Suspension gurus: Ride height specification for coilover install?

[mmacias2]

How is everyone setting ride height on Gen 2 Vipers with coilovers? The 1996 Service manual has two scenarios design height(ballasted) and curb height(unballasted). It looks like at curb height the service manual specifies a front/rear rake of 0.5" (+/- 0.5") measured from the bottom of the rim to frame rails so no account for tire size differences f/r.

I'm seeing recommendations of 0.5"-0.75" to 1.25" -"1.5" rake online (measured from the ground to frame rails) as the ideal handling specification for Gen 2's. What is the current ideal specification? Taking into account stock tire sizes for 96TS (26" diameter rear, 25.6" front) we get a maximum recommended rake per the manual of 1.2" (from the ground).

Basically what should I set the rake to? And ballasted or unballasted? This is a street driven car so I'm going to set the front to whatever it's at stock right now with 30year old spring sag and adjust the rear appropriately

Thanks!

 

[white out]

On my car I run zero rake, it really helps prevent the front lip from hitting the ground.

 

[GTS Dean]

0.5"

What's the condition of your wishbone and shock absorber bushings?

 

[Dan Cragin]

I always run 3/4 to 1 inch Rake (Rear Higher)
Full Tank / Driver weight in the left seat

Ride height measured from the centerline of the lower control arm on the bottom of the frame to the ground.

Front 4.25 inches
Rear 4.65 inches

 

[GTS Dean]

Those are exactly the measurements I use. But my math is different.

 

[99RT10GTS]

I have a set of shocks with Eibachs installed for sale if you want to lower your car a bit