To lower or not to lower
03-09-2011, 07:20 PM
#21
Melting Slicks
I am lowered on coilovers and with non-runflats, 18" rims all around, and the ride is sooo much beter than it was stock. I am a believer that tires play a major part in a good suspension set up. I think those rims will look awesome on your Comm. Edition!
03-09-2011, 07:31 PM
#23
Burning Brakes
03-09-2011, 07:39 PM
#24
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Great looking wheels! I lowered mine on stock bolts. Although the ride is slightly harsher, it is very tolerable, doesn't scrape and looks better. Lower it 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch. you'll like it.
03-09-2011, 07:48 PM
#25
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I put the 18/19 wheels on my car too; then lowered it back down to where it's about 1/2" or so below the stock ride and that is best for me. Any lower and I could not drive it without bottoming out constantly.
03-09-2011, 08:09 PM
#26
Drifting
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Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Here's my 03 lowered all the way on stock bolts with CCW T-10 wheels (18/19). It was realigned to Z06 specs and the ride is just fine. I've been driving it this way since 2005 and I love it. I shudder when I look at photos of the car at the stock ride height. 
03-09-2011, 08:17 PM
#27
Race Director
I'll give you the only reason why you have to lower it...Car will look like *** with new wheels with stock height.
03-09-2011, 08:26 PM
#28
Jacks996
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The only reason I would not lower is if you have to go over huge speed bumps, Mine is lowered on stock bolts and it clears normal size speed bumps.
03-09-2011, 08:33 PM
#29
Race Director
The new rims will accentuate the gaps between the fenders and tires that much more. Just lower it all the way on stock bolts and you will be fine daily driving.
03-09-2011, 08:36 PM
#30
Drifting
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The previous owner lowered my current Vette to the max. It rides sloppy, scrapes everywhere, and "all in all" takes away from the "fun".
I can't wait for the weather to clear up so I can raise this thing up a bit.
Just don't go overboard and I am sure you will be happy.
Last edited by Mudvayne387; 03-09-2011 at 08:39 PM.
03-09-2011, 08:45 PM
#32
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St. Jude Donor '05
Wow! Lots of very strong opinions on this topic...
I've been this low for 7 years and 23K miles. Longer rear bolts and cut bushings in the front. Rocker Rails and Frame Savers are a MUST. They've save my azz many times! Keep it aligned and the ride is fine on smooth roads. Speed bumps and pot holes and steep driveways are out of the question - adapt or don't do it. Worth it to me because I think the car simply looks better like this. To each his own.
Your ride and the new wheels are sweet! Whatever decision you make, enjoy!
Rich
I've been this low for 7 years and 23K miles. Longer rear bolts and cut bushings in the front. Rocker Rails and Frame Savers are a MUST. They've save my azz many times! Keep it aligned and the ride is fine on smooth roads. Speed bumps and pot holes and steep driveways are out of the question - adapt or don't do it. Worth it to me because I think the car simply looks better like this. To each his own.
Your ride and the new wheels are sweet! Whatever decision you make, enjoy!
Rich
03-09-2011, 09:00 PM
#33
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Wow! Lots of very strong opinions on this topic...
I've been this low for 7 years and 23K miles. Longer rear bolts and cut bushings in the front. Rocker Rails and Frame Savers are a MUST. They've save my azz many times! Keep it aligned and the ride is fine on smooth roads. Speed bumps and pot holes and steep driveways are out of the question - adapt or don't do it. Worth it to me because I think the car simply looks better like this. To each his own.
I've been this low for 7 years and 23K miles. Longer rear bolts and cut bushings in the front. Rocker Rails and Frame Savers are a MUST. They've save my azz many times! Keep it aligned and the ride is fine on smooth roads. Speed bumps and pot holes and steep driveways are out of the question - adapt or don't do it. Worth it to me because I think the car simply looks better like this. To each his own.
03-09-2011, 09:53 PM
#34
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Thanks to everyone so far for your thoughts and opinions. That's what is so great about this forum.
As has been pointed out, there's some pretty strong opinions on here, but also some good info for decision making. As I've already stated for my own opinion, I think the gap between the tire and the fender is a little too big at stock height. And has been pointed out, that will only look more out of place with my new larger rims and thinner tires.
At the same time, I do drive this car on trips. Most trips are not over 4 hrs, but I also plan to drive to Florida this summer (about a 14 hr trips). So I'm trying to be practical at the same time as trying to develop a look and style for my car. That's a tough combination sometimes.
