I've had my V3 coilovers for a while and they've fully settled. The shop that did the install originally used the fender measuring method, which is ok. But I wanted to be more precise and do it the factory way.

After searching for the factory ride height specs (I used the GT2 specs) and locating the appropriate measuring point... I realized that I had to devise some method to measure it. So I came up with the following:

1/2" x 3 1/2" Bolt and 1/2" nut plus 1/2" PVC pipe:


Used a piece of tape to mark off a ~80mm section of PVC pipe:


Cut it down using a band saw:


For some extra precision, I turned the piece of pipe on a lathe to get a perfectly even edge:


Next I epoxied the nut onto the section of pipe:


Then if you remember, the bolt also had some lettering stamped into the head, which I removed using the lathe (you will understand why later):



After epoxy was dry, I threaded the 2 parts back together and will be using this to "measure" the ride height:

 

And then...???

 

No And then... I refuse to play your Chinese food mind games!

 

And then... Take the device and rotate the 2 pieces to fit the gap at the appropriate spot (here's the rear measurement point):



Then remove and measure (133mm):



And repeat at the front location:

 

Did you level your surface or check to make sure it is level?

 

Understood.

Nice work!

 

So some sources of variation to consider:

Surface conditions (roughness, coplanarity)
Whether the device is perpendicular (perhaps add a level w/ a bubble)
Measurement error of the caliper (measure the distance several times at different positions).

 

Very nice work sir, that will get the job done.

 

Why not just use an expandable pen magnet and a micrometer? Way, way, way easier.

 

also, consider is fuel tank full?
driver sitting in car?

 

The biggest issue is this won't work if you're not running stock height tires.

What's important is for your control arm geometry to be correct relative to the chassis. A taller side wall tire will change your ride height measurement without actually changing your suspension geometry. I much prefer a measurement from the center of the wheel, to the fender lip, to understand the relationship of the suspension geometry versus the chassis without being effected by tire height.

Later, Steve