Lowering your GS

[Garrus]

I have to agree with most, an Inch or so drop would be perfect. The stance on the blue one above is just overkill for a daily driver.

 

[GTXgp]

WOW! Just replace the springs with rubber door stops! 😛

I have to agree with most, an Inch or so drop would be perfect. The stance on the blue one above is just overkill for a daily driver.

Its on air... you raise it for daily driving 😉 It probably rides just as good, if not better, than stock. It is just a lot more work to fit it.

 

[cozbyrt]

So GTXgp I hope you or someone else on here will show us how to install the springs. 😱 I have never tackled this project before.

 

[GTXgp]

So GTXgp I hope you or someone else on here will show us how to install the springs. 😱 I have never tackled this project before.

I have done quite a few lowering kits so I don't mind taking pics and doing a write up after. The rear springs are super easy, I am a little worried about how difficult the HiPer struts will be to remove, but we will find out 😉

What part of Texas are you?

 

[cozbyrt]

I have done quite a few lowering kits so I don't mind taking pics and doing a write up after. The rear springs are super easy, I am a little worried about how difficult the HiPer struts will be to remove, but we will find out 😉

What part of Texas are you?

About 70 miles east of Dallas on I-20. Small town called Van.

 

[synolimit]

GTX what issues are you expecting with lowering after the install?

 

[GTXgp]

About 70 miles east of Dallas on I-20. Small town called Van.

Ah. I was going to offer for you to come watch so you could see how it is done, but that is probably a bit of a drive.

GTX what issues are you expecting with lowering after the install?

None, other than a quick alignment.

 

[GTXgp]

Got my springs today, I am going to shoot for install on Sunday and I'll post a new thread once it is done.

 

[BayouBuick]

Awesome! I'm looking forward to seeing the results.

 

[02eco]

Got my springs today, I am going to shoot for install on Sunday and I'll post a new thread once it is done.

AWESOME! I've been checking your posts daily!😀

 

[02eco]

http://www.autoevolution.com/news-g-image/h-r-lowers-the-opel-insignia-opc-sports-tourer/25713.html

http://opelfan.com/archives/55

Some lowered Opels to wet our appetites. 🙂

 

[GTXgp]

Well, I wish I was reporting in with good news. Got the car on jack stands, took the front wheel off, and the front HiPer are as complicated as I remembered from glancing at them previously. Without a service manual or something I am at a loss for how to remove the front struts without practically disassembling the whole front suspension.

If it were a normal McPherson strut this wouldn't be a problem, but it looks like the strut body is clamped into the knuckle and I tried loosening a few bolts but couldn't figure out how to unclamp it.

I am not giving up, I just need a few more days to track down a service manual to figure out the easy way to get these things out.

To be continued...
Adam

P.S. The second link is how it *should* look when done. That is an OPC tourer with H&R, so same suspension we have with the same springs.

 

[02eco]

I have faith in you Adam, I suspect it'll be a minor setback and you're gonna have one of those "Ahhh-HA!" moments.🙂

And going back to one of you posts, I did some Googling and I'm pretty sure the OE offset is 45 and like you said, many Opel guys are running a 10mm spacer (with an 8.5) wheel which pushes the wheel out nicely.

I'd likely pass on a spacer and buy a second set of wheels around a 32mm offset to get the same effect. Although a more expensive route than a spacer, but like you mentioned, spacers are not for the faint of heart and my heart is a faint one.

Good luck with the springs and keep at it, we appreciate it!🙂

 

[synolimit]

Any idea of the spring rates of our springs and the new ones?

 

[GTXgp]

I have faith in you Adam, I suspect it'll be a minor setback and you're gonna have one of those "Ahhh-HA!" moments.🙂

And going back to one of you posts, I did some Googling and I'm pretty sure the OE offset is 45 and like you said, many Opel guys are running a 10mm spacer (with an 8.5) wheel which pushes the wheel out nicely.

I'd likely pass on a spacer and buy a second set of wheels around a 32mm offset to get the same effect. Although a more expensive route than a spacer, but like you mentioned, spacers are not for the faint of heart and my heart is a faint one.

Good luck with the springs and keep at it, we appreciate it!🙂

I actually looked at the back of my 20s and it says 41mm offset 🙂

 

[goobee]

Folks will debate you on the pros and cons of spacers to the nth degree. I'm not an engineer so I won't say anything in that regard. Common sense however seems to indicate that bolting on a device to move a wheel farther from it's spindle is not a great idea. These cars weight over 3,500 pounds and the last thing you want to do is add more stress to where the wheels connect to the car.

Just saying.

 

[02eco]

I actually looked at the back of my 20s and it says 41mm offset 🙂

Even better...thanks for letting us know. 🙂

 

[02eco]

Folks will debate you on the pros and cons of spacers to the nth degree. I'm not an engineer so I won't say anything in that regard. Common sense however seems to indicate that bolting on a device to move a wheel farther from it's spindle is not a great idea. These cars weight over 3,500 pounds and the last thing you want to do is add more stress to where the wheels connect to the car.

Just saying.

I'm indifferent in that sense...I just pass on them so it's one less thing to worry about and have a dealer break my balls about warranty. Or have a tech, dealer or otherwise re-install them improperly which would lead to even more problems.

But they can't be all that bad as thousands install them, from reputable companies (H&R/Eibach) and most never have a problem. Just like many other parts, there are always horror stories assoicated.

 

[synolimit]

But they can't be all that bad as thousands install them, from reputable companies (H&R/Eibach) and most never have a problem. Just like many other parts, there are always horror stories assoicated.

not only do thousands of people install them but millions of people buy aftermarket wheels where the offset isnt always OEM. the spacer doesnt have to be welded or apart of the wheel to get the same affect in my eyes. my last cars OEM offset was 55+ with a 7.5" width. my racing wheels were 44+ and a 8.5" width and i never had a problem nor did guys running as low as 35+ offset.

only issue i have is if you use the ones where its just a spacer and the lug nuts lose threads. thats a little scary.

 

[02eco]

not only do thousands of people install them but millions of people buy aftermarket wheels where the offset isnt always OEM. the spacer doesnt have to be welded or apart of the wheel to get the same affect in my eyes. my last cars OEM offset was 55+ with a 7.5" width. my racing wheels were 44+ and a 8.5" width and i never had a problem nor did guys running as low as 35+ offset.

only issue i have is if you use the ones where its just a spacer and the lug nuts lose threads. thats a little scary.

I agree, my stock offset was 55 on 7.5 and currently have 40mm on 8 inches on my GTP. 🙂