I think what I'll do is put the new wheels & tires on and just go with that for a little while and see how bad the tire/fender gap bugs me. Then if I just can't stand it, when I pull the wheels to paint the calipers later this summer, I'll lower it about 1/2 inch and see how that works. From what I gather here, if I don't like that, I can undo and no harm done. And again, I thank all of you for helping to arrive at that thought process. (Also helps being 48 yr old - if I was younger, I'd just say screw it, lower it, and live with it).
As has been pointed out, there's some pretty strong opinions on here, but also some good info for decision making. As I've already stated for my own opinion, I think the gap between the tire and the fender is a little too big at stock height. And has been pointed out, that will only look more out of place with my new larger rims and thinner tires.
At the same time, I do drive this car on trips. Most trips are not over 4 hrs, but I also plan to drive to Florida this summer (about a 14 hr trips). So I'm trying to be practical at the same time as trying to develop a look and style for my car. That's a tough combination sometimes.
I think what I'll do is put the new wheels & tires on and just go with that for a little while and see how bad the tire/fender gap bugs me. Then if I just can't stand it, when I pull the wheels to paint the calipers later this summer, I'll lower it about 1/2 inch and see how that works. From what I gather here, if I don't like that, I can undo and no harm done. And again, I thank all of you for helping to arrive at that thought process. (Also helps being 48 yr old - if I was younger, I'd just say screw it, lower it, and live with it).
03-09-2011, 09:55 PM
#35
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Got another question:
For you guys that are lowered on stock bolts, would you consider taking your vette for a 15 hr road trip? Or would the thought of that alone rattle your teeth?
For you guys that are lowered on stock bolts, would you consider taking your vette for a 15 hr road trip? Or would the thought of that alone rattle your teeth?
03-09-2011, 10:15 PM
#36
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Wounded Warrior Escort '11
03-09-2011, 10:24 PM
#37
Melting Slicks
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It looks stupid if the car is not lowered.
Whenever I see a vette, and its ridin 4x4...I cry a little inside.
Its a Sports Car, its not ment to be driven over roads that most normal cars have a hard time on. Lower it, you'll be far more happier.
Been daily driving a slammed 02' z06 for 2 years, i have some small scrapes underneath the sideskirts, but nothing major.
Whenever I see a vette, and its ridin 4x4...I cry a little inside.
Its a Sports Car, its not ment to be driven over roads that most normal cars have a hard time on. Lower it, you'll be far more happier.
Been daily driving a slammed 02' z06 for 2 years, i have some small scrapes underneath the sideskirts, but nothing major.
enough said.......!
03-09-2011, 10:27 PM
#38
Burning Brakes
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Thanks to everyone so far for your thoughts and opinions. That's what is so great about this forum.
As has been pointed out, there's some pretty strong opinions on here, but also some good info for decision making. As I've already stated for my own opinion, I think the gap between the tire and the fender is a little too big at stock height. And has been pointed out, that will only look more out of place with my new larger rims and thinner tires.
At the same time, I do drive this car on trips. Most trips are not over 4 hrs, but I also plan to drive to Florida this summer (about a 14 hr trips). So I'm trying to be practical at the same time as trying to develop a look and style for my car. That's a tough combination sometimes.
I think what I'll do is put the new wheels & tires on and just go with that for a little while and see how bad the tire/fender gap bugs me. Then if I just can't stand it, when I pull the wheels to paint the calipers later this summer, I'll lower it about 1/2 inch and see how that works. From what I gather here, if I don't like that, I can undo and no harm done. And again, I thank all of you for helping to arrive at that thought process. (Also helps being 48 yr old - if I was younger, I'd just say screw it, lower it, and live with it).
As has been pointed out, there's some pretty strong opinions on here, but also some good info for decision making. As I've already stated for my own opinion, I think the gap between the tire and the fender is a little too big at stock height. And has been pointed out, that will only look more out of place with my new larger rims and thinner tires.
At the same time, I do drive this car on trips. Most trips are not over 4 hrs, but I also plan to drive to Florida this summer (about a 14 hr trips). So I'm trying to be practical at the same time as trying to develop a look and style for my car. That's a tough combination sometimes.
I think what I'll do is put the new wheels & tires on and just go with that for a little while and see how bad the tire/fender gap bugs me. Then if I just can't stand it, when I pull the wheels to paint the calipers later this summer, I'll lower it about 1/2 inch and see how that works. From what I gather here, if I don't like that, I can undo and no harm done. And again, I thank all of you for helping to arrive at that thought process. (Also helps being 48 yr old - if I was younger, I'd just say screw it, lower it, and live with it).
03-09-2011, 11:14 PM
#39
Race Director
I am lowered all the way on stock bolts, and I took the Vette on a 10 hour road trip last fall and did not have one gripe about ride quality. I'm sure it is a bit of a stiffer ride, but the difference from stock is negligible. I can't tell any difference in ride quality.
