Lowering ride heigth

[Voyager]

According to my Second Strike Superformance owner’s manual, a good starting point for my car’s front end ride height is 27”. Mine was set up by the dealer at 28”. Tried to lower mine this weekend…ended up dropping it ¼” to 27.75”.

Couple comments/questions:

The good - Initial turn in is noticeably easier.
The bad – How much did I just mess up the alignment by lowering the front end ¼”?
The ugly - The free spring length was so short that the spring dropped away from upper collar as I rotated the lower sleeve down. The act of settling the car back on the ground compressed the suspension enough to clamp the spring back in place. I wanted to drop it all the way to 27”, but was very concerned about the spring staying in place over bumps, etc. Problem…at what point do I run the risk of having the spring come loose over a bump and miss-align on the upper collar lip?

[Blas]

The small modification you made should not affect the alignment. If I understand what you said, is it the FRONT springs that drop down from its upper coller when you lift the car up right? I don't believe that is a problem as long as it reseats itself when put back on the ground. They make keeper springs to maintain tension on the main coil when you lift the car, more often used on the coupe than the MKIII. It won't unseat when driving unless maybe you are doing wheelies or off the ground stunt jumps which I think is unlikely...

[Mark IV]

The springs not seating in full droop is not a concern unless you drive "Dukes of Hazzard" style. So long as they are seated when you put the car on the ground you will be OK.

[Blas]

"Dukes of Hazzard" THAT'S the verbage I was lookin for !!!!

[Voyager]

Ok. I’ll drop the front down another ¾” to 27” (which is “spec” for my size tire according to my Second Strike Superformance owner’s manual).

I’m curious to see how it handles w/ the front at 27” (measured ground to center/top of fender lip).

Somewhere between sag and full droop the spring will lose contact w/ the perch, at which point it may or may not reseat correctly upon compression. Hopefully it’s closer to the “Dukes of Hazzard” stuff than the pot hole/train tracks stuff. Never know until you try. I’ll post back if I get some clanking.

[DANGER]

I could be wrong, and usually am...

The ride height should be from the center fender to the lower rim. This will keep the sidewall and air pressure of the tire from affecting the measurement..

[Silverback51]

Personally I would never run with the spring in an unloaded condition when it's fully extended.

Go to Cobra Valley and buy their QA1 spring and shock setup. That along with the sway bar setup will be the best money you can spend in improving the handling of your car.

http://performanceunlimited.com/cobravalley/

[cobrarob]

My SPF cobra sits at 25 3/4" from the ground to the underside of the wheel opening at the front and 26" at the rear

I am running 17" PSE wheels and 275 /40/17 tires on front and 335/35/17 on the rear

I replaced my front coil over shocks completely with new shorter ones to avoid the issue you talk about , not cheap to buy or replace

I am going to install a bump steer kit to deal with the aligment , it is worth it as the car looks as mean as hell lowered down.

[Voyager]

Danger – I’m using the Second Strike Superformance owner’s manual method, which is measured from ground to center of wheel arc on the fender.

John – I agree with you. Unfortunately, my kid’s college has a nasty habit of taking all my disposable income. All toy upgrades are on the back burner for now. Experimenting with basic setup parameters for now.

Cobrarob – Your cobra sounds really low. Would like to see a picture. For what is it worth, the Second Strike Superformance owner’s manual lists 26.3” front & 26.6” rear for your wheel/tire combo. I have a ridiculously modified Miata that runs an autocross course like a banshee. You can end up chasing your tail, once you start tweaking. Everything is interrelated.

[DANGER]

Yeah, I got that information from RT at Cobra Valley.

When I installed the QA1 shocks and his beefy sway bars.

The combination works great and the car looks and drives the same...

[cobrarob]

Voyager

I cant figure out how to repost a pic so if you would like to see my car go to the link below

http://clubcobra.com/forums/showthread.php?t=107396

[SMOKNAC]

Cobrarob,
You say you replaced your front coil over shocks completely with new shorter ones,
Can I ask, what kind of shocks, and where did you buy them, lenght?
I too have a SPF and want to lower my front end.
Thanks John

[Voyager]

nice. thanks for pics.