My 400 has serious issues with speed bumps, of which we have a lot here in Holland After measuring I found out that the exhaust at the lowes point only has 55millimeters ground clearance and the exhaust system has a snugg fit to the body work. The overall hight of my 400 is 1251mm. The car is leveled out perfectly and feels firm, so I guess no bad springs. Tires are new XVXs and with 2.2 bar. Could it be lowered?
It does not really show in the pictures, that is why I measured the car. So what is your ground clearance and overall high? With empty tanks the car's roofline is 125.1 centimeters. The manual states 131. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
The homologation datum for the 400 are attached. These are the official number for the 400 series cars (inc. ride height). Of course, trusting that the official factory figures is another issue. Regards WM Image Unavailable, Please Login
For comparison: It looks like the brown and blue 400 is higher than the mine and the grey one. Did Ferrari use different springs? Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
grey car is just lower in the rear due to the air suspension settling... Pics of your car look similar to my 400i- If you're bottoming out could be your front shocks are worn...
Mine is as low as the grey one. But as my 400 is a 1977 carbed version it does not have any leveling system. Shocks are okay (tested this winter) and the ride is comfortable and tight. I think I will just have to wait until I have time to go to Kliko and compare it with his 365 and 400i. I'll find out eventually why mine is lower than the manual states. But I must admit, I like to leadsled looks
Dear Flinch, Since I have a '79 carb version I believe our cars should be simular. I will see I find some time this weekend to measure. Other option is to meet somewhere Benelux area and we compare the cars in real (always a good excuse for a long drive). Will be on sunday in Antwerp since there will be a classic car happening ... Could always be nice to bring some 400's together. Best regards David
David, I can not make it to Antwerk this weekend, I am soooooo busy prepping our house for future sale. But I am really curious about your measurements. And GTE : Thanks! More pictures can be found in older post like http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=310857&page=6
Dear Flinch, I think you have a "sportspack" on your 400 ... I think my car is pretty basic and i have following measurements: tires: Pirelli P4000 215 70 ZR 15 Fuel tank: 3/4 full. Lowest point exhaust: 16 cm (The lowest ground clearance I have is at the rear suspension 12 cm.) roofline: 130 cm Rear wheel arche (highest point): 64,3 cm Front wheel arche (highest point) : 69,8 cm. Hope this helps you. Best regards David
thanks David! Sportpack ej? Knowing the guy that ordered it from the factory, you could be right On all old pictures I have from this 400 it sits lowwww to the tarmac. To bad I do not have the car's history (yet), that may tell me more on the details. For archiving purposes I will post the final picture to show my lowrider. But anyone that has more info, please do share! Image Unavailable, Please Login
It really looks as though your rear is sagging. Doesn't it have ride levelers in the rear? They could be worn out I guess... All i would do is lower the front accordingly (did I say that out loud?). Plus, you can always just sell it to me, make sure you let me know how and when
I can not agree on the sagging Mellyville. The front is equally low. No real gap what so ever between the fender and the tire. On the pictures it doe not really show, but looking at it in person it is in perfect balance, front and rear. My 400 was one of the first 400s ever, and like the 365 it does not have a levelling system. Funny detail, when I purchased the car it had older but perfect stiff poly-bushings and new retainers, definitely a "suspicious" upgrade. Especially if you know that the previous owner used to race a 365 GTB4 Competizione. The ride is perfect and it corners very tight, 4 saggy springs in the back would mean a crappy and bumpy ride. On the oldest pictures I have (12 years old and in museum) of this 400 the car is equally low. The only difference is the worn tires in that old pic. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Peter, Mine is sitting a little bit to high so have to say like the looks. I would focus on the springs and nor dampers. The springs keep the car standing as it is much more than the dampers will do. Maybe you can count the springs ( i mean the number of circles on each. If they put shorter in with the same number of windings that will not tell you anything but if the took 1 winding off that will show. I know lowering Ferrari's is not common but lowering in the 80's was done often. I have shortend springs a few times (not on Ferrari's) which would result in the behaviour you are describing (the guy who invented those terrible speed bumps was not born then, so really less of an issue. Happy to compare with my 412 but not sure that helps as they changed a lot with self leveling. Parts manual shows no choice of suspension. As to the sport pack? Is that serious as it is new to me. Good luck,Peter
