Minimal operational clearance: Cross-member to ground?
Hey guys, I have been thinking about cars where the lower frame rails are running 4" - 5" off the ground, the front cross member will be the first point of contact for road hazards. What is a safe running clearance for the cross member to ground? I'm thinking coil-overs with 2.5" compression & 2.5" rebound will be a firm, but street able solution. That would be 1.5" clearance on compression. What are your thoughts?
__________________ Josh
Designing a '65 Chevelle with a StreetFighter theme, inspired by JP's II Much & Ron Schwarz's $5k Mustang
Don't quote me, but I have read a couple places that about ~5" is a reasonably good minimum ground clearance for street. This would be 5" from the lowest point on the car. I'm sure many people will have different #s.
Ive been running just about 4" of crossmember clearance on my vette (Front splitter is only 3" ). You just have to be aware of road hazards and how you go over them if you do encounter one. Never had any problems yet... Knock on wood
I need to measure mine again but if I have 4" I'd say that's being generous. I have to use a low profile jack to get under mine.
Speed bumps and things like that aren't a problem with the crossmember. That's because the crossmember is pretty much aligned with the wheel track. Uneven roads with a high crown are definitely a problem, and the other issue is that if your crossmember is that low, the rest of your car is probably pretty low also. And, what about your oil pan. I just changed to a different oil pan to gain about 1/2" clearance as my previous pan got pretty beat up at the rear edge last year. My header flanges (Dougs headers, so they're about as good as you can get for fitment) are the lowest point, and I'm using 3" oval exhaust to help out.
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
Short clips: Goodguys Pleasanton autocross and pit videos
Minimal operational clearance: Cross-member to ground?
). You just have to be aware of road hazards and how you go over them if you do encounter one. Never had any problems yet... Knock on wood
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