hazard of aerodynamics.... (low ride height = bumper damage)

[mcrews]

I have an Infiniti Q45 Sport w/ A full IMPUL body kit. It lowers the body 2 inches all the way around.
I also (just 8 months ago) installed spring compressors on the front and dropped the front 1.25inches..
The front edge of the bumper is 5" off the ground.
Last week I was on a side street I've never been on and hit a dip in the road at about 25-30mph. It wasnt maked and I was looking at my gps.

The front edge of the bumper hit square.
THe worst part is that I had just repaired some dings in the bumper over the holiday.
The 'cracks' are were the repairs were.

[MetroMPG]

That's a bummer.

Low ride height is definitely a concern (though 5 inches doesn't sound terribly low!).

Makes me wonder how common this kind of thing is with supercar drivers (think: Ferarri... Lambo).

[JRMichler]

My wife's last car was a PT Cruiser. The chin spoiler was exactly five inches off the ground. Completely stock.

[mcrews]

THe 5" measurement is 39" from the frnt axle.
My gut feeling is there is 'some' relationship to how far uot the front edge is and how much space is 'allowed.'

this picture was posted 2 yrs ago when I had a question on this forum.
over 7" factory stock w/IMPUL body kit.

[Gone2]

You are correct in the relationship to ride height and bumper length. My Sentra could get away with a shorter front end, because it is so close to the tire, my old truck however, would scrap on the street if I didn't come out of the driveway just right. Don't let it discourage you though, a little epoxy, some clamps, and a lot of patience and you will never know it happened.

[BamZipPow]

Yikes! Sorry to hear that.

[Ladogaboy]

Wow, that sucks... Caution is advised!

[kach22i]

FYI: Approach angles for several models of the Porsche 911 for reference.

GT3 ground clearance - 6speedonline.com Forums


5.5 to 11.8 degrees

[ERTW]

sports cars can get away with lower ride height because they use stiffer springs, which give them less wheel travel.

you lowered the ride height with STOCK springs, with full range of motion in bump. ditch the spring compressors and buy proper springs.

[kach22i]

Excellent point.

I just looked up what that car looks like, not a variant of the Z-car.