how low is too low??

[john hixon]

Just finished knocking a couple coils off my Moroso drag springs (47190s). I got a little bit cut happy. It's about a quarter inch higher than top of the lower bump stops. The car is a '70 GSX clone.

I've got about 2 inches of clearance from the Poston oil pan and 2.5 - 3 on the M/T headers. Will I be OK?? The intention is for strip duty only. I'd hate to bottom out from a hard launch. Or should I assume the bump stops would help prevent that?

I've got iron 430 heads, lexan windshield, steel GS hood, steel bumpers, copper three core, manual steering, battery in trunk, AC and heater stuff gutted.

From a project stage perspective, I'm getting ready to get the front alignmnet done and then true up the ladder bar/coil over set-up that I installed earlier this spring. The preload causes it to sit a shade lower on the passenger side (I think that's the cause).

Any feedback is appreciated. I'm nearing the end of a three year project (my first) and If I need to change anything now is probably the best time.

Thanks!

John

[john hixon]

I've gotten some great feedback both from phone calls and PMs.

I'll attempt to summarize for the benifit of the board:

Cut the front springs 1 coil and expect a 1- 1.5 to a 1 - 2.0 ratio.
In other words one inch cut out may result in a 2 inch drop. There is some debate about the ratio, however consensus agrees it is not a 1:1. Spring rate will also change.

Never cut without having all weight on the car.

Expect new springs to drop about a 1/2 inch once they get some use.

With a lighter front end, a number of people would recommend Moroso 47160s over 47190s.

Two inch clearance from ground to Pan should "probably" be O.K..... For racing only. Sacrifice will be extra caution when loading on a trailer and avoiding potholes and the such when in the pit areas of some of the less than perfect tracks. Many people will take a lowered stanced car with these types of clearance issues and drive them up on blocks or small ramps and them use the jack under the crossmember.

A good link that provides a good summary from the Chebby guys: http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/techarticles/89858/

John

[GS Kubisch]

John
Looks like the car came out gorgeous.....Can't wait to see some better pics.
Here is a reference of the ride height of my car.
Never bottomed out on the street,track,or 5 different trailers.