Are Challenge Cars Street-legal?

I'll take a look at my manual and if something looks like it answers your question I will post it.

 

Many F355 Challenge cars were modified after they no longer competed in the Challenge Series. In the North American Ferrari Challenge Series, they were required to have intact stock ECUs, emissions systems and catalytic converters. My car never had the catalytic converters removed even after it was retired from the Ferrari Challenge Series and went on to compete in SCCA.

I'm sure Universal can tell you what's still on your car. They can also take care of the SLOW DOWN 1-4 light.

 

As I posted before, your problem is the cat temp ecu's, E on the diagram. Disconnect them and the light should go out. If you have no cats, they aren't doing anything anyway.

 

So I picked up the car yesterday and found out that I do in fact have sensors going into the straight pipes. The slow down 5-8 is still on so I'm going to try to swap the sensors and see whether this tracks the side they are on? (i.e. isolate the problem to the sensor or ECU).

Car runs great otherwise...

 

Hi Everybody!

I've had a 1998 Ferrari 355 Challenge here in the UK since June 2013 and have tracked it about 10 times (Silverstone, Brands Hatch, Donington Park, SPA Francorchamps). I'm thinking of making the car street legal, which can be done much more easily here in the UK than in the States.

The important question I have is this: when one raises the ride-height (to get over speed bumps, etc. on the street), how badly is the track-handling affected? That's the ONLY major concern I have. I plan on keeping everything else Challenge-spec (springs, spoiler, roll bar, etc.). The idea is to be able to drive it to the track, switch to slicks/wets on the track, and drive back. The car is pretty reliable for the most part but the problem is that I don't want to get a tow-vehicle and a trailer, etc. Too much storage.

I've heard that raising the ride-height does affect handling a bit. The question is, how much? Are we talking about a second or two per lap? More? Less? Any advise would be appreciated.

I understand the street ride will not be fun but for sure it makes it easier to get the car to the track (and back). The big issue is the ride-height since the super-low Challenge-spec car will just not cut it on the street. As far as the spoiler is concerned - the idea is to wear a helmet in the car (at least a bicycle helmet for basic protection .

Thanks,

-- Atul

 

Atul,

My F355 Challenge's ride height has remained unchanged since it raced in the Challenge Series in 1995. I haven't experienced any problems with it on the street. We have some pretty rough roads here in the Spring after the snow is gone.

I know some Challenge cars' suspensions were modified later on and are a bit lower than mine. My car's ride height is about two inches lower than a stock F355. You can get an idea from the pictures I posted.

Does your car still have its original springs and shocks?

Congratulations on your F355 Challenge.

Barry

 

would you be interested in selling it

 

Hi Dan,

Congratulations of purchasing the car. We know the car well, and did an extensive amount of work to it before you recently bought it. We performed the set up on the suspension, hence why the car is sitting low. Give me a call anytime to chat, and we are also more then happy to perform any repairs and adjustments to your liking. Thanks.

Pete

 

Pete can set the ride height anyway you like. Franco Valobra famously drives his 355Ch to work and then races it in CCR. Always battling for the lead. The 355 is an Awesome car. Love to see yours back racing. The 2014 FORZA Tifosi Challenge is the year of the 355. CCR pays for two new Pirelli slicks with each race round entry. Check it out bc this car needs the new series sponsors!! Challenge Club Racing
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Another of Franco's daily driver:
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I want that car so badly.

 

Which states will title a race car and how is it done?

 

Challenge cars can be made street legal in Europe even when they are not listed on the VIN lists Ferrari issues to a country (DVLA etc)

 

Dantm......does this sound familiar?

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kU4nTykBOFk&feature=youtube_gdata_player]Ferrari F355 Challenge with Capristo Exhaust - YouTube[/ame]

 

Yes I remember that day well...thanks for finding and posting.

 

Hey, Dan, did you get around to mailing out that check?

 

Yes absolutely -- PM me if you haven't received it...

 

Tim Gendreau, I spoke to him last week!

 

If anyone knows of a CLEAN (95 only) challenge car for sale, please feel free to PM me.

 

Just passed WA smog test, title in process...95 F355 Ch.

Surprisingly, the spring suspension dampening is well-done such that street driving is fine. I can see driving this to/from the track on test days. I'd still trailer it for actual race weekends.
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I love this reply.

 

How can you get away with driving this on the street without turn signals on the front.

The factory CH bumper has turn signal openings/mounts.

 

Got a factory Ch bumper for sale?

 

I have a CH front bumper that is a match for your rear bumper(side marker lights)...

This bumper probably weighs about the same as a CF factory part.

Where are you going to find any new front bumper for under $1K...??

Spares are always nice to have, especially when it will allow you to drive legally to the race track...
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Wondering about converting a 458 Challenge car for street use. How hard would it be and what would the cost be? I live in Northern GA so we do have emissions checks so that may be the only issue. I have currently found a former challenge car that comes with a title. Any help would be greatly appreciates. Thanks in advance.