a friend said the general trend is to lower the car an inch or so? I've read that the U.S. Ride height is set higher than the Euro cars? I'm based in the UK. Looking at my car.. There is a gap between the top of the tyre and the arch but I wouldn't say it looks high! Surely any lower the the skirt behind the wheel will just get peppered with stone chips and the front nose will catch on humps or un even ground? Just wondered what everyone's thoughts were?
The stock height is a good compromise. When I first got my 355, did not realize it had been lowered...after having the lower undertrays repaired, then the bumper from damage (and I am a very careful driver!)...I took it to a race shop and had the car checked (it was 2 cm low in front and 1/2cm low in rear) and raised to the stock height. Problem solved.
On F430 an inch lower should be fine, can do that with the factory springs no problem. Still plenty of clearance for front and bottoming out the belly or scraping the diffuser. Just don't go super low 15-20mm is just right all things considered.
You also need to take in consideration your area ..the roads the you will be driving on etc. florida roads to Long Island roads...Huge difference....
Well my thoughts as well.. Just been reading previous posts on another thread that people think the 430 looks high?!? These were members from the U.S. How much higher are they set than the euro cars?
The car looks fantastic lowered. Aesthetically, F430s need it. Unfortunately, touching pavement with the front bumper (and, occasionally, the rear diffuser) becomes a very real possibility and the anxiety that comes with the risk of bottoming out at speed kills the fun of the drive.
most cars looks better lowered, especially a 430 sir. do it, a friend of mine always say "drop it first, then worry later" lol
He probably has not checked out the prices on a rear diffuser etc. lately. Lol I guess I'll subcribe to if it ain't broke , don't fix it.
Anyone Know the difference between the ride height of my car being euro and the U.S. Spec? What's the reason for the U.S. Cars being higher?
+1. It no doubt looks better to lower the car 1cm to 1.5cm for looks...but you may regret it later...that's all. Ferrari chose the ride height to balance, looks, performance and driveabilty. There will be a compromise to change it...as long as you are willing, then okay.
I found this from another older thread.. Not sure how true?? Basically, the 430 comes into the US with a ride height 1/2" to 3/4" higher than Euro ride height (and higher than the 360 for that matter). I've been told the DOT got after them for headlight and bumper height minimums. The intention is to get the car to the ride height it was designed for. I don't scrape my nose any more than I did in my 360, which I did not lower.
Here's mine corner-balanced, ride height adjusted for performance and suspension and chassis tuned per my weight in the driver's seat. No bottoming out, front end and diffuser are fine. Done my Competizione in MD, using Euro Scuderia spec for a guideline and fine tuning from there and still using the factory springs. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Yes, there are adjustable purches on the threaded dampers. Competizione also used upgraded challenge purch inserts as well.
Yes fully adjustable! I've been doing some research and apparently US 430s are set higher than UK and euro because they have to meet a headlight height requirement!?
