Topic: Lower? (Read 6551 times)

Albatross · « **on:** 03 May 2008, 08:55:37 »

I've been umming and aahing (is that how you spell it?) about lowering my car for a little while now and still can't make up my mind.

The 'lowered' picture below is a crude PhotoShop job, but it gets the point accross.

Since doing the editied picture I look at the original one and it starts to look like a 4x4

What do people think, go for it or leave it?

Also, would anyone disagree with Eibach as the preferred route should I go for it? Are there better options? I'm only thinking of 30mm kits maximum.

JiMbOb789 · « **Reply #1 on:** 03 May 2008, 09:29:50 »

i think i is definetly worth getting it lowered, looks the part, i have to say

Jim · « **Reply #2 on:** 03 May 2008, 11:36:42 »

Looks good mate 8-)

I've lowered both my omega's by about 30mm and they both look better for it, on my silver elite I've fitted full irmscher struts & springs and on the black mv6 I've just fitted irmscher springs

JiMbOb789 · « **Reply #3 on:** 03 May 2008, 11:38:35 »

Quote

Looks good mate 8-)

I've lowered both my omega's by about 30mm and they both look better for it, on my silver elite I've fitted full irmscher struts & springs and on the black mv6 I've just fitted irmscher springs

how easy are they to fit?

Jim · « **Reply #4 on:** 03 May 2008, 12:12:39 »

Quote

Quote
Looks good mate 8-)

I've lowered both my omega's by about 30mm and they both look better for it, on my silver elite I've fitted full irmscher struts & springs and on the black mv6 I've just fitted irmscher springs

how easy are they to fit?

Very easyish!!! if you have the right tools it's just a one for one swap with the original springs etc

elvin315 · « **Reply #5 on:** 03 May 2008, 12:34:31 »

Most definitely go lower. I've checked out the available springs. They come in different heights. The Bilstein site doesn't mention just how low, if at all, they lower the car. When I lower mine I'm going with Intrax. Most of the vendors I've included are American but I'm sure you can find sources in the UK. You might consider camber kits for the front and rear to prevent the tires from wearing on the inside edge. Of course, since you'll have the suspension apart anyway, and since the rear camber kit is poly, how's 'bout lower control arm front/horizontal polybushes? And what about new Koni or Bilstein dampers all 'round? Don't you love spending other people's money? Ooh-ooh. Have you thought about..............

PS: Still looking for those tail lights for you.

SPRINGS (Front & Rear)

Intrax Lowering Springs: Part # INT-25-1-001
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=INT%2D25%2D1%2D001&FROM=MG
Lower the car 1.6 inch (40.6mm) front and 1.4 inch (35.5mm) rear.

VOGTLAND Lowering Springs: part # 955120
http://vogtlandsuspension.com/p71/Cadillac-Catera-|-97---01-Lowering-Springs/product_info.html
Lower the car 1.2 inch (30mm) F&R.

Eibach Pro-Kit Lowering Springs: part #3867140 (Catera)
http://www.sfxperformance.com/parts/EIB3867140.htm
Lower the car by 1.3" Front & Rear (33mm).

Eibach Lowering Springs: part # E-6532-140 (Vauxhall Omega)
http://www.eibach-uk.com/
Lower the car 1.2 inches (30mm) F&R.

BILSTEIN Coil Springs - 007967 (To MY 09.97)
Front Right Spring: part # FE1-D403
Front Left Spring: part # FE1-D402
Rear Springs: part # FE1-D020
http://www.carparts-cat.com/pkw/parts/artliste.asp?SID=0000992458273793018004&ID=84,3466,3861,0,1,1,1&GID=854,171&NID=0,11,121
NOTE: The site does not state whether the springs lower the car or not.

BILSTEIN Coil Springs - 007969 (From MY 09.97)
Front Right Spring: part # FE1-D448
Front Left Spring: part # FE1-D404
Rear Springs: part # FE1-D020
http://www.carparts-cat.com/pkw/parts/artliste.asp?SID=0000992458273793018004&ID=84,3466,3861,0,1,1,1&GID=854,171&NID=0,11,121
NOTE: The site does not state whether the springs lower the car or not.

KW Automotive UK (Vauxhall Omega)
KW Lowering Springs (30mm Drop F&R)    #25060068
http://www.kwsuspensions.de/uk/

CAMBER KITS:

Ingalls Engineering Camber Adjusting Bolt: part # IEC-I-81260
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=IEC%2DI%2D81260&FROM=MG
Eccentric bolts to increase camber range for lowered front suspension.

