Eibachs with stock 17's? Too low?

[Viper98912]

While I may upgrade to 18/19's in the future, I'm currently curious to know if anyone has any feedback or pictures regarding dropping your cars on Eibach springs and the stock 17" wheels. The wheel gap is pretty large on my stock 97 GTS, but my concern is how low the front bumper sits. Currently with the stock vertical lip underneath the bumper, I'm at 2-3/4" off the ground in the center, 3-1/4" at the sides of the bumper. Taking out an inch will put me just over 1-1/2" off the ground, which is pretty low. I don't even know if I'll technically be able to make it out of the driveway, much less drive around anywhere.

Without the lip, clearance is about 4". I know that people have ground this lip down, but I don't know the reaction that may occur with less rigidity underneath the bumper as well as possible radiator cooling issues.

Any experiences?

 

[denniskgb]

I have 18" stock wheels for now, just bought 3 piece iss forged 19/20 from viper alley. I have springs and caps. You should have no problem as far as I know. Just adjust your konis for stiffer rebound. there are threads on doing just that. As a matter off fact I have seen a 97 gts for sale , it was lowered with springs and had stock wheels, looked just fine to me.

You will have to consider that you will be scraping more. Speed bumps you will have to croll over and really watch the road for any surprises.

 

[Stugots879]

I have a 97' GTS with stock wheels. I just installed springs and caps. It is slammed, and the roads are terrible in RI. I may put the stock caps back in just the front, since I scrape everywhere. If I do I was told to be careful while driving over 130 mph, since the car will have less rake and the front may get light.

The shop didn't adjust the coilovers to a stiffer setting, which I heard may help my rubbing issues on road dips.

 

[Viper98912]

Stu can you post up some pictures? I'm curious to see. Thanks

 

[Stugots879]

Here is one, but I plan on taking more this weekend before I put it away for the season...

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[Dan Cragin]

Its often tempting to get the lower stance a 1 inch drop will provide, but on a Viper with 17 inch wheels its just too low for the street. The car wont make it out of driveways without scraping and speed bumps are torture. You end up driving the car slower as you are worried about bottoming out. Spring caps and a rebound adjustment would be the only thing I would consider, over changing to a better motorsports shock with new spring rates.

The little lip on the front fascia plays a fairly big role in the high speed stability of the car as well creating a low pressure area to allow better airflow through the radiator.

The best setup is to go with a 18 inch wheel and tire combination and some good aftermarket shocks with better spring rates. The wheel housing gap will be reduced and the car will have a nice ride (when properly setup).

Hope this helps.

 

[Viper98912]

The car looks good Stu, thanks for the picture. I'm curious to see what that would look like with the stock spring caps.

I've debated doing the spring caps only as well, problem being that they only really lower (from what I've read on here) about 1/2". If so, is it worth the effort; will you ever really notice?

 

[Stugots879]

Depends on what you're looking for. Only you know what you will be happy with.

On a positive note with the caps, they are an easy and quick install. And much cheaper.

 

[Sybil TF]

Mine sits pretty low but it has a JRZ coil over adjustable shocks. Hope these pics give you an idea of a lower viper on stock wheels

 

[CA97GTS]

I have 18's on my 97 with Iebach's - too low for me, scrapes everywhere, takes the joy out of driving it.
Just got some stock springs, getting lowering caps, and then getting some 19's for the car.

This will get the car back up to near stock height and the 19 wheels will fill the wheel well.

S/B best compromise. Remember it is mostly OTHERS that will see your slammed ride, while
you slow to crawl over over every dip and speed bump.

 

[Stugots879]

I have 18's on my 97 with Iebach's - too low for me, scrapes everywhere, takes the joy out of driving it.
Just got some stock springs, getting lowering caps, and then getting some 19's for the car.

This will get the car back up to near stock height and the 19 wheels will fill the wheel well.

S/B best compromise. Remember it is mostly OTHERS that will see your slammed ride, while
you slow to crawl over over every dip and speed bump.

Did you firm up your adjustable coilovers when you installed the springs?

 

[CA97GTS]

Prior owner installed the Eibachs, and as I remember Him telling me, he cranked the fronts to full and one click
back, rear to full and two clicks back, if that makes sense.

I scrape at slow/ low speeds, no impacts at higher speeds when shocks are compressed.
Shock settings will not help with speed bumps and driveways....

 

[Stugots879]

Prior owner installed the Eibachs, and as I remember Him telling me, he cranked the fronts to full and one click
back, rear to full and two clicks back, if that makes sense.

I scrape at slow/ low speeds, no impacts at higher speeds when shocks are compressed.
Shock settings will not help with speed bumps and driveways....

I'm curious to see how it looks as is. Can you kindly add some photos...thanks.

 

[Viper98912]

I've decided that I'm going to go ahead and start with the caps first. It should keep the ride nearly the same, and I can decide if it's "low enough". If not, I can always get the springs later for a slightly lower drop. I found pictures of a caps-only 97 B/W on the Alley and I'm not sure if I can tell much of a difference compared to my stock, so I figure this will be a good starting point.

Thanks for the help guys

 

[RedEnuf93]

I ran years with stock 17's and Eibachs. No issues.

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[Stugots879]

Post some pics and thoughts after install. I'm going to keep my springs in and remove just the front caps. I'll also crank my front coilovers up at the same time. That should help...

 

[Viper98912]

Beautiful pic redenuf! thank you

 

[Viper98912]

After putting in caps, I think I still want it lower. Now the question is Eibachs on stock struts (turned up), or go with a dedicated adjustable coilover setup. I don't want to spend that much money on a new setup since its normally a show piece/Sunday driver. I don't want a loose ocean rollercoaster though.

 

[rpm9000]

Here is a couple of pictures of my lowered 95. Black wheels are 17". Others are 18" front and 19" rear.

 

[rpm9000]

Sorry pictures did not load. File size too big.

 

[Viper98912]

What do you guys recommend for Eibachs and stock shocks? 4 clicks front and 3 clicks rear?

 

[Stugots879]

I was told a good setting was 3/4 front and rear. Meaning all the way stiff and back it off a quarter. It comes down to what you are doing with the car though.

I will be testing it out in the spring, but any info would be great from someone who has experience with this...