If you want to lower a Corvette you don’t need expensive tools or an aftermarket suspension. Follow these simple steps to do it yourself.
Lowering a sports car is a common modification for enthusiasts. However, a lot of folks may not consider it because they think it involves buying new suspension parts. Or it requires master mechanic skills and a garage full of special tools. That is not always the case. In fact, in the case of the C7 Corvette it can be lowered using the most basic of tools that you likely already have. And it is not much more difficult than changing a tire. Best of all, it won’t cost you a dime. The C7 ride height is set based on the trim level as specified in the service manual. The factory sets it this way to ensure the best mix of performance with comfort, and clearance. But many feel the result is a Corvette that has wheel gaps like an SUV. So how do you lower your Corvette?
Corvette Forum member JAGAMAJAJARAN created this guide several years ago to show how easy it can be to lower your Corvette. While we focus on the C7, a similar procedure can also be used on the C5 and C6. Through the years other members have continued to add their own experiences to the thread. It is an excellent guide with pictures that clearly show what is involved. At the end of the day, you are really just turning a few bolts in order to lower the point where the leaf spring touches the control arm. It is not difficult but as always be sure to follow all safety protocols when working around and under your car.
To complete the job, you will only need a couple basic tools –
Floor Jack
Jack Stands
10mm wrench or ratchet (you didn’t lose that 10mm socket, did you?)
Lower your Corvette – Front
You will start by lowering the front of the car first. Properly secure the car and jack up the front at the front jack point. Corvette jack pucks are helpful but not required.
Next you need to take the pressure off the lower control arm. To do this –
Place a jack stand under the transverse composite leaf spring
Lower the floor jack slowly to the point where the front end is now resting on the jack stand
This is where you will need your 10mm wrench or ratchet. JAGAMAJAJARAN started with a wrench but switched to the ratchet due to clearance issues. Below shows the front drivers side lowering bolt.
Turn that lowering bolt counterclockwise. If you want to lower it as much as possible, turn the bolt until it will no longer turn. Don’t worry the bolt won’t fall out. When you are done, raise the car again with the floor jack. Remove the jack stand. Lower the car and repeat the process on the other side.
Lower your Corvette – Rear
Now that you have the front of your Corvette lowered, it is time to move to the rear. Properly secure the car and jack up the rear at the rear jack point.
Similar to the front you will need to relieve the pressure on the control arm. The procedure is similar to what you just did at the front of the car –
Position a jack stand under the rear spring (black)
Lower the floor jack slowly to the point where the car is resting on the jack stand
Once again grab your 10mm wrench or ratchet. Turn that lowering bolt counterclockwise. As you turn the bolt, it will rise. That is your sign that you are turning in the proper direction. When you are done, raise the car again with the floor jack. Remove the jack stand. Lower the car. Enjoy your new ride height.
After you have lowered your Corvette it is highly recommended that you take it to a shop to have an alignment performed.
Pros and Cons
You can see now how easy it can be to lower your Corvette. By why would you want to? What are the pros and cons of such a modification? Well, the first thing to keep in mind with the lowering procedure described above is that it is using the stock ride height bolts. So, the pros and cons will be on the milder side. At least when compared to using longer aftermarket bolts, or a full coilover suspension and so forth. That being said, this is what you can generally expect when lowering your car.
Pros –
Looks – The Corvette is a sportscar, not an SUV. At least not yet. So, it should have a hunkered down look to it. Lowering your Corvette will dramatically improve the look of the car
Performance – Lowering your car will lower the center of gravity. This will improve performance in several areas. You can expect less body roll in corners, less squat during acceleration, and less nosedive under braking
Cons –
Scraping – The car will sit lower so it is more susceptible to scraping when going over speed bumps, entering driveways and so on.
Harshness – The car may not be as comfortable as before and have a harsher ride
Rubbing – It is also possible that in certain conditions your tires could rub on the bodywork after the car is lowered
The decision to lower your Corvette is of course up to you. But if it is something that you have been considering, this guide shows you just how easy it can be.
Images: Corvette Forum
Keyword: How to Lower A Corvette for Free!!! (C5, C6, or C7 Corvettes)