Won't lowering vibe affect certain systems?

Handling, suspension, and brake tuning discussions
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myvibe03
Posts: 7
Joined: Mon Jun 16, 2003 8:10 am

Won't lowering vibe affect certain systems?

Post by myvibe03 »

Hi! I just wanted to ask if lowering my vibe will affect my speedometer, braking, or anything else?Thanks.Ryan
NovaResource
Posts: 2062
Joined: Mon Jul 08, 2002 12:22 am

Re: Won't lowering vibe affect certain systems? (myvibe03)

Post by NovaResource »

Lowering your Vibe will not effect the speedometer unless you install different sized wheels/tires. Lowering could effect braking but probably in a good way with a lower center of gravity. The only real concerns when lowering a car are ground clearance, suspension travel and alignment. Whatever you do, get it re-aligned after you lower it.
Nervous_Dog
Posts: 316
Joined: Tue Apr 01, 2003 1:56 am

Re: Won't lowering vibe affect certain systems? (myvibe03)

Post by Nervous_Dog »

I haven't lowered my Vibe yet, but I did drop my Sunfire with Eibach springs when I owned it. Lowering with springs or coilovers won't affect your speedometer since it doesn't change the overall diameter of your tires. Braking distance won't change but your car will stay more level during stopping. Aftermarket springs are usually stiffer then stock and won't let the car "nosedive" so much when braking. Take-off squat (when the car leans backward under acceleration) is also controlled, so the weight stays over the front wheels, increasing traction.The only thing that is really affected is your ride quality. People on GenVibe have said their cars handle and feel much better after lowering. Lowering can be detrimental to shock/strut life as the shorter spring keeps the shocks/struts slightly compressed all the time and can lead to earlier then normal failure. It's not as bad as it sounds, I had my stock struts on my Sunfire for about 35,000 miles after lowering before they were blown.Hope this helped.
Nervous Dog2003 Monotone Lava GT w/ M&T and PowerMods: 18" Bronze Tenzo-R Mean Six rims w/ Kumho MX12" Rockford Fosgate Punch Sub in slot ported box2 - Rockford Fosgate Punch 201S amps2 pair - Rockford Fosgate P162C in front/rear doorsSony Xplod 5710 head unitHidden Hitch
Geo
Posts: 732
Joined: Thu Mar 13, 2003 9:05 am

Re: Won't lowering vibe affect certain systems? (Nervous_Dog)

Post by Geo »

Any idea if anyone is making aftermarket shocks for our Vibes? I was always "taught" in a sense, that when you replace springs, replace the shocks at the same time - the ride will be MUCH better, and it's just better to match springs/shocks. It makes sense to me, driving around with compressed shocks all the time can't be that good for the ride of the car. Just throwing that out there...
BADGER PRIDE
myvibe03
Posts: 7
Joined: Mon Jun 16, 2003 8:10 am

Re: Won't lowering vibe affect certain systems? (Nervous_Dog)

Post by myvibe03 »

thanks alot guys! I think I would go with the eibach cause i've heard good things about them in some forums on here, and a friend of mine lowered his z28 with and he was very happy with them. I'm not sure what height I should go down? 1.5-2.0"? I dont want to slam it cause it wouldn't be practical for my needs, I want it to look close to stock if someone didn't know the car. Any input on what height i should do?ryan
yank dini
Posts: 956
Joined: Tue Jul 02, 2002 1:36 am

Re: Won't lowering vibe affect certain systems? (myvibe03)

Post by yank dini »

You need the Eibach Pro-Kit not the Sportline
myvibe03
Posts: 7
Joined: Mon Jun 16, 2003 8:10 am

Re: Won't lowering vibe affect certain systems? (myvibe03)

Post by myvibe03 »

any of you guys know if they're are any aftermarket dual or single spoiler's for the vibe? I know you can get them from GM but i was wondering if there was a company that sold the same style. Might be cheaper!?!?Thanks
cohocarl
Posts: 1478
Joined: Mon Jul 01, 2002 9:45 am

Re: Won't lowering vibe affect certain systems? (Geo)

Post by cohocarl »

quote:Any idea if anyone is making aftermarket shocks for our Vibes? I was always "taught" in a sense, that when you replace springs, replace the shocks at the same time - As far as I know, there aren't any aftermarket manufacturers making struts for the Vibe/Matrix yet. I'd also like to put some springs on mine, but I'm going to wait till KYB or someone comes out with some decent struts so I can do them both at the same time.
Sold 6/16/04 03 Vibe 5-speed, Hotchkis Sway Bars & Springs, Hooker Aerochamber, Panasonic Stereo, Hitch, Silverstars,04 Saturn Vue 2.2L Ecotec, 5-speed, 01 Stratus R/T Coupe 5-speed (wife's car) 85 Corvette 268 CompCam, 882 heads, FlatTops, 24lb injectors, Hooker Aerochamber true duals, 58mm TB, Holley AFPR, Siamesed intake base, Polished TPI.
slbpsi63
Posts: 805
Joined: Fri Nov 22, 2002 3:12 am

Re: Won't lowering vibe affect certain systems? (cohocarl)

Post by slbpsi63 »

I think tein and tanabee have true coil over systems available, and TRD has a simialr system.
Base Vibe, Shadow Monotone, 5sp.
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