The Camaro Club (UK)

I've seen a few photos of other '73 Z28s and the ride height on the rear seems higher then mine, I think I prefer the Google images (darker paint) but might be down to the wheels and tires. Anyone have an opinion and if you agree on the higher rear, is this easily fixed? Also, navigating any humps make me cringe every time as I'm hitting the exhaust!

Anyway, another picture of mine for you (file name Z28 Nearside View)...

Personally I prefer the lower stance. I've lowered the front on mine two inches, the rear is 'naturally' lowered as a result of saggy leaf springs, which makes the stance just as I like it.

I believe originally they sat fairly high, there are various topics in the states regarding the ground to wheel arch measurements to get it back to 'stock' height. I'd imagine yours is lower due to the leaf springs having sagged over it's long life. If you want it higher again I believe the only options are new springs, or having them re-shaped and tempered. I've heard of spring assisters (bolt on underneath) being used with limited success.

I've worked on getting the exhaust as tight to the floor as I can so I can maintain the lower ride height, but it all depends on your preference I guess.

Not sure if that helps or not, but thought I'd chip in anyway :-)

Cheers

Thanks, it is personal choice then...

I've seen the spring assisters but you're right, could just be saggy springs. I'll ask the garage next time i'm there.

THanks for chipping in

As Jon mentions, there is a built in lowering system that takes effect over the years. Height will also depend on wheel and tyre size, a lot of the u.s folk run tall tyres which makes the car look lower in regards to the top of the tyre sitting inside the arch, when actually the height is normal /slightly higher than normal. Stick some 14's with a 205 / 60 tyre and the same will look like it sits too high. Yours looks pretty spot on, what size wheel and tyre is on there? Spring assistors are ok if it's a small adjustment, 1/4 to 1/2 an inch or so, but much more will transfer too much stress onto the bolts and also affect things like roll centre. If the springs are saggy, borrow some time on a hydraulic press and rearch them ( or use a vice at home - this takes longer but you get Arnie size arms as a result).

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Another option to raise the rear is to fit different shackles on the rear springs.

Personally, I prefer the rear to look lower than the front.

Back in the day when they were factory fresh they did sit higher than is the norm these days .
Over time the springs tend to sag ( the rear more than the front ) and you used to see older cars with the tail hanging down and the nose up .
A spring specialist could replace a leaf or 2 on the rear to correct it or as many owners did opt for the bodge of adjustable air shocks pumped up to the max , not the way to go but used to be done a lot as a quick cheap " fix "

I finally got some time with a Local garage (AutoPontiac in Hounslow) and we went over my Camaro with a fine toothed comb. Luckily nothing major (thank f*ck) so we are going through my long list of nice to haves for the Spring.

I did ask about the ride height and had it confirmed it’s correct e.g. line along the length front to back level, floor to top of wheel arches the same all round - result!

With the work done, picking her up at the weekend, I should be around for a meet somewhere soon. This will make you laugh, in my naivety I found out how to use a B&M Megashifter, I was always pulling away in 3rd therefore really sluggish; now I know you have to manually shift! Apparently she flies now - again, result. Not sure the Megashifter will stay in for long, not exactly there for cruising and I won’t be banging it down a drag strip soon...

Also found out, it’s a engine matching numbers although gearbox could be upgraded, maybe a TH400?

Hello, my '73 Z28 is a 35k mile Survivor and retains all it original springs/bushes etc and still runs on the correct Firestone tyres.
I can measure the distance from the ground to the underside centre of each wheel arches if that would help?
Just let me know.
Many thanks
Alan

Hi Alan,

Would be good to know what yours measures. The mechanic measured the floor to top of wheel arch and they were even but forgot the measurements. He reckoned they were correct but always like a second opinion.

Many thanks - Darren