348 steering | FerrariChat

348 steering

Discussion in '348/355' started by FerMaz, Jan 16, 2014.

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  1. FerMaz

    FerMaz Formula Junior

    Feb 11, 2007
    355
    So Cal
    Full Name:
    Mel
    Hi everyone

    I find the steering in my 348 to be tough at slow speed like in a parking lot. I received a great tip from someone over the weekend that if you increase the pressure in the front tires to 40 psi and the rear tires are at 30 psi (recomended pressure for front and rear) that this makes the steering at low speeds a lot easier and it does not affect the handling of the car at highway speeds..

    I was wondering how many 348 owners had tried this and what their experience was.

    Thanks for your input.

    Mel
     
  2. blue90

    blue90 Formula Junior

    Dec 15, 2013
    339
    NJ
    Full Name:
    Dave
    That sounds about right, really good idea. Though I do not mind taking an extra turn it is only a little tough parking the 348 at times, forget about parallel parking for me. Who really wants to park or go slow anyway? :)

    My handling issue with the 348 is getting it out of the driveway without scraping the front bumper. Do I shave the bumper or my asphalt driveway.. ? Or both?
     
  3. driveitdaily

    driveitdaily Formula 3

    Jul 20, 2013
    1,041
    lake ariel pennsylva
    Full Name:
    john
    That did the trick on my 348. steering is a lot lighter in parking lots and feels great on the highway. i run 40 in front and more like 34 or 35 in the rear.
     
  4. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Mar 31, 2006
    32,793
    East Central, FL
    Full Name:
    Wade O.
    I'd expect a little more understeer in the twisties with the higher front tire pressures.
     
  5. CLIVE77

    CLIVE77 Karting

    Sep 10, 2010
    151
    Upper Clatford, UK
    Full Name:
    Clive Spencer
    Best not to play with tire pressures to that extent.

    There are three ways to make the 348 steering lighter when parking:-
    1 Don't be afraid to use revs as you feed in the clutch. The weight transfers to the back and the front goes light - easy . It just needs practice.
    2 Use the gym and pump up the arms.
    3 Buy a 355!!!!!!

    No - don't do that. You'll loose the most exquisite steering ever.
     
  6. John_K_348

    John_K_348 F1 Rookie

    Sep 20, 2013
    2,757
    Boston, MA
    Full Name:
    John E. Kenney
    Yes it's the small price to pay for no power steering. A few pounds may help but I haven't really parked it anywhere else but home and storage.
     
  7. Chupacabra

    Chupacabra F1 Rookie
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Sep 30, 2005
    3,583
    Behind a drum kit
    Full Name:
    Mr. Chupacabra
    Challenge wheels seem to help, too. No unequal pressure that way, though I know they are not an inexpensive solution. Honestly, I never found the steering in any 348 to be unreasonable, but I like heavy steering and heavy clutches.
     
  8. bikz

    bikz Formula 3

    Mar 2, 2012
    1,043
    Malaysia
    i feel the higher pressure in the front makes the car a lot more bouncy at speed....it also depends on type of tyres being used.... 32-33psi seems right.....also to note that i felt that the bigger 360 wheels made turning at parking speed lighter....
     
  9. vvassallo

    vvassallo F1 Veteran

    Aug 4, 2006
    8,329
    Palos Verdes
    Full Name:
    Vince V
    Please do not mess with the pressure in your front tires. Considering that they make your car turn which is especially critical while driving through the twisties, may I suggest that you consider different tires? Certain tire compounds are more resistant than others. For example, Bridgestones have more than Yokohamas. Michelins and Pirellis are pretty good too. Probably the best were Goodyears ( I know, I know, what red neck would put those on a Ferrari?). Check around, you might find a different compound that will ease your slow speed steering, but please do not jack up the front tire pressure - it is not safe.
     
  10. driveitdaily

    driveitdaily Formula 3

    Jul 20, 2013
    1,041
    lake ariel pennsylva
    Full Name:
    john
    #10 driveitdaily, Jan 18, 2014
    Last edited: Jan 18, 2014
    I bumped mine up to 40. i guess i'm lucky my car hasn't skidded off the road and killed me.
     
    axarunner likes this.
  11. rexrcr

    rexrcr Formula 3
    Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 27, 2002
    1,578
    Kalamazoo, MI
    Full Name:
    Rob Schermerhorn
    ^^Yes!

    By upping pressure to 40psi you've dramatically increased the effective spring rate (aka wheel rate) and reduced the contact patch.

    The car will understeer like crazy and then possibly snap oversteer in an emergency avoidance maneuver.
    Buy a F355.

    Best,
    Rob

    Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2
     
  12. rexrcr

    rexrcr Formula 3
    Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 27, 2002
    1,578
    Kalamazoo, MI
    Full Name:
    Rob Schermerhorn
    Really bad idea.

    This removes a ton of compliance from the tires and creates a diabolical handling imbalance.

    Best,
    Rob

    Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk 2
     
  13. driveitdaily

    driveitdaily Formula 3

    Jul 20, 2013
    1,041
    lake ariel pennsylva
    Full Name:
    john
    now i have extra air in my tires , any suggestions on how to remove it? and once i remove it what do i do with it ? can i recycle it? can i sell it?
     
  14. John_K_348

    John_K_348 F1 Rookie

    Sep 20, 2013
    2,757
    Boston, MA
    Full Name:
    John E. Kenney
    Haha! Yeah, I think we all understand the results of tweaking the pressure. Mine are high only for storage yet I keep driving it! :D Well just yesterday. What I find odd is my left rear stem valve has the pin set WAY low inside under the cap. I don't know how it got that way but I suspect it may have been curbed or just a defect when the tires were replaced (band new). So I could adjust all the others fine but the drivers rear, which is also where I hear squeaking (bearing), wouldn't open with my mini compressor pump. It has the standard plastic locking lever nozzle and could open the others fine, but this one what out of reach. First time I ever saw that.
     
  15. GTO Joe

    GTO Joe Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Feb 15, 2013
    1,002
    Charlotte, NC
    Full Name:
    Joseph Troutwine
    Just take a few deep breaths while removing and you will be good to go. :)
     
  16. driveitdaily

    driveitdaily Formula 3

    Jul 20, 2013
    1,041
    lake ariel pennsylva
    Full Name:
    john
    Ouch, i cut my lip on the valve stem trying to suck the air out.
     

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