Thinking about lowering an 83sc

[86 ssinit]

This is the car
would like to drop it 2 to 2 1/2 inches. how low can it go before i need to add a bump steer kit?? what else would i need to lower it?? thanks for any info

[tirwin]

Looks like maybe you're at US height. If so there are some stops at the top of the struts that you can take out and that will help. Some time after '83 all cars came at the same 'Euro' height. If you go below that setting you will start to change the geometry of the steering rack to the A arms and you will need the bump steer kit. Much below that and you will end up like me raising the spindles and adding the adjustable bump steer kit that goes on the ends of the tie rods. It is a slippery slope. Be very careful. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.

[DRACO A5OG]

Anything past Euro height but that low expect a very harsh ride and possible component damage after a unexpected pot hole or two.

Also you will find it very NEG cambered, more than you may want

[86 ssinit]

Thanks for the answers. Euro height is what we are looking for. Just wanted to make sure we didn't need anything else to do it.

[Bill Verburg]

Originally Posted by 86 ssinit

This is the car
would like to drop it 2 to 2 1/2 inches. how low can it go before i need to add a bump steer kit?? what else would i need to lower it?? thanks for any info

Rather than guess, why not take a few minutes to measure what you have?
a-b in front, bigger result is lower


B-A in back, smaller result is lower


Here are the stock specs


As you go lower the need for a rack spacer goes up, there is no hard and fast # but for sure by the time you get to SC/RS height you will need a rack spacer and/or o/s tie rod ends

You will want to have a bit of rake when done

[Bill Verburg]

Another explanation of ride height and some factory tecomendations

[stlrj]

Originally Posted by 86 ssinit

This is the car
would like to drop it 2 to 2 1/2 inches. how low can it go before i need to add a bump steer kit?? what else would i need to lower it?? thanks for any info

Seems that your front has already been lowered to euro specs or slightly below, but the rear would need to be taken down 21mm ( about 3/4") to bring it within the 16mm euro spec. Dropping down 2 to 2 1/2 inches would be asking for trouble as mentioned above and degrade the iconic handling characteristics as designed by the factory engineers who actually understand the 911 suspension dynamics better than anyone on this board.

No bump steer kit would be necessary as long as you don't go any lower than factory spec.


Cheers,

Joe

[javadog]

A US '83 911SC was delivered at the same height of the ROW 911SC that year. So, unless your car has been raised, which I doubt, it's already at "euro" height. Note that ALL 911SC and Carrera 3.2 cars were 4 mm higher in the rear than 911's built prior to the SC.

If you lower it 2 to 2-1/2 inches, you probably won't like it, if you're honest with yourself. Yeah, it may look better but it will handle worse. Your call...

You need to raise the rack exactly as much as you lower the car. The limit to that is about a half inch, before you can't raise it any higher because there is no room to do so. So that's how far you can lower the car before the steering starts to be affected.

When you lower a car, you also move the roll center, which I don't care for.

When you align it, if you don't press the wheels with a 15Kp force as the factory states you should, set the toe to +15' +- 5.

JR

[Driven97]

Just out of curiosity, what size are those rear tires?

[stlrj]

I understand how lowering can be such an emotional issue as most of us have been there at some point in time and listening to reason can be very challenging at best. So if you decide to lower to what looks good to you anyway, just be aware that we told you so.

Another option would be to take a picture of it as it stands, have it photo-shopped at however low you like, frame it and admire it in your living room or share with your friends on your smartphone.


Cheers,

Joe

[86 ssinit]

Thanks again. The car just looks to high. i have an 86 and the height of the rear wheel well is 25" the 83 is at 27". just want to bring it to the same height as the 86.
Driven the tires are 225/50/16 the BBS rim is 8.5.
stirj it just seems like every sc we see is lower.

[afterburn 549]

Do not forget your corner balance as you do this....

[rkeele]

25" rear fender height is about where mine is looks right,your front still looks a little to high though, check for spacer on top of shock and remove

[javadog]

Your '86 has been lowered and you won't find a spacer on top of the front strut.

JR

[86 ssinit]

this is the 86 as far as i know its never been lowered

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by afterburn 549

Do not forget your corner balance as you do this....

Of all the screw ups I made on my 81 while learning, messing with ride height was the most silly.

I did not study enough and I went too far. Front fender lips kissed by the tires, camber that cannot be adjusted in the rear to less than three degrees negative (oh, but only on one side).

Mind you, the pro that beat me to a pulp for bringing in a "wonky" car for alignment stated never, ever adjust the spring plates in the rear to adjust ride height for a street car. I don't know why that is and I don't know if it's correct, I just know that is what he said.

I replaced rear bushings and indexed but did not get it right. I assumed I knew what I was doing. The shop adjusted the ride height and aligned knowing I would return after I had my head out of my you know what and nailed the spring plates adjustment. Oh, I have a story but it ain't worth telling. I screwed up. The end.

Food for thought. Just guessing on cost but if a pro wants $1,100 for new spring plate bushings, car lowering, four corner balance and alignment, ask him if $1,300 would be ok.

Don't skimp on this one.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by 86 ssinit

this is the 86 as far as i know its never been lowered

Jeez, that's as pretty as your coupe. Nice cars.

Is your WRX peppy?

[MARISOL78sc]

My 1978 SC lowered with bump steer kit, handles great, I did have to slightly roll the front.Before/after Pics

[javadog]

Originally Posted by 86 ssinit

this is the 86 as far as i know its never been lowered

All I can tell you is they both left the factory at the same height.

JR

[86 ssinit]

Bob thanks for the compliment and yes the WRX is peppy. 6 speed manual best dd i ever owned
Marisol you nailed it!!!!! Thats what were looking for. Did you do the work??