Lowering MistreSS
#64
07-29-2012, 05:14 PM
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Posts: 4,779
Thanks everyone! The time and effort put into this project was definitely worth it.
Tim, so far I don't have a problem with bottoming out or scraping with this setup. I never really had a problem with the lowering setup I had on my 03 SS either. You just have to be more aware of where you drive when you lower the car, i.e. curbs, parking lots, driveways, etc.
Thanks Chris, and thanks again for getting the torque specs!
Thanks Justin! The ride is actually pretty nice considering it's a stiffer setup and handling has improved.
Thanks! The mounts is where I tried to save some money but apparently quality is sacrificed then. Second time in a row, with both of my Montes, that I've had issues with Car Quest mounts. This time just put me over the top so I decided to go with GM factory replacements specific for the SS's FE4 suspension. When I can, I'd rather have factory replacement parts on my car rather than aftermarket parts. Obviously that's when I'm not upgrading, but at least I know I'm getting a good quality part then.
By the way, I took my Car Quest mounts back yesterday morning and did get a refund.
So far I can say I'm happy with the Bilsteins. 
Thanks Mike, and thanks also for the torque specs! I don't have the before height specs, I didn't think to do that at the time. However, I can tell you some after height specs.
Measurement from the ground to:
-Highest part of front wheel arch: 27-7/8" (708 mm)
-Highest part of rear wheel arch: 27-3/4" (705 mm)
-Bottom of front end of side ground effects: 5-3/4" (146 mm)
-Bottom of rear end of side ground effects: 6-5/8" (168 mm)
-Bottom of front ground effect, center: 7-1/4" (184 mm)
-Bottom of rear ground effect, center: 11-1/4" (286 mm)
Your Monte looks awesome now. I totally believe that it helped your launches for the exact reasons that you've mentioned. This is the main reason that I want to lower my Monte. Our cars need all the help they can get to launch. I hate just sitting there doing burnouts.
Anyways, I do have a quick question. What made you get the GM FE4 Upper Strut Mounts?
Anyways, I do have a quick question. What made you get the GM FE4 Upper Strut Mounts?
By the way, I took my Car Quest mounts back yesterday morning and did get a refund.
Measurement from the ground to:
-Highest part of front wheel arch: 27-7/8" (708 mm)
-Highest part of rear wheel arch: 27-3/4" (705 mm)
-Bottom of front end of side ground effects: 5-3/4" (146 mm)
-Bottom of rear end of side ground effects: 6-5/8" (168 mm)
-Bottom of front ground effect, center: 7-1/4" (184 mm)
-Bottom of rear ground effect, center: 11-1/4" (286 mm)
#65
07-30-2012, 08:23 AM
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Southeast PA
Posts: 25,136
That stance looks amazing!
I can't wait to get my Monte off the road and get into stuff like this
I can't wait to get my Monte off the road and get into stuff like this
#67
07-30-2012, 11:33 AM
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Posts: 4,779
Thanks Space!
#69
07-30-2012, 03:24 PM
Good job, Matt! Final product looks great. Thanks for all the pic's / lessons learned along the way. I plan to replace struts / springs on our '02 MC in the next year but haven't researched the install procedure yet. With the exception of the problem caused by crappy mounts, sounds like it went pretty smooth for you. I hope I have a similar experience.
