Author Topic: How do I get the fronts lower? (Read 12233 times)

achtungE30 · « **on:** July 16, 2007, 11:54:53 AM »

I'm currently running H&R race/bilsteins on my car - see pic below...

Is there a way to kill the fender gap in the front?
As a last resort, i'm considering GC coilovers seen here...
http://www.ground-control-store.com/products/description.php/II=121/CA=98

Bill-B · « **Reply #1 on:** July 16, 2007, 12:34:59 PM »

I have the same problem, but it saved me $50 from having my front fenders rolled to

achtungE30 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 16, 2007, 12:37:59 PM »

What do you guys think about cutting off dead coils?

91318isguy · « **Reply #3 on:** July 16, 2007, 12:39:48 PM »

Are you running 14's? If so, the cheapest route (and probably the better option) would be to get bigger rims. As you already know, even with the 14's the fender gap is pretty low (at least on mine it's only a little more than an inch).

Bill-B · « **Reply #4 on:** July 16, 2007, 12:48:56 PM »

I am running 15x8 0et with 205/55-15

achtungE30 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 16, 2007, 02:08:12 PM »

im running 16x9s 205/40/16 and the stock 14 basketweaves on 195/65/14 (yea def less fender gap with 65 profile tires!)

Vladi · « **Reply #6 on:** July 16, 2007, 02:59:27 PM »

Quote from: achtungE30;29739

What do you guys think about cutting off dead coils?

Um, you better not. They were designed this way so it's best you leave them alone.

D. Clay · « **Reply #7 on:** July 16, 2007, 03:59:53 PM »

People have cut coils for years. When I was young (late 60's) it was the only way to get a lower, stiffer spring.
When you cut coils you also change the spring rate. The amount depends on the original length and how much is cut off. A coil spring is like a wound torsion bar. The shorter the length the stiffer.
Because these are H&R Race they should be very easy to sell. Not so if a coil was cut.
I think the problem is tire size as noted above. The height of your 204/40's is 22.5". The 195/65's are 23.9". The OEM tires and wheels were 24" tall.
205/50/16's are almost exactly 24" tall. You could also remove the rubber spacers. There might be recessed upper seats for the E30.

Bunta · « **Reply #8 on:** July 16, 2007, 08:45:53 PM »

Bekkers Drop hats.
http://www.bekkers.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=SUFT008&Category_Code=blssuspension
They do work but need a little trimming to fit on an E30. Nothing major but I've heard they lower about a 1/2 inch not the 1.5 they advertise. With removal of your stock spring pads and these hats that gap will close up.

Hunter

318idol · « **Reply #9 on:** July 16, 2007, 09:32:29 PM »

I have the same "problem" -- H&R & Bilstein Sports and not quite enough front end drop. I think perhaps the internal gas pressure of the Bilsteins doesn't allow the springs to collapse quite as much as H&R predicts. I've run H&R Sports with Koni's and the front end is 1/2-inch lower. I'm half tempted to sell my near-new Bilsteins and switch to Koni's. Anyone interested?

Gary

Alpine003 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 17, 2007, 01:48:57 PM »

Although it may look good, NJ + 205-40-16 + H&R race lowered more = broken oil pan.

If you do this, I wanna start a pool going on the broken oil pan.

AL GReeNeRy · « **Reply #11 on:** July 18, 2007, 02:45:59 AM »

theres ways around busting your oil pan. i know when i get that low im grabbin a skidplate. im goin h&r race on koni adjustables (at least until i can afford ground controls). ill also be looking into those shorter spring hats..

b318isp · « **Reply #12 on:** July 23, 2007, 11:12:40 AM »

Why would you want to do this? The car will handle worse, will bottom out regularly, may damage the dampers (stroke length will be too long). Your profile is wrong too, you should have about a 50 profile on 205 section 16" rims and I think the tyres are too narrow for the rims.

Personally, I'd spend money on getting a 225/45/16 tyre of the best possible quality.

Alpine003 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 23, 2007, 11:58:47 AM »

Quote from: b318isp;30163

Why would you want to do this? The car will handle worse, will bottom out regularly, may damage the dampers (stroke length will be too long). Your profile is wrong too, you should have about a 50 profile on 205 section 16" rims and I think the tyres are too narrow for the rims.

Personally, I'd spend money on getting a 225/45/16 tyre of the best possible quality.

It's called style and bling points for some of these guys. All they want is the looks and that Euro stretch. I'm guessing the op is probably under 30yo if my guess is right. It seems the rage to have a certain Euro-stretch coupled with a low stance for a lot of the younger cats on these boards.

ose30 · « **Reply #14 on:** July 23, 2007, 01:23:04 PM »

You're so right ! I suppose most of the younger fellows were just a bling in their dad's eye when these cars were new. I have been lucky to own two E30's when they were new cars. So, it's easy to figure out i am almost a teenager...