lowering coils I use in my shop.

[Olddudesrule]

Kind of in the same boat, but because I want to continue to track the car, I think my choices will be different. Hate the feeling I'm shitting on a group of GM engineers hard work, but I'd love to lower the car a bit too. I'm leaning towards coil overs. On the issue of clearance, I'd suggest doing the LTH install first. Since doing that, I've wracked the header/HFC connection flange on a few small speed bumps. Not sure how much of an issue dropping the car another 1" or so would create. Interested to hear what you decide, and see how it looks.

And P.S. I think Justice Pete is the man.......

[millatime84]

I don't have a 1LE but do have BMR 1.25 drop springs on my SS. I was in the same boat as you and wanted to eliminate the wheel gap. My ride quality was reduced, but i wouldn't hesitate to do it again. I don't DD mine though.

[JusticePete]

Originally Posted by Olddudesrule

And P.S. I think Justice Pete is the man.......

DSE coils with your 1LE struts would be very very good. Mid price, we go RideTech. Top of the line we go DSE. With either set of coilovers, adding SAI is HUGE.

[Olddudesrule]

Thanks! Didn't mean to hijack the OP's thread, but appreciate the advice. I know with the 1LE owners, when it comes to suspension mods, there's usually one of three crowds. Track oriented, DD's, and somewhere in between.

[MBaseman]

No worries on hijacking the thread, all good info. Pardon my ignorance Justice Pete, but are the DSE's a coilover set up or just the spring? What type of price range are we talking for your recommendations? I am not looking to spend a fortune... (I wish I could spend more)

I know you are suspension master, so I appreciate the reply! Looking for a somewhat inexpensive route to get rid of the wheel gap and not lose too much of the comfort on the streets. Some say the 1LE is stiff/firm to begin with. I don't think it's bad to be honest. Pretty comfortable to me! (I had a 2007 Z06 before this, so maybe that helped get me used to a stiffer ride?)

[2_C1LEAN]

Originally Posted by MBaseman

Hello all, I've been doing tons of searching and figured I would start a thread and hopefully get some updated info, while not getting bashed.

I have a 2015 2SS/RS 1LE that is my daily driver. I don't plan to do any track events. I do plan on adding headers and high flow cats very soon, as well as lowering the car a bit to reduce the wheel gap. I am not looking to slam the car and I do not want to make the driveability suffer either. The roads that I drive on are typically in good shape, and I spend most of my time driving up and down the highway at 80 mph, give or take.

I used to think the Pfadt 1.25" springs would be my spring of choice initially, however after more research it seems like there are other good options as well. I have not ruled these out (are they still being made though?)

I have started considering BMR, but not sure if the 1.0" drop will be enough to justify the change, or if it's worth going for the 1.25" drop BMR's.

My goals for the drop would be to keep the ride comfortable and not jeopardize the longevity of the stock struts. I do however want to get rid of the 4x4 looking wheel gap, especially with the G2 tires. Way too much gap.

I'd love to hear fresh insight and feedback from those who have lowered their 1LE and spend a lot of time on the street. Again, I do not plan to track the car but I would still like to get the most out of the car. I like to drive the car hard at times on the street, when it's safe obviously.

Thank you in advance to all!

I went with the Hotchkis 1" drop on my '14 1LE and it's perfect in my opinion. I hardly notice a difference in ride quality, but even if there was one, the looks I get more than justify it! I've got some meaty tires so I rub on steeper bumps but you will be fine with stocks or equivalent overall diameter

[Scotty D2014]

Isn't DSE springs 1.5??

[Scotty D2014]

And isn't BMR & DSE front spring rates the same @ 220??

[JusticePete]

Originally Posted by MBaseman

No worries on hijacking the thread, all good info. Pardon my ignorance Justice Pete, but are the DSE's a coilover set up or just the spring? What type of price range are we talking for your recommendations? I am not looking to spend a fortune... (I wish I could spend more)

I know you are suspension master, so I appreciate the reply! Looking for a somewhat inexpensive route to get rid of the wheel gap and not lose too much of the comfort on the streets. Some say the 1LE is stiff/firm to begin with. I don't think it's bad to be honest. Pretty comfortable to me! (I had a 2007 Z06 before this, so maybe that helped get me used to a stiffer ride?)

Front Drop Springs

The Drop springs have an increased spring rate and lower the ride height to give your car a more aggressive stance. They are a direct replacement and retain the factory isolators.

Detroit Speed Front Drop Spring Rate:
220 lbs/in.

OEM Stock Spring Rate:
V8 SS - 156 lbs/in.
V6 - 145 lbs/in.

Rear Drop Springs

The Drop springs have an increased spring rate and lower the ride height to give your car a more aggressive stance. They are a direct replacement and retain the factory isolators.

Detroit Speed Rear Spring Rate:
425 lbs/in.

OEM Stock Spring Rate:
V8 SS - 383 lbs/in.
V6 - 300 lbs/in.

DSE shows list price for a set at $510. I can check stock and pricing on Tuesday for you if you would like.

[MBaseman]

Originally Posted by JusticePete

DSE shows list price for a set at $510. I can check stock and pricing on Tuesday for you if you would like.

Thanks for the info. Not necessary to check on pricing.

I'm stuck between 3 main choices, which I think means I haven't figured anything out yet...sigh

1). 1.25" drop - BMR? How bad will this level drop effect ride quality?

2). 1.0" drop - BMR? Hotchis? Will this even be enough to justify the change and risk reducing ride quality.

3). Stock... And live with the 4x4 look

I really do like the ride quality and handling of the 1LE in its stock form but I am getting tired of that large wheel gap.

[jrhagen]

Coliovers, fully adjustable and great drive.

[Mikamaro]

Since you dont track your car, Have you check to change tires with a higher profile sidewall to close the gap?