lowering does it increase?

[robalero]

ok so im getting my lowering springs eibachs from someone local for $100 and next month new struts and strut mounts. I was wondering from anyone lowered if they noticed a increase in fuel mileage due to less drag or is it the same?

I know stupid question really but im curious

[Redog]

No, but I could take a 25 MPH off ramp at 40 with crappy tires

[sleepyalero]

better handling. :)

[robalero]

thats the biggest reason why ( aside from looks ) that I want the lowering springs is the better handling even tho the stock suspension is pretty good I can't wait to see the night and day difference with the Eibach springs

[pimpalero2003]

According to econodder lowering can help mpg

[03Sleepr]

I havent noticed an increase in mileage..but its undeniably better handling than stock..and I don't feel like I'm riding in a 4x4 anymore..

[falloutboy]

What suspension types did you all have?
FE1 or FE2 or even the sport package FE3???

just wondering.

[robalero]

I think mine came with the FE2 but im putting aftermarket ones on they are past their expirary date now

[robalero]

well finally was able to pick up my springs tonight. should be on by next saturday

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c152/robbie69/springs2.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c152/robbie69/springs1.jpg

[bentiac]

Lowering could possibly improve your mileage if you were to carry more speed through turns and therefore have to accelerate less coming out but quite honestly that's just driving style not the car's limit.

As far as drag goes, you are driving the same mass with the same shape just at a different distance from the ground. Unless lowering caused more or less air turbulence under the car (which I don't believe it would do) you wouldn't change drag at all.

[robalero]

only reason why I asked is you see the commercials of " it lowers the vehicle on the highway for less drag and more fuel efficienticy " but then again thats also on a jeep so lol

[bentiac]

You are right! For a taller car, it would make a difference... I believe Mercedes lowered some of their SUVs and claimed to get 3% improvement in gas mileage. But there is an optimum height for the shape of the car. Go too low and you will have no air flow under the car and therefore more drag as well as lift in high speeds. Go too high and the flow velocity of air decreases under the car and so does the low pressure area. In general the effect is so small that car designers don't spend too much time on it... unless they are designing the Bugatti Veyron and want to reduce drag and get an extra 1Km/h of top speed. Having windows / moonroof open/closed will probably cause more change in drag as well.

Here is a good article if you are a car geek like me:biggrin: :
http://www.wisil.recumbents.com/wisil/demma/aero_review.htm