Front lifter | FerrariChat

Front lifter

Discussion in '458 Italia/488/F8' started by rainforest, Nov 18, 2010.

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  1. rainforest

    rainforest Formula Junior

    Apr 14, 2010
    419
    Hey everybody. Can anyone tell me how important it is to get the front lifter on the 458? What percentage of owners get it?
     
  2. Art's 430

    Art's 430 Rookie

    Apr 1, 2009
    43
    IL
    Full Name:
    Arthur
    I didn't order it and I haven't had any problems with
    Driveways, although you have to be carefull.
     
  3. ttforcefed

    ttforcefed F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Aug 22, 2002
    19,256
    dont have it and havent bottomed out at all after 1500 miles of daily driving...
     
  4. hkoh77

    hkoh77 Karting

    Nov 8, 2007
    173
    Seoul, Korea
    I think it really depends on where you live and the how the roads are. For me, there are a lot of speed bumps and steep driveways, so it's a must for me.
     
  5. FFSE

    FFSE Rookie

    Aug 20, 2010
    48
    Seattle, LA
    I got it. I have loved it. Very stable. Home driveway is steep and would have not worked with out it. I researched the wt- a mere 23 pounds. I recommend it.
     
  6. mhh

    mhh F1 Veteran

    Feb 16, 2004
    5,894
    Australia
    Full Name:
    Mark
    I've got it and I use it a lot - it gives peace of mind even if you don't have a steep driveway.
     
  7. rainforest

    rainforest Formula Junior

    Apr 14, 2010
    419
    My dealer told me most people buy it. Don't know if that is true or not.
     
  8. stereotaipei

    stereotaipei Formula Junior

    Jan 27, 2010
    256
    Taiwan + Europe
    very useful for steep driveways. Never had to use it for speed bumps.
     
  9. bau

    bau Rookie

    Oct 31, 2010
    36
    Bay area
    Do you have to stop for the front to lift up, or can it left while the car is in motion under low speed. I read it stays up till the car hit x mph, or push of button, but couldn’t find any info on raising the front. Thanks
     
  10. Napolis

    Napolis Three Time F1 World Champ
    Honorary Owner

    Oct 23, 2002
    32,118
    Full Name:
    Jim Glickenhaus
    It makes the car a lot faster off the line as it moves weight towards the rear and kills front downforce.

    I always use it when racing from a roll.

    TTG's are still faster but it helps a little.
     
  11. Tifosi15

    Tifosi15 Formula 3

    Jul 15, 2009
    2,125
    Austin
    Full Name:
    Bryan
    Interesting aspect to use it Jim. ;)

    It makes perfect sense. Those rear engined Porsches actually have a really good thing going for them when it comes to traction and braking
     
  12. Napolis

    Napolis Three Time F1 World Champ
    Honorary Owner

    Oct 23, 2002
    32,118
    Full Name:
    Jim Glickenhaus
    On very slow corners you can use it to come out but you have to time it perfectly...
     
  13. MalibuGuy

    MalibuGuy F1 Veteran

    Sep 18, 2007
    5,892
    Manual active suspension!
     
  14. stereotaipei

    stereotaipei Formula Junior

    Jan 27, 2010
    256
    Taiwan + Europe
    you can lift it up while driving, provided your speed is below something like 25mph
     
  15. vancity

    vancity Karting

    Mar 19, 2010
    53
    how high does the lifter go up?
     
  16. photonut

    photonut F1 Rookie
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 16, 2007
    4,080
    Michigan
    Full Name:
    Joel
    too bad you can't quickly toggle it off an on.
    you could turn your 458 into a lo rider!!!
     
  17. mhh

    mhh F1 Veteran

    Feb 16, 2004
    5,894
    Australia
    Full Name:
    Mark
    Another point - it does its thing much quicker and more smoothly than my previous LP 640.
     
  18. photonut

    photonut F1 Rookie
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 16, 2007
    4,080
    Michigan
    Full Name:
    Joel
    word on the street is the 2012 911 will have the same option.
     
  19. nizam

    nizam Formula 3
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Jul 9, 2004
    1,563
    San Jose, CA
    Full Name:
    Ni Zam
    It depends on your use case. For most people, where steep driveways or approach angles are in their daily paths, the front lifter option is fantastic. Those who got used to them in the Lambo world wonder why Ferraris didn't make them available. For me, I love it! My CS requires extension ramps to get out of my driveway, but my 458 just drives out. Makes the newer car more usable, and the default choice when a spontaneous canter around the woods is required :D.

    Here's what the manual says:

    this device acts on the front suspension and raises the front of the car by approximately 1.5in (40mm) to make access to garages or steep ramps easier and avoid damaging the car.

    The system can be activated when the engine is running at a speed of below 25mph (40km/h) by pressing the button on the center console. At speeds of over 25mph (40km/h), the system is deactivated whereas if it is already activated, it is automatically deactivated when exceeding 25mph (40km/h).


    Two anecdotes:

    1) I put a tape measure on the nose of the car and hit the button. I got 2" (approx. 53mm) lift there.

    2) the system is hydraulic, and according to the Ferrari tech I spoke to yesterday is implemented by filling the (front) damper bodies with fluid from the reservoir, which are located in/near the trunk area of the car. This is similar to how Lambo does it in their Gallardos. There are no fluid levels to check or top-up, from the end-user standpoint.
     
  20. leead1

    leead1 F1 Rookie

    Nov 29, 2006
    2,828
    Florida
    Full Name:
    Lee
    #20 leead1, Nov 21, 2010
    Last edited: Nov 21, 2010
    My car does not have it and I have not needed it so far, Sometimes I enter an uplift at a angle just to be safe.

    Where is the switch? I am curioud to see if my 459 has it.

    My Lambo 560-4 has it and I rarely use it. As an earlier post says it would be an asset if you have a hugh uplift in your driveway

    Regards

    Lee
     
  21. rainforest

    rainforest Formula Junior

    Apr 14, 2010
    419
    I don't have any steep driveways around my house. However, one never knows if there may be a steep angle to some underground parking lots etc. I'm just wondering if I can get away with not ordering the lifter. It sounds like some people actually can live without it.
     
  22. bau

    bau Rookie

    Oct 31, 2010
    36
    Bay area
    Can some one measure this? Nizam ? ; D Maybe it is time to carpet the drive way...
     
  23. leead1

    leead1 F1 Rookie

    Nov 29, 2006
    2,828
    Florida
    Full Name:
    Lee
    I looked at ther center console and could not find a lift button. I do not have a 458 manual yet but when I get it I will look at it, I know this does not help you but I am curious

    All I can say with some certanity It is not a real problem. Most of my cars have lower geround clearance than the 458 and I get by.

    I had my Mosler set at 5 1/4 inches and it is no problem and I think my 458 is much higher. If you live in a very hilly area then you may want to think more about it. Your dealer should be able to tell you how clearance compares to previous models and has it been a problem in your area.

    Lee
     
  24. nizam

    nizam Formula 3
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Jul 9, 2004
    1,563
    San Jose, CA
    Full Name:
    Ni Zam
    I actually did post this up just an hour or so ago. Go back a page. :D

     
  25. bau

    bau Rookie

    Oct 31, 2010
    36
    Bay area
    ah, saw that - Thanks, what is the distance between the nose and the ground? without the lift
     

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