Adjustable height from interior shocks

[LexusTech117]

I've got a steep driveway that the front bumper will scrape on if I lower my Supra. I've heard of cars like the Ferrari Enzo that you can flip a switch to raise the suspension 2-3 inches for clearing bumps, driveways, etc. I'm not sure if airbag suspension is the way to go because I have no idea where I'll put the 5 gallon air tank. Does anyone know how the Enzo does it? I found this picture on the motor trend site.

Is that an electric motor that pumps more fluid into the shock or something?

I really only need to raise and lower the front bumper a few inches.

-Dave

 

[projectsupra]

This is what you're looking for.
http://www.roberuta.com/

 

[theKnifeArtist]

correct me if im off but the shock doesn't determine ride height, its the spring.
this is where adjustable coilovers are great, adjusting the coil spring.

if you want your car lowered and want automatic height adjustment, i cant think of anything other than airbags. airbags on a supra...umm i dunno..havent seen that either..maybe for a reason.

the picture you posted there reminds me of audi's Dynamic ride control system. Basically all the shock fluid of all the shocks are linked within a circuit and fluid is sent in either direction to keep the car level. you see it in rs4s and rs6s. we just had a rs4 customer that came in for a rough ride concern. Needed shocks all around and accumulators for the fancy drc system. 5K in just parts...cha ching! haha

 

[Poodles]

The roberuta setup is about the only one out there besides airbags or hydraulics...

 

[theKnifeArtist]

Something tells me modifying your driveway would be cheaper..

 

[Poodles]

Probably true LOL

Or just don't lower your car...

 

[rodel]

http://www.airforce-sus.com/about.htm

 

[7M-KDL]

k sport makes a coilover kit with bags on the top. horsepowerfreaks sells them. also, cusco makes a cap type thing. not sure how it works but basically,its a "cap" that goes on the shock setup and it has an electric motor in it to adjust height.

 

[IJ.]

http://www.airforce-sus.com/about.htm

Air tank system looks like it would be a good option, I'm in the same boat here if I drop mine anymore I can't get in/out my driveway due to a sharp downslope half way down it.

 

[7M-KDL]

the k-sport kit: http://www.horsepowerfreaks.com/performanceparts/Toyota/Supra_MK3/Suspension/Suspension_Kits

 

[Poodles]

k-sport setup is airbags while the others use air cylinders and conventional coilovers (meaning they won't mess up tuning)

 

[7M-KDL]

k-sport setup is airbags while the others use air cylinders and conventional coilovers (meaning they won't mess up tuning)

i guess it depends what he wants to use them for. if he just wants them for looks and doesnt plan on putting the car on the track then i would think the k-sports will be fine. the only reason i mention them is bc hpf was having a sale on all k-sport stuff..like 35-50% off.

 

[northwestsupra]

well i know on my camaro i have air shocks in the back and its got a tire like connection where you can use a tire inflation to fill it and pressurize it, when doing this not only does it become harder it raises the rear of the car. so when im slamming my rear of my car from hauling 300lbs of crap in the trunk i can just fill up the shocks and be on my way and drive like normal.

now as for the comment on that the shocks are for shock absorbing and not height control this is true. but i think the same concept would go the same as my air shocks, you fill the shock with more fluid it should extend the shocks shaft to its fullest extent and possibly lifting it 2-3"

 

[IJ.]

well i know on my camaro i have air shocks in the back and its got a tire like connection where you can use a tire inflation to fill it and pressurize it, when doing this not only does it become harder it raises the rear of the car. so when im slamming my rear of my car from hauling 300lbs of crap in the trunk i can just fill up the shocks and be on my way and drive like normal.

now as for the comment on that the shocks are for shock absorbing and not height control this is true. but i think the same concept would go the same as my air shocks, you fill the shock with more fluid it should extend the shocks shaft to its fullest extent and possibly lifting it 2-3"

 

[theKnifeArtist]

wow, the ultimate mullet
theres a hell of a party back there.

 

[LexusTech117]

^^Air Force Deluxe^^

I think the Air Force kit is what I'm looking for. It's basically a coil over system with air tanks at the top to adjust the height when desired. The Air Force kit uses a smaller tank than the k-sports that should be easier to store. The K-sports are just air bags, no springs at all that I can see. I am planning to drag race, and would like the car to handle well in the twisties during fun runs, but I'm not planning on making it a track car.

I want to be able to store my targa top in the stock location, so the hatch area might not be possible. I'd also like to keep my rear seats in place.

Maybe I'll have to put a tire pressure monitoring system in place and then huck the spare tire or find a place to store a donut.

Thanks for the help guys.

-Dave

 

[rodel]

A good way to spend $4k!:naughty:

 

[IJ.]

A good way to spend $4k!:naughty:

Would be $$$ well spent though as that system gives the best of both worlds

 

[theKnifeArtist]

Wow, that is impressive stuff
Id love that too

 

[LilMissMkIII]

Subscribed for info.

I also have a horrible driveway to negotiate... And my Bomex lip is showing the signs