lowering springs - ground clearance

[Tom1B]

I installed Vogtland lowerings prings on my '81 spider.

Ground clearance is very little now. Oil pan is about 10cm (3,9 inches) and exhaust downpipe at 9cm (3,5inches) from the ground. The oil pan I can protect with a guard, but what about the downpipe?

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yBWdmp ... sp=sharing

[Tom1B]

more pictures
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Ct0Nw ... l6RxhuH1og
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1kz_lF ... bjEtod9dKQ
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1-4kLD ... E6_YNWXaiA

[joelittel]

Wow, that is low. Did you cut the springs or is that their intended height?

Could you fabricate a downpipe guard from thick gauge sheet metal?

[Tom1B]

I didn't cut the springs, I used the Vogtland lowering springs. The car is a lower than I intended, the ride is OK though, not too harsh. But I'm worried about hitting the downpipe. Is it normal that it is lower than the oil pan? Has anywone made a downpipe guard?

picture of the car on original springs
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bz17so ... sp=sharing

[divace73]

That may be too low.

From the front the bottom wishbones should be a close as parallel to the ground.
With those springs I predict

1. You will damage the innerside of the engine bay just on the other side of the shock tower, this will also crack the rail above the shock tower.
2. the bushes will wear out much quicker
3. You may damage the lower wishbone where the bush is housed.
4. You may hit you sump and damage it.

As a side effect you may also find the suspension is very harsh


Ask me how I know.......... 1-3 happened and 4 didn't as I had a winged sump

[architect]

Just curious - what size tires are you running?

[architect]

Also - are these the springs you installed? I actually like the stance of your car and looking for the same without having to cut coils.

Any updates?

[klweimer]

I assume you have the rubber spring seats in place?

[Tom1B]

All spring seats are in place. Tires are 185/70R13
I drove about 2000miles this summer, it drives great. Hit the oil pan and exhaust about 2 or 3 times.

I would like to have the front 1-2cm higher so i'm thinking of installing other spring seats (where to find?) or an additional ring?

[TwinFast]

All spring seats are in place. Tires are 185/70R13
I drove about 2000miles this summer, it drives great. Hit the oil pan and exhaust about 2 or 3 times.

I would like to have the front 1-2cm higher so i'm thinking of installing other spring seats (where to find?) or an additional ring?

I'm not sure that something like this is available. You have to customise the spring seats or add thick washers under theses seats.

(Replacing the US heavy bumpers with EU could also help )

[Tom1B]

(Replacinig the US heavy bumpers with EU could also help )

Good point, i'll try removing the bumper to see how much I gain.
The few times I hit the ground is when wife and kids were with me in the car