Team Camaro Tech banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

simplest way to lift 1/2 to 1" in rear

Jump to Latest
21 - 33 of 33 Posts
#21 ·
For the amount of effort you'll put into raising the rear I'd lower the front an inch and take it to a muffler shop to have them bring the exhaust up a bit.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#22 ·
Gorgeous car! IMO, I'd lower the front as opposed to raising the rear. Let's us know how you proceed.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
Discussion starter · #23 ·
Thanks for the compliments.

I will keep you informed on how this turns out.

I do agree that lowering the front would have the best overall look. Just need to find out how the header collector flange can get tighter to the bottom of the car - maybe if I ditched the flange all together??
 
#24 ·
Lowering the front of the car would not affect the header flange in relation to the bottom of the car. You would lower the front by reducing the coil spring height. Either by cutting the coils or install lowering springs or adjustable coil-over shocks, etc. You would only be adjusting the height between the lower control arm and the subframe. This would not change the spacing between the header flange and the bottom of the car at all.
 
#25 ·
I went back and read your post on page 1. Something doesn't sound right. Is your header flange hitting the ground or the bottom of the car? I still stand behind saying that lowering the car would not affect the header flange to the bottom of the car. I do agree, though, that lowering the front of the car would put the header flange closer to the ground.
 
Discussion starter · #26 ·
Sorry about that... started thinking about raising the exhaust so I could lower the front end and lets just say the brain was going faster than the fingers.

The collector flange is about 5/8" from the bottom of the car - maybe a little less on the one side.

So - there ain't much raisin' to be had.

And yes, the clearance issue is with the road.

But, and I'm just thinking off the cuff here, cutting a coil to lower the front may not be as bad as I think - for would that not stiffen the spring also?

And as a last resort - I sort of considered this pair of header sacrificial - figured when they are beat up enough I'll replace them with something that does not stick out under the frame rails.
 
#27 ·
If all you want is 1" more height, just get 1" shock extenders. I've had them in cars for years with no problems of any kind. Less than $20 and you're done.

I have also had longer than stock shackles. They did hit the trunk valance. I bent the valance out a half inch and that solved the problem.

Personally, I like a car that sits a little high and has a gentle rake to it. I wouldn't change the front ride height at all.
 
Discussion starter · #28 ·
Ok... so I put a spring scale on the bumper and pulled up with 90lbs and got what I was looking for....

So - the simplest thing would be the gas shocks. Now I am wondering if all gas shocks are created equal. Is there a gas shock you guys would recommend? Scoured the internet but came up with zilch....

Also - I could always complement the gas shocks with some custom extended shackles that clear the tail panel if I had to.

This of course buys me more time to figure out the header issue (going on 5 years now... guess I'm trying to avoid changing them!!!)

thanks guys - any recommendations on the gas shocks would be appreciated.
 
#30 · (Edited)
#31 ·
Gabriel Air Shocks work great and have used them on a number of cars over the last 30 years. I think they are about $75 a pair at Autozone and have a life time warranty. That way you can adjust the air pressure and set the height any way you want. My new Cadillac has automatic adjustable air suspension to keep the height level when I load the trunk up with dirt. . . yeh
 
21 - 33 of 33 Posts
About this Discussion
32 Replies
16 Participants
Last post:
dbertholl057
Team Camaro Tech
posts
2.4M
members
90K
Since
1998
A forum community dedicated to 1st generation Chevy Camaros owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, builds, restoration, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, reviews, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Bench Racing Engine Body Shop Performance Brakes, Suspension & Steering