Lets talk ride height

[Quiny]

I am building an S model, not to race or rally, just to cruise and have fun with. I can get like 4-3/8" ride height but I would like 5" so I'm looking for ideas. I did a corner balance already and I got it very close to perfect with ballast weight in the seats. I found that I had to really had to crank on the rear springs, the fronts not so much. Both front and rear don't have much adjustment left. So here is the question, do I need heaver springs? longer springs? more throw in the shock? At my current ride height the shocks are not completely extended but more than 3/4's of the way. I am also using tires and rims that are almost exactly the size limit that FFR recommends. I understand that the suspension may not be designed for this but I figured I would ask anyway. I really hate the idea of having to fear a speed bump, it also doesn't help that at 230lbs I reduce the ride height by 1/2" just getting in. As always I appreciate any advice my fellow builders have.

[Junty]

I suspect that by merely winding the springs as you have (especially in the rear) you will have low (limited) suspension travel? This is IMO more dangerous than the speed hump! It will mean that when you corner - even for street driving, without suspension travel, the car will lift the inner wheel off the ground! It will likely also move the pivot axis for front steering rack - potentially resulting in bump steer - also IMO more dangerous than that speed hump!
Steering geometry, ride height, weight balance and suspension compression and rebound, are all equally important for safe drivability braking and traction during acceleration. I would consult a suspension specialist, here in NZ, even though I also built a street car, consulted the best race car suspension specialist I could find. IMO someone who knows how to make a race car safely turn a corner is often best suited to getting a street car to do the same....

[john g]

I too raised my ride height because of speed bumps and driveway transitions. I am now at 5" at the frame. No problems so far.