SuperPro Rear IRS Adjusting Kit Camber & Toe Bushing (polyurethane)    #SPF0877K
http://www.fulcrumsuspensions.com.au/fulcrumCat/
http://www.superpro.com.au/download/4381.link (PDF)
http://www.fulcrumsuspensions.com.au/fulcrumCat/img.php?id=1107
Provides camber and toe adjustment range of +/-1.0 degree over base settings for lowered rear suspension (set of 4 / inner & outer).

Elvin

Myagemo · « **Reply #6 on:** 03 May 2008, 13:30:34 »

Watch the sleeping policemen Exaust systems are'nt cheap

Hammers · « **Reply #7 on:** 03 May 2008, 19:24:48 »

I got 19inch TSW and just fitted PI lowering springs, The drop was 40m. I have had no problems yet with speed humps and the ride wasnt as bad as I thought it was going to be. I must admit the old girl looks alot better lowered. But in the end its your car and your choice mate.

Albatross · « **Reply #8 on:** 03 May 2008, 20:32:47 »

Quote

I got 19inch TSW and just fitted PI lowering springs, The drop was 40m. I have had no problems yet with speed humps and the ride wasnt as bad as I thought it was going to be. I must admit the old girl looks alot better lowered. But in the end its your car and your choice mate.

Got any pictures?

What offset are your wheels?

My new wheels are ET45 (the standard is circa ET35) with an Eibach Pro 25mm spacer each rear corner and 16mm each front corner so the net additional track width is 15mm per rear corner and 6mm each front corner.

master-sambo · « **Reply #9 on:** 03 May 2008, 21:03:36 »

Looks good lowered

I am toying with the idea of lowering mine when I replace the wheels.

V6drift · « **Reply #10 on:** 03 May 2008, 22:52:43 »

get it lowered, it looks awesome,
i,ll be getting mine done soon but on standard cdx alloys with fat tyres,
and if its still not low enough the angle grinder will be coming out...

Hammers · « **Reply #11 on:** 04 May 2008, 15:01:35 »

Got to get a new digital camera, once Ive got that I will post some picks mate

nickomega · « **Reply #12 on:** 03 June 2008, 17:49:49 »

yes but dont go silly mate just a bit would look alot better

Albatross · « **Reply #13 on:** 03 June 2008, 19:44:30 »

Quote

yes but dont go silly mate just a bit would look alot better

Ironically enough I had it all fitted with MV6 shocks and springs this very morning which brings it down by 15mm at the front and about 20-25mm at the rear. You're right and it does look better, but even more, it feels much better.

I'll post some pictures of it when it stops bloody raining!

OMEGA VXR · « **Reply #14 on:** 03 June 2008, 20:48:42 »

Quote

Quote
I got 19inch TSW and just fitted PI lowering springs, The drop was 40m. I have had no problems yet with speed humps and the ride wasnt as bad as I thought it was going to be. I must admit the old girl looks alot better lowered. But in the end its your car and your choice mate.

Got any pictures?

What offset are your wheels?

My new wheels are ET45 (the standard is circa ET35) with an Eibach Pro 25mm spacer each rear corner and 16mm each front corner so the net additional track width is 15mm per rear corner and 6mm each front corner.

Hi Albatross

Can I ask where you got your wheel spacers from please?

Cheers

Albatross · « **Reply #15 on:** 03 June 2008, 23:29:53 »

Quote

Quote
Quote
I got 19inch TSW and just fitted PI lowering springs, The drop was 40m. I have had no problems yet with speed humps and the ride wasnt as bad as I thought it was going to be. I must admit the old girl looks alot better lowered. But in the end its your car and your choice mate.

Got any pictures?

What offset are your wheels?

My new wheels are ET45 (the standard is circa ET35) with an Eibach Pro 25mm spacer each rear corner and 16mm each front corner so the net additional track width is 15mm per rear corner and 6mm each front corner.

Hi Albatross

Can I ask where you got your wheel spacers from please?

Cheers

I got them from a company called PTN in Northampton, but that was only because I wanted to know that they were down the road in the event of any problems. Many places will sell them online. If I'm brutally honest I didn't rate their service that much.

The spacers are Eibach Pro Spacers. The rear ones which are +25mm per corner come with the wheel-bolts you'll need and are essentially hub extentions. For the thinner spacers at the front you'll need to get yourself 10 longer wheel bolts. I got mine from Carnoisseur in Bedford, but most motor factors will have them.

NB: Make sure you buy the hub centric spacers and that you check you're wheels are all well balanced.

tomoco · « **Reply #16 on:** 04 June 2008, 00:03:46 »

I'd go lower, they look much better

FastAsleep · « **Reply #17 on:** 04 June 2008, 18:48:29 »

I have to say lower. I often look at my oldun' and think '4x4' too!

