can a dropped car handle this?

r53s65e90 · 07-26-2009, 12:47 PM

This is the stock rear suspension at the exit of the corkscrew (laguna seca).

Would a car riding on a lowered suspension have problems in the same situation?
What about lowered suspension in combination with spacers?

I have been thinking about lower springs (and possibly spacers) but after looking at this I have second thoughts. I would not want to give up performance for undeniably better looks.

Any comments/suggestions?

Doc · 07-26-2009, 02:12 PM

Stiffer spring rate on dropped springs should save you there

Radiation Joe · 07-26-2009, 02:27 PM

That is a bad example to use. Most cars bottom their suspensions at that point on Laguna Seca.

My e46 was slightly lowered with 550 pound springs in the rear and a huge sway bar. I still bottomed out entering 8a. Pretty much any car will be on the bump stops there.

Don't worry about bottoming. What you should worry about is the detrimental effect lowering springs have on suspension geometry. If you do get lowering springs make sure they are plenty stiff to make up for the geometry changes.

foosh · 07-26-2009, 02:45 PM

You also asked about spacers. In a situation like above, you sure want the tires tucked inside the fender wells. If you use the so-called, "bulldog-stance" (18mm front, 15mm rear on stock wheels), which is so popular on this forum, you will chew up a fender in that situation, even without lowering.

Most who do that are interested in cosmetics, and haven't experienced track situations such as the one you've seen at Laguna Seca.

psuwcc112 · 07-27-2009, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foosh

You also asked about spacers. In a situation like above, you sure want the tires tucked inside the fender wells. If you use the so-called, "bulldog-stance" (18mm front, 15mm rear on stock wheels), which is so popular on this forum, you will chew up a fender in that situation, even without lowering.

Most who do that are interested in cosmetics, and haven't experienced track situations such as the one you've seen at Laguna Seca.

I am wondering about this too, could anyone with flushed setup share their track experience as well??

Poppin Fresh · 07-27-2009, 07:08 AM

Would 15/12 spacers be alright when put in a situation like that?

Radiation Joe · 07-27-2009, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poppin Fresh

Would 15/12 spacers be alright when put in a situation like that?

I run 12mm (thought they were 10mm) spacers on my e90 with stock 18s in the rear. No rubbing on the track.

wolftrouble · 07-27-2009, 01:20 PM

I'll be at Buttonwillow on Saturday with my Dinan springs and 18" Advan RS's all around, no spacers and no other suspension mods. I'll let folks know my experience, but I took this setup on a spirited drive yesterday through the hills near my house and no rubbing or other problems.

HP Autosport · 08-07-2009, 02:52 PM

It's normal for the suspension to be on the bump stops coming out of the the Corkscrew.

07-26-2009, 12:47 PM	#1
r53s65e90 8300 19 Rep 573 Posts Drives: r53 s65e90 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: San Jose, CA iTrader: (0)	can a dropped car handle this? This is the stock rear suspension at the exit of the corkscrew (laguna seca). Would a car riding on a lowered suspension have problems in the same situation? What about lowered suspension in combination with spacers? I have been thinking about lower springs (and possibly spacers) but after looking at this I have second thoughts. I would not want to give up performance for undeniably better looks. Any comments/suggestions? Last edited by r53s65e90; 04-12-2011 at 01:22 AM..
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07-26-2009, 02:12 PM	#2
Doc Second Lieutenant 22 Rep 288 Posts Drives: E92 M3 AW/Blk sunroof 19s Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cape Town, South Africa iTrader: (0)	Stiffer spring rate on dropped springs should save you there
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07-26-2009, 02:27 PM	#3
Radiation Joe Veni Vidi Vici 89 Rep 2,750 Posts Drives: '11 JB/BBe-6sp-e90 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Macungie PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 e90 M3-Sold [8.50] 2003 RS6 - Sold [0.00] 2009 e90 M3 - Gone [0.00] 2003 M3 SOLD [0.00] old 2002 [10.00]	That is a bad example to use. Most cars bottom their suspensions at that point on Laguna Seca. My e46 was slightly lowered with 550 pound springs in the rear and a huge sway bar. I still bottomed out entering 8a. Pretty much any car will be on the bump stops there. Don't worry about bottoming. What you should worry about is the detrimental effect lowering springs have on suspension geometry. If you do get lowering springs make sure they are plenty stiff to make up for the geometry changes.
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07-26-2009, 02:45 PM	#4
foosh Major 27 Rep 1,314 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 E93 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Annapolis, MD iTrader: (0)	You also asked about spacers. In a situation like above, you sure want the tires tucked inside the fender wells. If you use the so-called, "bulldog-stance" (18mm front, 15mm rear on stock wheels), which is so popular on this forum, you will chew up a fender in that situation, even without lowering. Most who do that are interested in cosmetics, and haven't experienced track situations such as the one you've seen at Laguna Seca. __________________
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07-27-2009, 07:08 AM	#6
Poppin Fresh Colonel 85 Rep 2,148 Posts Drives: With a sunroof and front plate Join Date: May 2009 Location: Bergen County NJ iTrader: (0)	Would 15/12 spacers be alright when put in a situation like that? __________________
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07-27-2009, 01:20 PM	#8
wolftrouble Private First Class 16 Rep 148 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Sedan Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San Jose, CA iTrader: (0)	I'll be at Buttonwillow on Saturday with my Dinan springs and 18" Advan RS's all around, no spacers and no other suspension mods. I'll let folks know my experience, but I took this setup on a spirited drive yesterday through the hills near my house and no rubbing or other problems. __________________
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08-07-2009, 02:52 PM	#9
HP Autosport Supreme Allied Commander 3816 Rep 54,319 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Santa Barbara, AP, Brembo, GIAC, Koni, Ohlins, Performance Friction, www.hpautosport.com iTrader: (36)	It's normal for the suspension to be on the bump stops coming out of the the Corkscrew. Attached Images
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