| Author | Message | ||
| Rob Schermerhorn (Rexrcr)
Member Username: Rexrcr Post Number: 760 Registered: 11-2002 |
Lowering your Ferrari 348, F355, 550 As with most things in life, suspension design and modification is a compromise. Lowering is not difficult, and I have systems from stock rebuild to race modified and in between. Best regards, Rob | ||
| Mister Jones (Davey_jones)
Junior Member Username: Davey_jones Post Number: 77 Registered: 9-2002 |
I'm not worthy....I need more training  | ||
| Phil Hughes (Ferrarifixer)
New member Username: Ferrarifixer Post Number: 32 Registered: 7-2003 |
To get more performance, you've hit the nail on the head. I've been very lucky in the past few years to work with some exceptional pro drivers......a few lessons on track driving will give more laptime gain than spending multi squillions on performance hot ups I'm afraid. The hard part is being man enough to admit you need more training! | ||
| dave handa (Davehanda)
Intermediate Member Username: Davehanda Post Number: 1459 Registered: 5-2001 |
Geez, with all the problems 348 owners have with drive ways and speed bumps, I couldn't imagine lowering the car further... | ||
| Mister Jones (Davey_jones)
Junior Member Username: Davey_jones Post Number: 76 Registered: 9-2002 |
...I think I'll just start with new wheels, tires and some rear spacers. I'm just now learning the "quirks" of the car - I don't want to start a huge project. I'm sure this cars' performance capabilities far exceed my current driving skills so I will just stick to the basic stuff for now. todd - I don't have new wheels yet - trying to decide between 355 or challenge type... | ||
| Noelrp (Noelrp)
Member Username: Noelrp Post Number: 296 Registered: 8-2001 |
Although there are some benefits on lowering the car there is a huge trade off. You will never be able to enter any incline w/o scrapping your front spoiler. Remember, the front bumper is very expensive. Is it worth it to you? I recommend 18" wheels, a set of premium tires (P zeros or S03) & rear spacers before you lower your car. Todd, checkout www.ferraripartsexchange.com - they sell reconditioned 355 wheels (and the site is legit too  ). Also, look at ferrariads.com - there are some good deals there occasionally. You should also consider Challenge wheels, afterall that's what the factory used in racing. They are extremely light (18 lbs & 12 lbs IIRC). Good luck | ||
| Phil Hughes (Ferrarifixer)
New member Username: Ferrarifixer Post Number: 31 Registered: 7-2003 |
Basically yes, it lowers the centre of gravity, thereby reducing roll and pitch moments. It also reduces lift to varying extents depending on your car's aero package. But set up is a science and many other factors need to be considered. I suggest you find a race car engineering book as there's simply too much to post here. On most road cars, lowering them is good to a point, but extra camber and toe dynamic changes during the bump and rebound cycle will inevitably give a twitchier car. Proper spring, shock and anti-roll control is essential.... and elusive. Most road cars have inherent understeer. Lowering the front only, applying negative camber and maintain sensible toe figures is a good first step. The rake change (front lower than rear) moves the centre of aero pressure forwards slightly. | ||
| todd montandon (Sllade)
Junior Member Username: Sllade Post Number: 190 Registered: 7-2003 |
davey were did you get your wheels i really want to put 355 rims on my 348.todd | ||
| Mister Jones (Davey_jones)
Junior Member Username: Davey_jones Post Number: 75 Registered: 9-2002 |
I have a 348 speciale series. Are there any benefits performance wise to lowering the car and also adding spacers (355 rims) for a wider track? New tires are needed soon so I'm considering some possibilities... dave |