Is lowering by 1" safe in NY?

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fogus

New Member
#1
#1
I would like to hear experiences with lowering the S550 by 1" (or however much you've lowered yours) in NY. Is this safe? Do you scrape?

I've never lowered a vehicle before, and I want to be able to drive my S550 all year round (except on snow days, but it will have true winter tires). I think that lowering by 1" will achieve the handling I'm looking for, but I'm afraid of speed bumps, curbs, potholes, road grooves, etc.:confused:
 
phetar

phetar

Member
#2
#2
I had the same concern before I put on Steeda sport springs but I never regretted it. In fact sometimes I wish I went more aggressive.
Only problem I do have are curbs and steep driveways because I have a chin spoiler so it'll scrape a little there from time to time if I'm not careful, but if you go in at an angle it's not usually a problem. I say go for it.
 
ROUSH 4

ROUSH 4

I Never Get A Day Off!
#3
#3
The S550 stock is 1'' lower than stock 2005-2014 S197. I lowered my 2014 5.0 1 '' no problem. Left my S550 stock height, because of street issues etc in Nyc some Long Island areas. Another 1'' is like a 2'' drop on S197. This could be a problem for scrapping . I will not drop my 2015 GT for this reason, just saying. Larger wheels, like 20x9" will give you a nice stance look as an alternative. Ford offers 20x9" stock on 2016 mustang as an option.:mechanic:
 
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F

fogus

New Member
#4
#4
The S550 has a 5.9" ground clearance according to autofiles.com (but I've seen 5.1" quoted elsewhere).

I can't find the 2014 ground clearance.

I've heard that "one inch lower" thing about the 2015s, but I haven't seen that substantiated. Does anyone have the numbers to compare? How does the S550 compare with, say, a base Cayman?

In addition to actual clearance, the angle of approach, departure, and break over matter a lot. Does anyone have those numbers for the S550?
 
ROUSH 4

ROUSH 4

I Never Get A Day Off!
#7
#7
fogus said:
So, I still question that. I want to know the actual numbers.

Does anyone have them?
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It is 1'' lower. It was stated many times by the engineers that designed the car. I own a 2014 5.0 and also owned a 2010 GT. Its your ride to do as you wish. My S550 remains stock ride height, for the reasons previously stated. I chose not to buy the Ford Racing lowering kit or other aftermarket kits. I checked the comparison. My 2014 5.0 rides on Eibach struts and shocks, Ford racing suspension sway bar kit ,with Ford Racing P springs 1'' drop. Enjoy the new 2016 it is a sweet car.:mechanic:
 
ROUSH 4

ROUSH 4

I Never Get A Day Off!
#8
#8
phetar said:
I had the same concern before I put on Steeda sport springs but I never regretted it. In fact sometimes I wish I went more aggressive.
Only problem I do have are curbs and steep driveways because I have a chin spoiler so it'll scrape a little there from time to time if I'm not careful, but if you go in at an angle it's not usually a problem. I say go for it.
Click to expand...
For drag, aerodynamics etc. Lowered 1''more than S197.:stang5:
 
F

fogus

New Member
#9
#9
I fully agree that they say this, but does one inch lower mean one inch less of ground clearance? That's the question.

It may sound stupid, but I really think it's possible to lower the roof by 1" without lowering the lowest point on the car by 1".
 
ROUSH 4

ROUSH 4

I Never Get A Day Off!
#10
#10
fogus said:
I fully agree that they say this, but does one inch lower mean one inch less of ground clearance? That's the question.

It may sound stupid, but I really think it's possible to lower the roof by 1" without lowering the lowest point on the car by 1".
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Yes, lower ground clearance. Ride height lowered.:rock:
 
F

fogus

New Member
#12
#12
Yeah. It's just that with 5.9" of ride height quoted for the S500 (again, is that true? or is it 5.1"?), it seems silly to worry about lowering to 4.9" when all my friends with Caymans and Corvettes and GTRs are driving happy on the same roads. 5" should make it over just about anything, right?
 
F

fogus

New Member
#13
#13
I found the 2014 Shelby listed at 4.6" on autoevolution.com, so that's lower than the 4.9" I'd be lowering the GT to.

Can't wait to actually get the car and measure it myself.
 
O

o2sys

Well-Known Member
#17
#17
I have a 07 and lower about 2" on coilovers and I have loads of ground clearance. I have no problem entering and exiting steep driveways at restaurants, gas stations, and etc.

But that's on the s197 though. Ridiculous ground clearance on these things.

I even have a chin spoiler.
 
ROUSH 4

ROUSH 4

I Never Get A Day Off!
#18
#18
o2sys said:
I have a 07 and lower about 2" on coilovers and I have loads of ground clearance. I have no problem entering and exiting steep driveways at restaurants, gas stations, and etc.

But that's on the s197 though. Ridiculous ground clearance on these things.

I even have a chin spoiler.
Click to expand...
Looking .............Fantastic.:rock:
 
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