Why lower a saxo to as much as 50mm?

[Fubsy]

Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone can tell me WHY on earth most Saxo's have been lowered to 30mm or more even telling people on this forum to lower them, lets be honest the roads in the UK are not built for lowered cars, I have 2x Saxo VTS one lowered to 30mm and the other to 50mm yes they look better lowered HOWEVER its embarrassing when u can't get over a speed hump or the u try to turn around in a road that has alot of camber in both directions and u almost rip ur splitter off.

The cars handle well without being lowered and better dampers can improve that further without making the car embarrassing.

The other thing is because of the state of our roads it also makes the car dangerous. Hit a large enough bump while cornering and the car goes airborne plus sideways, funny the first time it happens not so funny when it happens a lot.

Oh not to mention if u have wide wheels lowering the car makes the wheels rub on the inner arch.

Apart from the style aspect why make a car un drivable on our roads?

[Fubsy]

Forgot to mention it also makes them really uncomfortable especially on long journeys.

[Martijn_M]

You must be old and wise.

[Fubsy]

Perhaps lol I do think I sound like my dad sometimes, but in all seriousness why make a perfectly good car undrivable on todays roads and uncomfortable just so it looks a bit nicer.

[AlexB]

Cause bitches like low cars
Simples

[Fubsy]

Erm, ok not sure if ur calling urself a bitch or saying women like lowered cars?

If you are saying women like lowered cars get a gokart man u'll pull all the ladies..

[saxova]

-60mm with 14's and I never encountered a speed bump I couldn't get over..

-35mm now with 15s and it's perfectly practical! Obviously you have to slow down for speed bumps.. But just because it doesn't feel as harsh as a car with standard suspension - doesn't mean athe suspension parts take the hit any better.

I used to like the low look.. now I prefer to see usable arch gap :y:

[Fubsy]

-60mm with 14's and I never encountered a speed bump I couldn't get over..

-35mm now with 15s and it's perfectly practical! Obviously you have to slow down for speed bumps.. But just because it doesn't feel as harsh as a car with standard suspension - doesn't mean athe suspension parts take the hit any better.

I used to like the low look.. now I prefer to see usable arch gap :y:

Great comment, I was never saying that the cars don't look better lowered and they may handle a little better to boot ( on the right road surface ). Its just not practical in the UK unfortunately, It's funny really we pay more road tax than pretty much any other country yet we have the worst roads bar Russia perhaps.

My 50mm lowered Saxo is on 14's and I've caught the bumper so many fkin times the good thing is it learns u to be careful I suppose, unless u want to rip ur bumper off lol. I've not found a speed bump I couldn't get over but I've encountered ones that I had to drive very slowly over even going into multi story car parks made the exhaust rub and its sitting so high up its barely missing the heat shield, It's just not practical and sometimes embarrassing.

The worse thing is all the assholes that get up ur ass in their NON lowered vehicles trying to somehow get you to speed up.

[Prickle]

I'm down 40mm and i dont have issues with any bumps.

It looks better, it IS better completly.

[D4NNY-801]

You must have some collosal bumps near you cause my old saxo was lowered 80mm and I barely struggled over speed bumps

[m11ler]

Lowered 50mm and can't get over speedbumps? Something is wrong man.
Your measuring is out, or you're trying to drive over the Alps.

[saxova]

Luckily i've never scraped my bumper, and i've been up some steep driveways!

One of my pet hates when idiots tailgate me while going over speed bumps! However they probally think i'm an idiot when I floor it after the last 1.. I see it as proving a point ;)

haha :y:

[Jam3s]

Great comment, I was never saying that the cars don't look better lowered and they may handle a little better to boot ( on the right road surface ). Its just not practical in the UK unfortunately, It's funny really we pay more road tax than pretty much any other country yet we have the worst roads bar Russia perhaps.

My 50mm lowered Saxo is on 14's and I've caught the bumper so many fkin times the good thing is it learns u to be careful I suppose, unless u want to rip ur bumper off lol. I've not found a speed bump I couldn't get over but I've encountered ones that I had to drive very slowly over even going into multi story car parks made the exhaust rub and its sitting so high up its barely missing the heat shield, It's just not practical and sometimes embarrassing.

