Ride Height.

[Karozza]

Can these cars be lowered & keep the ride/handling as good as they are? I see many that look too elevated; especially the rear, so are there specific recommended kits?

[Jamie N]

I've lowered the 4 that I've owned over the years and never experienced anything wayward in the handling. Only done for aesthetic reasons though as probably like you I don't like the look
of them being on stilts.

This one is on coilovers.

[dapinky]

Short answer to your specific question(s) is a simple "no".....

.... however.....

That just answers the exact question - and it has to be no, because anything you change will affect the ride/handling in some way.

Now, whether it would change it enough for you to notice all depends on a lot of factors - if you weigh exactly 75kg and drive with half a tank of fuel at all times, (and nowt else in the car), then the standard settings are going to be perfect for you..... but if it is anything different, then it won't be as good as it could be.

Also, unless you are always driving right at the edge of capability (you, car and road), it won't matter.

I'm 110Kg, drive with a full tank when i leave home, may have a passenger, and always have stuff in the boot - so it will never be 'perfect'.... it's always a compromise.

My ride height is set as per the book, because it will be lower with me, a passenger, and a boot full of crap anyway.... also my shocks are set 1 click harder than standard.....

Lowering the car 1/2" to 1" will improve the body roll, but change the point where the full compression is reached and handling then 'goes to ratsh1t' to coin a phrase.....

...... but you are unlikely to ever get to that point, even on track, unless everything else is so badly worn as to exaggerate it.

Also, lowering it 1" may make you feel it abit more on an uneven road surface, but will it matter? only you can decide.

Aesthetically, 1" lower at the back and 1/2" at the front makes a big difference - but the choice is yours - I don't care what it looks like from outside, as much as how it drives (to my preference) - but others have other views.

[Karozza]

I've lowered the 4 that I've owned over the years and never experienced anything wayward in the handling. Only done for aesthetic reasons though as probably like you I don't like the look
of them being on stilts.

This one is on coilovers.

Awesome! And exactly how I would like if I ever manage to own one, well done.

May I ask which coilovers & the cost?

[Karozza]

Short answer to your specific question(s) is a simple "no".....


My ride height is set as per the book, because it will be lower with me, a passenger, and a boot full of crap anyway.... also my shocks are set 1 click harder than standard.....

So, you can adjust the factory shocks?

[dapinky]

Short answer to your specific question(s) is a simple "no".....


My ride height is set as per the book, because it will be lower with me, a passenger, and a boot full of crap anyway.... also my shocks are set 1 click harder than standard.....

So, you can adjust the factory shocks?

No, factory shocks are not adjustable for either height or rate - I have AVOs on my car and GAZ units on my wifes. The only way you can change the ride height is with aftermarket shock absorbers (or change of springs). If you have standard OE units then you are left with no option but to keep it standard height (which, I was told, is why Lotus didn't fit adjustable suspension, because they didn't want people messing up the handling and then blaming the engineers!).