Ebbsnflows

After lowering the Z (on stock bolts), will I need anything special in order get it aligned? For example on my Mustangs I always needed Castor/Camber plates because the stockers weren't adjustable. On my Lightning, I need camber bolts (again for same reason). Can an alignment shop successfully align the Z without any special aftermarket devices?

Thanks!

F1_SS

You dont need to so anything special except trying to get it on the ramps for the alignment .

I lowered mine on stock bolts (cut 2/3 bushings in front and back) and i had a hell of a time finding a place that could even get the car on the ramps.

slow99

F1, where'd you go? i was directed to RUF in plano by the other board. couple people recommended them and said it's who 21st CMC uses.

vms4evr

At the shops that cater to the people who race (autox/track). I've found they always have sets of 2x10s or some such setup. So that they can place them in front of the rack so you have a gradual incline. They are also the ones who won't give you grief when you show them the specs you want set on the car.

AOC

With a lower car, the alignment setting still should be same as stock setting, correct?

Man, I want to lower my Z06 so bad, but am concerned with ride quality degradation as some owners have expressed.

LTC Z06

You can have any settings you want and the stock settings work just fine, it's just after lowering you settings are off, especially neg camber which will wear in the insides of your tires out fast is all you do is street driving.

Ebbsnflows

So does anyone have the stock settings handy? I don't auto-x and my days of dragracing (ie. breaking **** constantly) are over. I just want a nice, tire preserving alignment.

LTC Z06

Then tell them to give you the standard C5 alignment, when I get home tonight I'll give you all the settings so you can check the printout and make sure they got it right.

Z06 Aldo

I dropped my car close to an inch on the stock bolts. I went to a local company that specializes in racing tires, wheels n alignments. They are set up for lowered cars. I had them set the stock alignment which they were able to look up and corner balance the Z. I notice no difference in the comfortability of the ride. I've been going to this shop for 15 years for alignments on many different cars.
Aldo

F1_SS

I ended up going to NTB, i got a good deal from a friend ($43) but it took 2 days. 1 day i showed up and it was too low to get on the ramp, and the 2nd day my friend brought some wood so the car would be able to get on the ramps.

levettegrl

after I lowered my vette I drove it around and let it settle a bit before I did the alignment

LTC Z06

Wheel Alignment Specifications
RPO
Operation
Service Preferred
Tolerance

Front Alignment Specifications

All
Front Individual Toe
+ 0.04
+/- 0.10

All
Front Sum Toe
+ 0.08
+/- 0.20

All
Steering Wheel Angle
0.0
+/- 1.0

FE1 & FE3
Front Individual Caster
+ 7.4
+/- 0.5

FE1 & FE3
Front Cross Caster
Within +/- 0.5
--

FE1 & FE3
Front Individual Camber
- 0.20
+/- 0.5

FE1 & FE3
Front Cross Camber
Within +/-0.5
--

FE4 (Z06)
Front Individual Caster
+ 6.9
+/- 0.5

FE4 (Z06)
Front Cross Caster
Within +/- 0.5
--

FE4 (Z06)
Front Individual Camber
- 0.70
+/- 0.5

FE4 (Z06)
Front Cross Camber
Within +/- 0.5
--

Rear Alignment Specifications

All
Rear Individual Toe
- 0.01
+/- 0.10

All
Rear Sum Toe
- 0.02
+/- 0.20

All
Rear Thrust Angle
0.0
+/- 0.10

FE1 & FE3
Rear Individual Camber
- 0.18
+/- 0.5

FE1 & FE3
Rear Cross Camber
Within +/- 0.5
--

FE4 (Z06)
Rear Individual Camber
- 0.68
+/- 0.5

FE4 (Z06)
Rear Cross Camber
Within +/- 0.5
--

Ebbsnflows

Thanks Major!

J Z06

How does lowering affect the ride quality on stock bolts? Stiffer?

It certainly makes the car look better which is only one half of the equatiuon. It must handle better too with a lower center of gravity. A "Rake" is needed to. At least .5" higher in the rear for high speed stability.

LTC Z06

Ride quality will suffer very little. you will notice the positives much more than the minor negatives. Just be careful with curbs, speed bumps, and ramps.