The worse thing is all the assholes that get up ur ass in their NON lowered vehicles trying to somehow get you to speed up.

You know that 'road tax' (vehicle excess duty) doesn't actually go towards maintaining roads right?

Being practical doesn't always mean it's more fun.

[AlexB]

I think the op is just a whiney old bugger lol :P
Most of my cars have been 50mm plus

My old 1.1 was over 100
My yellow gti is around 110 front 120 rear

My black one is a LOT less comfy over bumps and is only 30mm ish down
It depends entirely on what kit or spring rates your running tbh

As for catching bumper how frigging big are those bumps!! :panic:

[Boothy_UK]

Perhaps its a political statement.
I know full well the roads are haggard, its cost loads and insurance think your an idiot but...Its like a middle finger.

[Fubsy]

You know that 'road tax' (vehicle excess duty) doesn't actually go towards maintaining roads right?

Being practical doesn't always mean it's more fun.

Yes I know its not actually called ROAD TAX that was abolished in 1937 its actually vehicle tax worked out by how much c02 vehicles produce, roads are paid for by general and local taxation however I would argue we still pay more tax than any other country so our roads should be better.

Perhaps always being practical isn't fun but I'd like a vehicle to be fun to drive and practical and not dangerous.

[CorsaDestroyer]

Tbf it is a bit inpractical lowering more than e.g. 60mm but it does look niiiiiice

[martin1985]

i am 50mm lowered and get over speed bumps fine

[Bedford126]

My car I do what I want. Couldn't care less what you or others think. There is a great possibility that you are a shit driver. I can also say 100% my car is lower and safer using better quality suspension and steering components than yours. And is in no way dangerous to other road users.

[Fubsy]

I think the op is just a whiney old bugger lol :P
Most of my cars have been 50mm plus

My old 1.1 was over 100
My yellow gti is around 110 front 120 rear

My black one is a LOT less comfy over bumps and is only 30mm ish down
It depends entirely on what kit or spring rates your running tbh

As for catching bumper how frigging big are those bumps!! :panic:

I'm 32 but u could consider me old, cheeky youngsters :P I was young once tho so i know u want to look cool.. lol but when ur abit older and u don't want to visit a chiropractor when ur older u'l be getting a car with some travel in the suspension or a blow up cushion to sit on.

[Fubsy]

My car I do what I want. Couldn't care less what you or others think. There is a great possibility that you are a shit driver.

Wow really lol? My driving affects the suspension travel and the state of the roads awesome comment well thought out.

[Prickle]

32 isnt old. Ahhhh.

[Fubsy]

You must have some collosal bumps near you cause my old saxo was lowered 80mm and I barely struggled over speed bumps

Roads near me are terrible to be honest perhaps you guys all live in places where the roads are like race tracks :( lucky buggers.

[Bedford126]

Wow really lol? My driving affects the suspension travel and the state of the roads awesome comment well thought out.

Yeah your driving does effect the suspension travel and yeah also effects the state of the roads.

You are a really shit troll btw.

[Fubsy]

Luckily i've never scraped my bumper, and i've been up some steep driveways!

One of my pet hates when idiots tailgate me while going over speed bumps! However they probally think i'm an idiot when I floor it after the last 1.. I see it as proving a point ;)

haha :y:

lol :D

[Fubsy]

Yeah your driving does effect the suspension travel and yeah also effects the state of the roads.

You are a really shit troll btw.

Are you serious lol? Yea ur driving affects the suspension when taking a corner at high speed or changing direction or position U HAVE no control over the state of the roads unless of course your a road worker or you drive a tank on a Sunday?

I'm also not trying to be a troll " a troll (/ˈtroʊl/, /ˈtrɒl/) is a person who sows discord on the Internet by trying to start arguments and upset people " you however seem to be having a good go.

I never stated I disliked lowered cars I think they do look better to a certain extent, they also handle better with the right setup I'm just saying imho its not very practical ( on our roads UK ). I also wondered if anyone else felt the same way and maybe get some ideas apart from sticking it back to standard how I could get practicality and keep it looking nice at the same time.

Perhaps my spring/damper setup is completely wrong? Of course that doesn't make the roads any better in my area or the bumper grinding on occasion but that doesn't bother me what does bother me is hitting bumps at high speed and lack of travel launching the car..

