I have a '98 SS convertible and want to lower the car to improve looks. Can I just put a set of springs on the car without any harm??
What would be the disadvantages of this?


Thanks in advance.

 

The disadvantage would be a mismatched combo of spring/shock rates. This could result in, poor handling, possible bottoming out, and also possibly dangerous. Its at least better than torched springs though.

If you have DeCarbons, they are only rated for 30k miles before replacement, and they dont soak up much spring in stock form, much less less travel and higher spring rates.

 

I used Eibach springs and stock shocks for three years and found it to be an enjoyable combo. No problems. And need I say that I drive hard?

Rich Krause

 

Its been done, Brent Franker thought it was an ok setup too, I myself dont like mismatched stuff on paper or in reality. But, I have not ridden in a stock shock/heavy spring Camaro either.

Dont go too low, or the shocks wont absorb anything and you'll just bottom out and bounce everywhere. Does this sound familiar? Yep, you see Honduhs on the freeway like this every now and again. Bottoming out at speed is flat out dangerous, my 240Z was doing that due to one of the idiots who owned it before me. The car would like to go sideways around 100 when hitting a bump, not safe at all. If that former owner is still alive, some rice boy needs a kick in the pants.

 

Easier to get wheelspin if you don't also do the rear LCA relocating brackets (weld-on's strongly recommended vs bolt-on's). Do a search in this forum on "anti-squat" (or maybe just "anti" is enough) for lots more info.

Norm

 

Dr. Mudge

What shocks would you suggest should be matched with the lower springs?. Do you think there should be any other suspension mods to make this a good combo?

 

Without knowing the spring rates, you can't really get a good idea what the shock rates need to be. Adjustables help fix that, but are more than revalved shocks.

Rear LCA brackets at minimum.

 

Thanks for the feedback guys!