Slammed would look a bit daft but that's tasteful and still driveable!

Albatross · « **Reply #18 on:** 04 June 2008, 20:46:22 »

OK, the Elite has now had full MV6 springs and brand new std MV6 shocks fitted all round yesterday at WIM.

I think it is just low enough now, it has certainly tamed the back end which seemed to be miles in the air.

It feels a whole world better.

Darth Loo-knee · « **Reply #19 on:** 04 June 2008, 21:43:28 »

I like the look of the car lowered, but i wouldn't do it as I would be frightened of going over all the sleeping policeman around here....

Love the wheels

JiMbOb789 · « **Reply #20 on:** 04 June 2008, 21:44:03 »

Looks good, certainly makes a difference, how much difference is the ride comfort?

Nice car by the way

Vamps · « **Reply #21 on:** 04 June 2008, 23:44:15 »

Looks nice.

SP_3.2 · « **Reply #22 on:** 05 June 2008, 12:50:41 »

Wow looks great just right. The ride most be a lot better.Thanks for holding on the the dampers for me

Richie London · « **Reply #23 on:** 05 June 2008, 18:43:15 »

thats a beautiful looking car you got there al 8-)

humbucker · « **Reply #24 on:** 05 June 2008, 19:13:09 »

fantastic job, you're only down the road from me, i keep thinking 'must go check that out up close...'

Hammers · « **Reply #25 on:** 06 June 2008, 09:33:03 »

Looks good mate. Love those wheels, nice colour car as well. The front grille really sets it off. Well done nice subtle mods

Albatross · « **Reply #26 on:** 06 June 2008, 18:04:15 »

Thanks for the +ve comments, much appreciated

I've got JamesV6CDX coming round on Sunday and we're doing the following:

Cam-belt
New water pump
New aux-belt
New aux-belt pulley
New RH Cam cover gasket + O-rings
Plenum/Breather clean out + O-rings
New HBV
New spark plugs
New air-intake hoses

I did the oil + filter + air filter last week and that made a noticeable difference too.

Exhaust (SS long-life + very quiet setting) is getting done on the 28th and will have the rearward lambda sensors moved to behind the main cats.

Then it's the brakes, which I think may involve the Monaro upgrade plus drilled and grooved disks.

waspy · « **Reply #27 on:** 06 June 2008, 21:26:05 »

Your car looks 100% the biz 8-) 8-) 8-) Very tasty

To lower mine's going to be my next project

psychnurse · « **Reply #28 on:** 07 June 2008, 15:53:56 »

VERY nice!! Looks F A B mate

Minispud · « **Reply #29 on:** 08 June 2008, 16:46:12 »

What did you do move the wheels up

as the picture of your car by the garage, looks like it has not been lower, look at the boot on the garage door

Albatross · « **Reply #30 on:** 08 June 2008, 17:48:44 »

Quote

What did you do move the wheels up as the picture of your car by the garage, looks like it has not been lower, look at the boot on the garage door

As stated the initial pictures were crude (i.e. 5 minute) PhotoShop jobs to see what it might look like if it were to be lowered. The pictures on the 2nd page are actual pictures of the car after it is lowered.

The reason the bottom of the Garage door is stepped like that is that I have shortened the whole picture by removing 2" from between the wheels and the main body of the car. Simple really. If you look carefully at all the initial pictures of the hypothetically lowered car you'll see quite a few little "anomalies" caused by the rushed job in PhotoShop. Check the tall 6th course up of bricks on the right hand of the picture for example.

BIGHUCK · « **Reply #31 on:** 30 June 2008, 17:59:15 »

Quote

I've been umming and aahing (is that how you spell it?) about lowering my car for a little while now and still can't make up my mind.

The 'lowered' picture below is a crude PhotoShop job, but it gets the point accross.

Since doing the editied picture I look at the original one and it starts to look like a 4x4

What do people think, go for it or leave it? lower is the way to go mate looks the biz

Also, would anyone disagree with Eibach as the preferred route should I go for it? Are there better options? I'm only thinking of 30mm kits maximum.

BIGHUCK · « **Reply #32 on:** 30 June 2008, 18:02:30 »

Quote

OK, the Elite has now had full MV6 springs and brand new std MV6 shocks fitted all round yesterday at WIM.

I think it is just low enough now, it has certainly tamed the back end which seemed to be miles in the air.