[LSOfreak]

roads here are terrible

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/slickusrickus/IMAG0033.jpg

i get by fine.
Have to drive very carefully but i rarely cause damage

Standard height looks so shit, it should be illegal to drive around in a saxo like it

[Fubsy]

roads here are terrible

http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/vv176/slickusrickus/IMAG0033.jpg

i get by fine.
Have to drive very carefully but i rarely cause damage

Damn that's low :O! nice car btw mk1 which I prefer the front on ;) I'm guessing u have next to no travel on the suspension? Doesn't it feel a bit unstable at high speed with no travel, i mean big hump or bad tarmac at 70+ with no travel :S?

Mines no where near that low but like i said the roads are terrible near me.

[LSOfreak]

Damn that's low :O! nice car btw mk1 which I prefer the front on ;) I'm guessing u have next to no travel on the suspension? Doesn't it feel a bit unstable at high speed with no travel, i mean big hump or bad tarmac at 70+ with no travel :S?

Mines no where near that low but like i said the roads are terrible near me.

thanks, i prefer mk1s too

yeah i have very limited suspension travel before. Ive tried my best to address problems with a bit of cutting and grinding, so its not terribly bad. Still perfectly safe to drive with everyday nonetheless.

I never really travel over 90-100, but yes on a bumpy motorway it can feel unstable due to being so firm. No biggy, it just keeps me from breaking the speed limit :D

[Fubsy]

This is the one I use daily I was told its lowered 30mm but I have never checked.

http://www.kerryguest.webspace.virginmedia.com/DSC02516.JPG

[Prickle]

More then 30mm that imo ^ Mines 40mmF/R on 15" VTS wheels

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/217357_10201309818774318_1495311063_n.jpg

[LSOfreak]

100% lower than 30mm that blue one ^

Please dont ruin it by raising it! sat a brilliant height. Looks about 60mm front and back

[Fubsy]

thanks, i prefer mk1s too

yeah i have very limited suspension travel before. Ive tried my best to address problems with a bit of cutting and grinding, so its not terribly bad. Still perfectly safe to drive with everyday nonetheless.

I never really travel over 90-100, but yes on a bumpy motorway it can feel unstable due to being so firm. No biggy, it just keeps me from breaking the speed limit :D

lol :D ahh I did think about doing some grinding or perhaps upgrading the springs and dampers as I would imagine they are a bit worn out by now but I have no idea what to go for tbh if i did.

[LSOfreak]

Cutting and grinding wouldnt benefit you at that height. I had to do it where the wishbones touch the chassis when you go too low

Its probably the bumpstops or stiff springs which is causing you an uncomfortable ride

[Jam3s]

Yes I know its not actually called ROAD TAX that was abolished in 1937 its actually vehicle tax worked out by how much c02 vehicles produce, roads are paid for by general and local taxation however I would argue we still pay more tax than any other country so our roads should be better.

Perhaps always being practical isn't fun but I'd like a vehicle to be fun to drive and practical and not dangerous.

You said you pay more road tax, therefore the roads should be better but then admit that road tax doesn't pay towards road upkeep... Dafuq?

You can't argue you 'pay more tax' on the whole therefore roads should be better, that just opens a can of worms and can never be statistically proven.

You're then assuming that a low vehicle is not fun or safe - sorry mate I do all of the work myself and I assure you it's safer than any other random car off the street that the owners don't give a shit about until the MOT, irrelevant of whatever height I have it at.

I've gone through the phase of having extremely low cars, 40mm is fine for me now but I don't go around judging others for not doing the same.


Modifying cars is fun, let people do what they want to their own vehicles.

[Fubsy]

Never lol I just went by what other people told me I don't even know how to measure it. I thought it must be lower tho, I can't even get a jack under it without catching the skirt and i took it for an MOT and the tester couldn't get it on the RAMP lool :D

[Fubsy]

You said you pay more road tax, therefore the roads should be better but then admit that road tax doesn't pay towards road upkeep... Dafuq?

You can't argue you 'pay more tax' on the whole therefore roads should be better, that just opens a can of worms and can never be statistically proven.

You're then assuming that a low vehicle is not fun or safe - sorry mate I do all of the work myself and I assure you it's safer than any other random car off the street that the owners don't give a shit about until the MOT, irrelevant of whatever height I have it at.

