Shim the subframe?

[illSHOyou]

I was just wondering could you shim the subframe closer to the ground, thus lowering the CG and engine. Would this have adverse effect? Any benefit?

 

[yamahaSHO]

I don't see how this would really help... Your CG would probably go up since you'd be raising the rest of the car. Engine will still be at the same point it was before, just not when referencing it's hood clearance.

Absolutely pointless IMHO...

 

[illSHOyou]

I don't see how this would really help... Your CG would probably go up since you'd be raising the rest of the car. Engine will still be at the same point it was before, just not when referencing it's hood clearance.

Absolutely pointless IMHO...

yeah your probably right....I didn't really think about raising the whole car, I was more concerned about suspension geometery. Strike that idea...

 

[gmail]

chop the mounts off the subframe lower them down.. the tricky part would be the trans since it is cut into the subframe itself.

easiest thing to do is just lower the car with springs.

 

[rubydist]

If you lower the subframe, you would not change the height of the rest of the car, because the top of the front struts go into the strut towers on the unibody, not the subframe. It would only marginally change the cg, however, and would probably screw up the suspension geometry. Plus, the front of the subframe and the oil pan are pretty close to the ground to begin with....

 

[K-Dawg]

If you lower the subframe, you would not change the height of the rest of the car, because the top of the front struts go into the strut towers on the unibody, not the subframe. It would only marginally change the cg, however, and would probably screw up the suspension geometry. Plus, the front of the subframe and the oil pan are pretty close to the ground to begin with....

What he said.

 

[egroce11]

I've looked at a lot of differant ways to lower the CG and car. The most cost effeciant and safest route is coil over springs and adjustable strut.

The forum sponsers have some great setups at resonable prices But make sure that you get the spring rate that is going to suit your driving.

Another thing you need to worry about is the steering rack angle to the wheels. I know this because I've lost two cv boots in a very short time due to rubbing, ripping. Finally figured out thanks to a member here that I need to raise the steering rack up from stock position on the sub frame.

There was a post on here a long time ago about this but I had forgotten it. I can't find it now. I'm going to put either 3/8" or 1/2" spacers under the steering rack for a better angle.

Hope this helps.

Ernie

 

[gmail]

If you lower the subframe, you would not change the height of the rest of the car, because the top of the front struts go into the strut towers on the unibody, not the subframe. It would only marginally change the cg, however, and would probably screw up the suspension geometry. Plus, the front of the subframe and the oil pan are pretty close to the ground to begin with....

it would to a extent. the springs would get stretched out more but would do more harm then good

 

[AREA 91]

I've looked at a lot of differant ways to lower the CG and car. The most cost effeciant and safest route is coil over springs and adjustable strut.

The forum sponsers have some great setups at resonable prices But make sure that you get the spring rate that is going to suit your driving.

Another thing you need to worry about is the steering rack angle to the wheels. I know this because I've lost two cv boots in a very short time due to rubbing, ripping. Finally figured out thanks to a member here that I need to raise the steering rack up from stock position on the sub frame.

There was a post on here a long time ago about this but I had forgotten it. I can't find it now. I'm going to put either 3/8" or 1/2" spacers under the steering rack for a better angle.

Hope this helps.

Ernie

I used the washer's that are behind the cv shaft nuts for my rack. Works great.

 

[Storm-Chaser]

Not true. The springs are fixed within the strut assembly. Changing the position of the subframe would change the angle that the lower control arm sits relative to both the subframe and strut assembly. But to "stretch" the springs, even in the absence of the weight of the vehicle, would require considerable force.

As far as geometry, shimming the subframe would have the same effect as cutting the springs. By increasing the length between the fixed position of the strut tower mount and lower control arm subframe mounting point would result in increased negative camber and negative caster.

it would to a extent. the springs would get stretched out more but would do more harm then good

 

[gmail]

Not true. The springs are fixed within the strut assembly. Changing the position of the subframe would change the angle that the lower control arm sits relative to both the subframe and strut assembly. But to "stretch" the springs, even in the absence of the weight of the vehicle, would require considerable force.

As far as geometry, shimming the subframe would have the same effect as cutting the springs. By increasing the length between the fixed position of the strut tower mount and lower control arm subframe mounting point would result in increased negative camber and negative caster.

i agree but i was mainly talking about more extreme shimming.. the control arm only goes up so high before it hits the S/F
just a little shimming like using the plates in the rubber mounts to shim it up wouldnt have much of a effect.