It feels a whole world better.

nice

micky · « **Reply #33 on:** 01 July 2008, 19:33:02 »

Hi Albatros, please can you tell me if you used gen Vaux parts for your lowering conversion and any part numbers( and an approx price) if avail (my local dealer tells me that they won`t go on my Elite with s/l but I know he is telling me porkys!! )Also I guess it would`nt really work, but what would be the effect of simply immobilising the air supply to the s/l. Also I`m a bit naive here, but why did you need different width spacers front and back? Thanks!! Micky

Albatross · « **Reply #34 on:** 01 July 2008, 21:22:02 »

Quote

Hi Albatros, please can you tell me if you used gen Vaux parts for your lowering conversion and any part numbers( and an approx price) if avail (my local dealer tells me that they won`t go on my Elite with s/l but I know he is telling me porkys!! )Also I guess it would`nt really work, but what would be the effect of simply immobilising the air supply to the s/l. Also I`m a bit naive here, but why did you need different width spacers front and back? Thanks!! Micky

Quote

Hi Albatros, please can you tell me if you used gen Vaux parts for your lowering conversion and any part numbers( and an approx price) if avail (my local dealer tells me that they won`t go on my Elite with s/l but I know he is telling me porkys!! )Also I guess it would`nt really work, but what would be the effect of simply immobilising the air supply to the s/l. Also I`m a bit naive here, but why did you need different width spacers front and back? Thanks!! Micky

I used MV6 springs and shocks all round. This does mean that you lose the self-levelling, but unless you're planning on towing a caravan it doesn't matter.

The air lines simply disconnect from the system in the middle of the car and there is a valve which means that the compressor realises that there are no shocks connected and doesn't bother trying to pump them up. Dead simple.

I would strongly recommend getting your car set up properly afterwards at somewhere like wheels-inmotion.

It is one of the best upgrades to my Elite that I have made and the car drives so much better now.

I could give you the part numbers, but they are different shocks at the front depending on the size of engine you have, and you haven't provided you car information in your profile.

The rears don't come on the Trade Card and that TC Book is my only source of part numbers. :-/

The reason I had different spacers on front and rear is quite simple. If you look at a regular Omega the rear wheels seem much more 'tucked in' under the car then the fronts. I personally wanted it to look a bit more balanced and the wheels nearer the arch. The rears needed pushing out further to give it the balanced look. The difference is only 9mm per corner between front and rear (18mm wider at the rear axle than the front), but it makes all the difference.

It is a bit complicated but...

The old Elite wheels are ET38
The new Signum SRI wheels are ET45

So I lost 7mm of track width per corner or 14mm per axle.

I then added 50mm of track on the rear axle (25mm per corner) or a net of 18mm per corner.

On the front I added 32mm on the axle (16mm per corner), so that is a net gain 9mm per front corner.

Sorry about the long post, but you asked a few complex questions

CateraMV6 · « **Reply #35 on:** 03 July 2008, 01:53:40 »

I dont know why but my rear end sits way too low doesnt it, its all stock components and my self leveling does work... maybe it looses pressure over time... the back end sort of sits low so does the front end but not as bad...

micky · « **Reply #36 on:** 03 July 2008, 20:36:24 »

Hi Albatros, your a star, thanks for the info you have provided!!!! My own car is a 1999 Elite estate 2.5 in silver that has just had a Steinmetz kit fitted all round and really looks fantastic, that kit really enhances the appearance of the vehicle. At the moment she still rides on the original alloys which do not actually look too small, despite the kit, although I think if these wheels do stay on the car the track could do with widening by 20 mm or so, especially at the rear. The biggest thing for me at the moment is to reduce that gap between the top of the rear tyre and the arch (to get away from that up in the air look) hence my interest in your conversion. If you do have any part no`s at all it would be great, if not don`t worry as I do not want to put you to any trouble. As a matter of curiousity do you think it would be possible to change the set up on the rear end alone as the front spoiler is pretty near the deck already !! So many people that I have spoken to have given me so many different answers. Thanks once again for your help, Micky.

Albatross · « **Reply #37 on:** 03 July 2008, 20:42:40 »

Yeah, you could change only the rear set-up, but I would be inclined to do both ends. The lowering is only "officially" 15mm, but that is from a new car's set-up.

You'll get more than that in lowering at the rear because the self-levelling system is just stupidly high. If your front is that low as you say as standard I would begin to suspect that perhaps your front needs doing anyway as the springs and shocks could well be tired out.

The biggest thing to bear in mind is that by going to MV6 suspension you will massively improve the handling, if you only do the rear and not the front I suspect that the handling may be a bit off and certainly not what you're after.

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Author Topic: Lower? (Read 6551 times)

waspy