I've gone through the phase of having extremely low cars, 40mm is fine for me now but I don't go around judging others for not doing the same.

Modifying cars is fun, let people do what they want to their own vehicles.

We pay more tax on a whole so i think we should have better or as good as roads as other countries who pay less, and don't u think car tax should pay towards road repairs?

anyway I didn't say lowered vehicles were dangerous I said combined with today's roads they can be dangerous regardless of who did the work unless you've fitted a hoover craft skirt to urs, u cannot know where every pot hole hump etc is.

I don't judge other people for having lower cars! Infact I think they look great i just posted because it was abit of a problem for me and wondered why people did it because for me its a difficult and sometimes embarrassing thing to have to live with.

But that said I don't think I would change the height although I may change the spring rate and dampers

[stevo1600]

my gti is low at the back on star mags, 13inch wheels.... i'm also sitting in sparco buckets and the roads by me are quite bad, lots of holes and bumps.

Trick is to have a comfy pillow under your ass ;) you still look cool and are comfy as ever.

if you 'can' look cool with mags lol

[MartinObviously]

My GTI is lowered 50mm with B8 shocks.

Too stiff for the roads where I live. It's also too low, I'm scraping the exhaust all the time, right about the mid section. the cat and silencer is all scored.

I've never had it skip though... because the spring rate isn't ridiculous.

It's comfy on long journeys and the motorway though.

[Prickle]

Ay some bumps on B8's aint 'too' kind on you. Motorway is the best. :D

We have some terrible roads here.. i literally do dodge them like cones and i feel silly doing so but it saves my car, kinda.

Overall its fine like i said i've never scraped.

[MartinObviously]

Ay some bumps on B8's aint 'too' kind on you. Motorway is the best. :D

We have some terrible roads here.. i literally do dodge them like cones and i feel silly doing so but it saves my car, kinda.

Overall its fine like i said i've never scraped.

LMAO :homme:

[Fubsy]

lol :D

[Fubsy]

As I can't fix the roads and I really don't want to raise the car what shocks and springs could you guys suggest without spending an absolute fortune?

[Prickle]

hur hur hur

[LSOfreak]

apex kit is said to be quite good for the road

eibach springs have a similar spring rate to standard too, so are quite comfortable aswel

[Ross]

I used to run b8's and eibach springs at -50mm. Was a brilliant road setup. Now only changed from b8's because they're not man enough. I'd run them if I could.

[Ali123]

meh, huddersfields roads are absolutley shite, all full of potholes, lumps, bumps, dips and fucking all sorts, you can get by perfectly fine but you just gotta be careful!
after a while you get used to it, you'll automatically know if youre gonna catch on a dip/hump etc

i get on perfectly fine ish with mine , only cost me an engine , side skirts, wheel arches and exhaust manifolds but its fine ;)

ASW moment
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/942209_10200582813524848_476013833_n.jpg

[MartinObviously]

hur hur hur

Well, lets face it. your car is never going to scrape :homme:

I used to run b8's and eibach springs at -50mm. Was a brilliant road setup. Now only changed from b8's because they're not man enough. I'd run them if I could.

That's what is on my GTI.

I hate it. Well, with T1R's it understeers really easily.

Better with the Marangoni.

I might take off the front ARB and go from there.

[AlexB]

I'm 32 but u could consider me old, cheeky youngsters :P I was young once tho so i know u want to look cool.. lol but when ur abit older and u don't want to visit a chiropractor when ur older u'l be getting a car with some travel in the suspension or a blow up cushion to sit on.

Im not as young as you may think lol granted im a few years off you
My body us allready haggard from bmxing but tbh low cars arent a problem by me
My skoda was wound right down
Few mates have cars on the floor

I will be fine
Like i say my black gti is worse its got 300lb sorings 23mm bars ect its very hard for the road
I cope but a lot of people would whinge about the ride and its not even low

[jeffchiz]

you should see some of the speed bumps in oxford they have basically built a path across the road with curb stones lol im down 60mm and was fine going over them at an angle

i have ripped my exhaust off on one but thats on a silly 2 piece supersprint where the middle clamp hung lower than the exhaust so i got it taken off and welded together eliminating the use of the clamp