Suspension change: Good idea or Bad?

[frets14]

The Metros that I've had over the years have been a gas-money-saving educational hobby for me. In the late 90's when I was driving my first metro, an '89 3 cylinder 5 speed, I decided to "lower" it... just for fun. Since I work maintenance in a factory, I have access to scrap pieces of steel, a drill press, a band saw, taps and bolts. Everything needed for this project. I made the clamps seen on the spring in the picture and put a pair of them on each of the coil springs on my car. This lowered the car about 2 1/2". I was a little nervous about toying with the suspension in this manner at first, but after driving it around locally for a while I became more confident that it did not adversely affect the mechanics of the car. Now, this information that I am sharing with everyone is really for DoctorBill, a man who shares a similar interest of mine... British sports cars! I currently own a '64 TR4 and a "75 TR6. I've also owned an Austin-Healey 3000 (my college car), Triumph Spitfires and an MG midget. I know DoctorBill has mentioned his old Triumph TR3 several times. The amazing thing about altering the suspension on my Metro to lower the car was the fact that it made it ride and handle just like the British sports cars. The ride is rough, you'll feel every bump and the steering is very responsive. Very similar to the MG Midget experience. I also had a $10 aftermarket sunroof with removable glass from a local Pull-and-Save in that car. It was great fun to drive as long as you weren't going too far! So much for my idea and your comments are welcome, both pro and con. Here's the picture:

[Metro Mighty Mouse]

I think I would prefer to cut coils over this method, as you loose more suspension travel than just the amount you lowered the car. The spring will bottom out on the clamp and possibly bend in a large impact where a cut coil will just close up normally.

One thing I would like to know is how was your tire wear and did you put a lot of miles on like that.

[lilrogue78]

i have so far driven about 1000 miles on my lowered suspention in the geo i used the torch method, i heater all 4 coils evenly with a torch which in turn lowers the car by just compressing the springs right now i have it lowered 4 inches and rides like a lumberwago but has the control/handling of a decked out civic dx

[frets14]

I ran my "lowered" Metro for about a year like that before a combination of burned valves and transmission failure made me decide to part out the car. Neither mechanical problem was related to the suspension change. I took the opportunity to completely strip the car for educational purposes and I sold most of the pieces on eBay. I got smarter and got my money back out of the car at the same time (I only had $300 in the car to begin with). What I liked best about this method is that it's not a permanant change. Once you have the clamps made, all you have to do is remove the tire, put on the clamps and replace the tire. If your planning a longer trip or just get tired of the rough ride then you can always take the clamps back off.