Lowering a ZR-1 questions... - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

Meanmyz · 08-15-2019

I would like to lower a 1995 ZR-1 about 1 inch from the stock height. As you know our cars ride quite high in stock form.

- I do like the supple ride that the stock car provides but know there is some room for a firmer ride that I would put up with.

- I am not a hard core racer, but I do enjoy road racing events like SORC in Nebraska and BBORR in Texas.

It seems that there are as many "cons" to lowering as "pros". I don't want to decrease the ride quality or handling characteristics that Corvette engineers spent countless hours trying to perfect.

The problem:
- Lowering kit - Some research suggests that the cheap lowering kits (wedges for the front) actually decrease the performance of your suspension because in cutting off the leaf spring rubber bumpers, you actually "un-tension" the leaf spring, getting an even more bouncy soft ride. Is this true?

- Coilovers - I have read articles by Hib Halverson on this subject and he is not a fan of coilovers for the reason that these reduce suspension travel, which is the gold standard of ride quality. There are also full discussions on how the leaf spring also acts as a sway bar and coilovers can be a small can of worms unless you really understand them. Some guys on this site have also taken them back off because they didn't like them.

- This car does get driven at high speed and I plan on taking it to BBORR where you are running at high speed for 118 miles. Will coilovers or a lowering kit put shafts and suspension pieces at angles that are detrimental?

What about lowering with the wedge kit and doing Moracca valving? I have come across forum threads where guys said that unless you are a racer, Moracca valving is pretty stiff for the street....?

The car sits quite high and the front spoiler must be 4+ inches off of the ground. Is there a way to "have your cake and eat it too" with lowering a ZR-1? Thanks for any replies from guys that know.

08-15-2019	#1
Meanmyz Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Springfield, Minnesota Posts: 446	Lowering a ZR-1 questions... I would like to lower a 1995 ZR-1 about 1 inch from the stock height. As you know our cars ride quite high in stock form. - I do like the supple ride that the stock car provides but know there is some room for a firmer ride that I would put up with. - I am not a hard core racer, but I do enjoy road racing events like SORC in Nebraska and BBORR in Texas. It seems that there are as many "cons" to lowering as "pros". I don't want to decrease the ride quality or handling characteristics that Corvette engineers spent countless hours trying to perfect. The problem: - Lowering kit - Some research suggests that the cheap lowering kits (wedges for the front) actually decrease the performance of your suspension because in cutting off the leaf spring rubber bumpers, you actually "un-tension" the leaf spring, getting an even more bouncy soft ride. Is this true? - Coilovers - I have read articles by Hib Halverson on this subject and he is not a fan of coilovers for the reason that these reduce suspension travel, which is the gold standard of ride quality. There are also full discussions on how the leaf spring also acts as a sway bar and coilovers can be a small can of worms unless you really understand them. Some guys on this site have also taken them back off because they didn't like them. - This car does get driven at high speed and I plan on taking it to BBORR where you are running at high speed for 118 miles. Will coilovers or a lowering kit put shafts and suspension pieces at angles that are detrimental? What about lowering with the wedge kit and doing Moracca valving? I have come across forum threads where guys said that unless you are a racer, Moracca valving is pretty stiff for the street....? The car sits quite high and the front spoiler must be 4+ inches off of the ground. Is there a way to "have your cake and eat it too" with lowering a ZR-1? Thanks for any replies from guys that know. Last edited by Meanmyz; 08-15-2019 at 02:09 PM.