Question about lowering and Eibach springs

[Ivory]

I want to lower my Gen 1 car with Eibach springs and have a realignment done. My Viper tech is telling me that lowering is not a good idea and that even with a proper alignment the car will begin to chew up front tires. I want some feed back before having the Eibachs installed.

Anyone who has lowered a Gen 1 or has rode in a car which has been lowered, your feed back is needed.

Thanks.

 

[IEATVETS]

Re: Question about lowering

Ivory, what Viper tech are you talking to? It can't be Cory at Collectors Choice! He actually recommened me lowering mine and said that there were no issues with doing so. I trust what he says.

 

[Sean Roe]

Re: Question about lowering

As long as the alignment is done properly, it will wear the tires normally. The height will not change the tire wear if all other settings (castor, camber, toe) are the same. Sounds like he didn't want to do the job....

 

[Kurt 97 GTS]

Re: Question about lowering

As long as the alignment is done properly, it will wear the tires normally. The height will not change the tire wear if all other settings (castor, camber, toe) are the same. Sounds like he didn't want to do the job....

Sean,

Does this mean that if all the specs (castor, camber, toe)remain the same before and after the Eibachs are installed (only difference being the height) that an alignment is not required?

Thanks for the clarification!!

 

[tommygun]

Re: Question about lowering

If the settings remain the same and only the ride height has changed than yes, but if you have the heads attached to the car to check it, you may as well try to make it perfect.
Attaching the alignment heads is the only!!!! way to verify current settings after spring change. Don't ever try to eyeball it, you will lose.

 

[Cop Magnet]

Re: Question about lowering

Does this mean that if all the specs (castor, camber, toe)remain the same before and after the Eibachs are installed (only difference being the height) that an alignment is not required?

Lower the car and you WILL change the alignment by definition.

 

[Tom F&L GoR]

Re: Question about lowering

I machined my Gen 1 shocks to accept threaded ride height adjusting sleeves and aftermarket springs; I now have 550/800 lb springs and the car sits lower; the fender arch is concentric with the tire.

The front and rear camber increases (top of tire leans in more) but I left it that way as my limited-highway/mostly urban/autocross/some-time-trial use wears it evenly across the tread.

What you need to check is toe-in front and rear. When lowered, the front will toe-out, and while a touch toe-out might be good, more isn't better. Lowering the rear will toe-in, and while some more than OEM is good, even more isn't. Without adjusting, the fronts will wear the inside edge quickly, the rears will just plain wear quickly.