Lowering An ERA FIA

Lindy · #1 (**permalink**) 05-03-2006, 07:27 PM

Hello,

As I had mentioned during a phone conversation with Peter earlier this week, I recently purchased ERA FIA #2022.

I am wondering if someone could possibly give me advice on lowering the front of the car. I am assuming that the coil overs can be adjusted to drop the ride height, however does this mean that we will need to shim the upper A arm to reset the camber? If so, is there any way to avoid having to use an excessive number of the individual shims?

Thank You!

Rick Parker · #2 (**permalink**) 05-03-2006, 09:27 PM

Use the multiple shims initially to set it where you want and to get the alignment right, then have all the shims heliarcd around the perimiter or machine some blocks of metal or short pieces of round stock with holes in them for the bolts to pass through to achieve the desired thickness.

Tongue Pirate · #3 (**permalink**) 05-03-2006, 09:44 PM

Are you trying to custom lower it or just drop it down a bit?

strictlypersonl · #4 (**permalink**) 05-04-2006, 04:28 AM

Camber will change about 3/4 degree for each inch lowered. That's about .15" of shims.

Lindy · #5 (**permalink**) 05-04-2006, 08:33 AM

Thank you for the responses.

- Hyde, I am trying to lower the front, as it sits too high and there is a great deal of gap between the top of the tire and the lip of the wheel arch. The rear is close to where I want it.

Tongue Pirate · #6 (**permalink**) 05-04-2006, 09:11 AM

As Bob has mentioned to me previously, the fia cars had that high stance. I want taller tires in the rear next time around to fill more of that gap but my fronts seem to fit pretty well(to my eye anyway

) Tire sizes seem to make a big difference in appearance before & after ajustments. Here are some vintage & modern examples

Chaplin · #7 (**permalink**) 05-04-2006, 09:14 AM

TP-
Great pic of your car- it looks very nice!

Tongue Pirate · #8 (**permalink**) 05-04-2006, 09:18 AM

Thanks, Getting the top fitted monday. Hoping to get it out for some "good" pics at somepoint after that.

Lindy · #9 (**permalink**) 05-04-2006, 09:37 AM

TP,

Thank you for the pictures and the advice regarding tire size.

BTW - very mean looking car! I have been fortunate enough to have ridden in one of the original FIA's, and yours really captures that early look nicely.

Lindy

Lindy · #10 (**permalink**) 05-14-2006, 09:12 AM

- Sorry for all of the questions, however I am attempting to get the car set up correctly and am completely new to this suspension.

I have lowered the front, however it seems that there is very limitted adjustment in the rear (ERA Jaguar). Is there a way to lower the rear without adding excessive negative camber?

Thank You!

*13* · #11 (**permalink**) 05-14-2006, 09:18 AM

I'm not sure about how much travel you have before -camber but my coil overs are adjusted about as low as they will go. I was told that a shorter pring length will give me some more adjustment. I'm choosing to say where I am for now. I'm thinking I'll go with a little taller tire next time around.

strictlypersonl · #12 (**permalink**) 05-14-2006, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lindy

- ...
I have lowered the front, however it seems that there is very limitted adjustment in the rear (ERA Jaguar). Is there a way to lower the rear without adding excessive negative camber?
Thank You!

The camber is adjustable with shims between the inner axle flange and the rotor. (Number 22 here.)

*13* · #13 (**permalink**) 05-14-2006, 03:31 PM

My tires are pretty short & the car sits pretty low. I didn't see any reasone to go to an more drastic measures when taller tires will be in my future.

Lindy · #14 (**permalink**) 05-14-2006, 09:35 AM

Hyde,

So you are adjusting the rear with the coil overs only?

I read in the ERA manual that there was a place to shim the rear behind the inboard calipers, however the car is up on the lift in my garage and it doesn't look like that would work.

hey,littlecobra · #15 (**permalink**) 05-14-2006, 05:33 PM

off topic- why have you re-registered and changed your handle??? just curious!

*13* · #16 (**permalink**) 05-14-2006, 06:36 PM

I was having some weird log in issues since the big crash on my home computer only & only for this forum. All seems better now, guess I get a fresh start

Lindy · #17 (**permalink**) 05-15-2006, 01:19 PM

Relative to the shims mentioned per the diagram above (which is very helpful), I am assuming that hardened washers are the way to go in that application?

strictlypersonl · #18 (**permalink**) 05-15-2006, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lindy

Relative to the shims mentioned per the diagram above (which is very helpful), I am assuming that hardened washers are the way to go in that application?

The factory shims are one-piece plates with a hole in the middle for the "outy" centering pilot on the drive axle flange. You could use a washer, but I think that the edge of the washer would probably have to be trimmed.

We've got some extra shims here. Give me an idea of how many you'll need and I'll send some out.

Lindy · #19 (**permalink**) 05-15-2006, 04:57 PM

Thank you. I am lowering the rear of the car 1.5 - 2.00 inches (will start at 1.5"), and I am not certain what thickness/stack-up that would equate to.

If you do not mind I would be happy to either call or e-mail you with my address for shipping and to give you my billing information (actually Peter has both for #2022, which has "moved" to MN).

Thanks again - I really appreciate the help.

strictlypersonl · #20 (**permalink**) 05-16-2006, 04:04 AM

Lindy,

1.5" is a big change. What is the chassis height under the main rails just in front of the rear suspension?

You will need something like 0.16" of shims per side to compensate.