Lowered XK8 vert before and after photos
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Lowered XK8 vert before and after photos
Hi, fellas, longtime lurker, first time poster. I've used the board for some research and thought I'd give back with the results from the latest mod to my '97 XK8 'vert--a 1.5" drop all the way around.
I used H&R springs that cost me about $310 for the set, shipped. Finding a mechanic who would do the job was a bit of a challenge, and even those that wanted to do it either gave me some crap about needing new shocks, bushings, etc. Finally found a guy who did the job for $300. Here are the before photos:
As you can see, there's quite a gap between the wheel well and and fender with the low profiles on 18" rims. Now, the afters:
Any questions, let me know!
I used H&R springs that cost me about $310 for the set, shipped. Finding a mechanic who would do the job was a bit of a challenge, and even those that wanted to do it either gave me some crap about needing new shocks, bushings, etc. Finally found a guy who did the job for $300. Here are the before photos:
As you can see, there's quite a gap between the wheel well and and fender with the low profiles on 18" rims. Now, the afters:
Any questions, let me know!
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There's no question your car looks better, and it achieves most of the effect you get from dropping $2,500+ on new wheels and tires to close the fender gap by going up to 18-20") . I've done a spring lowering job myself using Eibach Pro Kit on a Lexus SC400. They're similar cars in appearance and 290 vs 270 hp. but what I found was that i ended up extremely disappointed in the teeth shattering ride that resulted. So that's my question to you:
How would you evaluate the ride comfort now? Will this conversion make it more likely to slosh beer out of my cup holder when going over pebbles? I'd dearly love to drop my ride and install the H&R Sport Springs 29782 (About $325 US). But I'm not prepared to pay the price of dramatically reduced ride comfort. I'm interested in what you have to say. If you didnt change the shocks, then this is a perfect comparison.
How would you evaluate the ride comfort now? Will this conversion make it more likely to slosh beer out of my cup holder when going over pebbles? I'd dearly love to drop my ride and install the H&R Sport Springs 29782 (About $325 US). But I'm not prepared to pay the price of dramatically reduced ride comfort. I'm interested in what you have to say. If you didnt change the shocks, then this is a perfect comparison.
Last edited by omacht; 04-10-2013 at 12:01 AM. Reason: typos
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I've encountered zero change in driveability. No rub, no bottoming out, no grind, no issues with speed bumps, etc. If anything, I've noticed less problems than before, but perhaps that's because I mind giant potholes more now.
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There's no question your car looks better, and it achieves most of the effect you get from dropping $2,500+ on new wheels and tires to close the fender gap by going up to 18-19") . I've done a spring lowering job myself using Eibach Pro Kit on a Lexus SC400. Tjey're similar cars in appearance and HP, but what I found was that i ended up extremely dissapointed in the teeth shattering ride that resulted. So that's my question to you:
How would you evaluate the ride comfort now? Will this conversion make it more likely to slosh coffee or beer out of my cup holder when going over pebbles? I'd dearly love to drop my ride and install the H&N Sport Springs 29782 (About $350 US). But I'm not prepared to pay the price of dramatically reduced ride comfort. I'm interested in what you have to say. If you didnt change the shocks, then this is a perfect comparison.
How would you evaluate the ride comfort now? Will this conversion make it more likely to slosh coffee or beer out of my cup holder when going over pebbles? I'd dearly love to drop my ride and install the H&N Sport Springs 29782 (About $350 US). But I'm not prepared to pay the price of dramatically reduced ride comfort. I'm interested in what you have to say. If you didnt change the shocks, then this is a perfect comparison.
I've experienced zero change in driveability. The ride feels exactly the same as before--no jolts, no rubbing, nothing. I'm guessing the Lexus may be a cushier ride stock, so maybe the difference is more noticeable there. But, for me, I feel no change, and god knows the streets of Baltimore will test your suspension.
Here is where I got my springs: H R 97 05 Jaguar XK8 XKR Type QEV QDV Sport lowering Springs | eBay
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Pics
It's always good to do the before and after thing with photos. Good job! It looks nice lowered.
I have considered doing the same, but probably won't simply because of my own comfort level as I get in and out of the car. I'm 48, but have to deal with broken rib and herniation issues from an accident in 1997 when a truck T-boned me when I rode a bicycle. D'oh!
I'm setting up my XKR to be usable by me when I'm 75 and the lower I go, the more I grunt and groan. The 30 year old that still lives in my brain loves your lowered ride. =)
I have considered doing the same, but probably won't simply because of my own comfort level as I get in and out of the car. I'm 48, but have to deal with broken rib and herniation issues from an accident in 1997 when a truck T-boned me when I rode a bicycle. D'oh!
I'm setting up my XKR to be usable by me when I'm 75 and the lower I go, the more I grunt and groan. The 30 year old that still lives in my brain loves your lowered ride. =)
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