[Nicks67GTO]

Originally Posted by 6 Grrrs

With the discussion about cross-member height, I decided to go measure my car. My car sits on Global West lowering springs at all four corners, front spindles and control arms are stock GM, rear LCAs are Global west. It sits pretty low compared to other GM A bodies around the area. I like 'em low.

My front wheel well center is 23.75" from the ground on 225/60-15 BFGs (with moldings)
My cross-member is 4.25" from the ground
My front pipes are 4" from the ground (Magnaflow complete kit - lowest part of the car underneath)
My rear wheel well center is 24.5" from the ground on 255/60-15 BFGs (with moldings)

I drive my car like a regular car and never really worry about bottoming it out. As a matter of fact it did bottom out one time ever when I parked on the street in front of my parents house and I didn't want any of it on the street, so the curb sort of high centered and scuffed the exhaust. Never have I had the car bottom out when driving since I have upgraded to the GW springs and a good set of shocks. It used to bottom out with the Moog springs and junk shocks, but it was the tie rod hitting the sway bar and the top of the front tires rubbing the inner fenders. I have never bottomed out the front cross-member, ever.

My lowered 454SS pickup is much lower - too low to measure the front cross-member height. The front air dam is 2.75" above the asphalt. The cross-member I would guess is at about 3-3.5"" by eye in relationship with the air dam. With all the modifications I have performed to it, I have made certain all components are tucked up above the frame with the exception of the fuel tank (OEM tank in OEM spot, wrapped in OEM plastic shield). I do drive it more cautiously compared to the GTO when entering driveways/shopping plazas, etc, but out on the road I rarely have any issues with bottoming out. Sure if there is a dip in the road or a dead critter I slow down or try to avoid it. It also only has about 2" of suspension travel before it hits the bump stops - way less than the GTO. It has been this way for 15-16 years.

What I'm getting at is if you have plenty of wheel well space for the tires and correct offset for the wheels, I really don't see an issue with the crossmember at 3.5" -- if you drive it careful when entering driveways or going over speed bumps, etc. Matter of fact I'd love to get my car a little lower especially in the rear). I plan to revisit after I get my aluminum headed 455/new transmission installed and see where the front end sits before making any changes. I think my plan is a Strange S60 in the rear so I will have to see how it all fits before buying another set of springs. The S60 housing may be slightly different than the original 10 bolt.

This is probably the best shot I have of how it sits currently...



Just wanted to add my .02. (PurplePackFan) I agree you don't want the car dragging everywhere, but maybe you should drive it before making any big changes. Also make certain you have all components installed so you know the true weight and height. If your coil overs are adjusted all the way up I agree you need a heavier spring, but the 550# maybe too much. I think the stance as you show in the pics is perfect

Wow your car sits low at the fenders. I think the lowest mine sat with the 225/60/15's in front was a hair over 24" with a 3.75" engine cradle height and I was destroying the headers. I had a dip in the road on the way home from work that was beating them up pretty bad.

I think my SPC springs are 575lbs in the front if I remember correctly. They ride pretty nice.