How much ground clearance have you got? My C3 has been lowered and has long tube headers. If I go down a bumpy road I have to be so careful that I don't hit bottom that I am going slowly and who wants to go below the speed limit in a Corvette? I don't want to change the cornering ability of the car as occasionally it is driven on a track.
Ground Clearance
- Thread starter C3Dave
- Start date
Welcome Dave, I've heard of and seen certain header installations especially on C3"s, that really hung low under the car. I'm assuming this is the low point you speak of. For most of us (the side pipe guys being the exception),the low point usually occurs where the exhaust runs under the rear diff. For me, I'm guessing I have about 8" of ground clearance at this point. Only ever had an issue once, on an old back road that had a really pronounced 'hump' in my lane from years of heavy truck traffic (Road into Big Chute - Ontario Hydro trucks) that was a real pain to drive and not enjoyable at all; so I feel where you're coming from, if every day is like that for you. Post some pics so we can see what you've got to deal with. There are some "C3 specific" headers you could look into that might alleviate the problem - not necessarily cheap; but you might recover some of the cost through a sale on Kijiji. Good luck, and get some pics up.
Hi Dave..
Here are some ground clearance numbers for my ride.
Mine is a 1975 Coupe, 4 speed, F41 springs, 255/45ZR17 BFG G-Force KDW tires.
3 3/8". Header collector flange
4 1/8". Bell housing flange
4". Front edge of tire bucket.
2 11/16" under exhaust pipes at rear spring
5 1/2". Frame just ahead of rear wheel
26 1/2". Front fender lip.
27 1/8". Rear fender lip
47 1/4". Top of roof.
16 3/8". Tip of front nose.
I posted this early last year hoping others would post their dimensions for comparison.
http://www.canadiancorvetteforums.com/threads/c3s-by-the-numbers.5751/
graham
Here are some ground clearance numbers for my ride.
Mine is a 1975 Coupe, 4 speed, F41 springs, 255/45ZR17 BFG G-Force KDW tires.
3 3/8". Header collector flange
4 1/8". Bell housing flange
4". Front edge of tire bucket.
2 11/16" under exhaust pipes at rear spring
5 1/2". Frame just ahead of rear wheel
26 1/2". Front fender lip.
27 1/8". Rear fender lip
47 1/4". Top of roof.
16 3/8". Tip of front nose.
I posted this early last year hoping others would post their dimensions for comparison.
http://www.canadiancorvetteforums.com/threads/c3s-by-the-numbers.5751/
graham
Some companies took the time to keep the headers tucked up in and also saw that they cleared spark plugs and other things in the engine compartment. Others didn't seem to care. One of the biggest names in headers had some of the worst fitting pieces. Check out what others are using and see if they are happy.
My 80s lowest point is 4 inches where the exhaust pipes go under the trans cross member. The bell housing is 5 and 3/4 and the collectors are 4 and 1/4 inches off the ground. Before I replaced the front shocks the pipes did hit the ground on occasion
I have long tube headers as well. they have no more than 3 inches of clearance with the tires at 37 psi. lol
Hezzy...
You need some proper Corvette headers!
Those are low?
Graham
You need some proper Corvette headers!
Those are low?
Graham
yep I sure do. they don't rub too much but I am very careful with my toy.
I will get proper ones but they will be side pipes.
anyone got a set?
have a great day