Hey guys, A few 458s have come up for sale but they dont have the lift kit option. I know this has been discussed but i havent been able to find the answer. Is no lift kit a deal breaker? Can it be retrofitted or can an aftermarket lift kit be installed? Does having the lift kit option add much weight to the 458 or effect the handling/ride quality due to the extra parts playing on the suspension? And lastly how does the lift kit work? Is it manually engaged or does it automatically lift the front up under a certain speed? Cheers
Lift is activated manually, lifts front end about 1.5inches, can be deactivated manually or does so automatically at about 25mph forward speed Adds about 30kg, though weight is spread around the car (hydraulics). Would not expect it can be retrofitted at reasonable cost/hassle level, components are pretty complex You need to decide if you need it; seems few people order it or need it, unless you live/drive where there are a lot of steep approach angles. We have it as we need it for that, though if we didn't have it I could probably improvise. It's quite an expensive option as well
I live in a hilly area, and use it regularly (particularly with driveways). The utility really depends on where you are going to drive the car.
I have it on my 458 and I really like it. Both my Lamborginis have it. Always thought it would be nice if my F430 had it. Not a deal breaker, but very nice option.
Your profile does not show what Fcars you have/had. I had an F355 which had a big front overhang and not much clearance. The 360 was much better at 4.8". The 458 is even better with 6.5" of clearance. I have had no problems on clearance with the 458. Some have reported repair problems with the lifts. I would not get unless you really have to have it.
Rossi46, what part of the country (or world) do you live in? (btw, it is always a good idea to put the city, state, or counrty in your fchat profile). If you live in Tibet or San Francisco, I can understand the "must have" need for the lift kit. I don't have the lift feature on my 458 and, because I don't have the need for it where I live, I wouldn't want the extra weight and later potential maintenance/repair issues with it as the car got older. .
Deal breaker the lifter?..what, no way. I had it on a 458 never used it once in a year of ownership, have spent loads on options spec'ing my spider, but never even considered the lifter. Unless you have a strange steep up & down driveway or something its a pretty pointless option in my book, as I say I have now had best part of 2 yrs in a 458 and never once needed the lifter.
Necessity for me as my driveway has a high angle of entry. Other than that it is quite useful navigating speed bumps and exiting parking lots that have a steep drop off. It's something you may never use but it's something you may only use one time that results in preventing damage to your precious 458.
Spend the money and get them both! Believe me its a nice feature the lifter. The first time you damage you bumper and don't have it you will wish you had!!! Not to mention its a deal breaker for most if you don't have it for resale.
Really depends on your driveway. For running on the streets, it's unnecessary. But, if you have an unusual parking situation, you may need it. For the record the 458 is a lot better than the F430. So the deal breaker depends on where you park it and how difficult it is to get into the driveway.
There are aftermarket system available that is the same idea as the Ferrari OEM system. ŽÊ^ƒMƒƒƒ‰ƒŠ[bŠ”Ž®‰ïŽÐROBERUTA Ferrari 458 Italia gets lifterd with Roberuta Lifting system - YouTube
Lift systems significantly complicate front ends adds weight and frankly has not been necessary... nor missed
I looked at retrofitting to my 458. I was advised I would need the adaptive headlights in order to fit the lift kit. Laws in some areas require that (so not to blind oncoming traffic). I don't believe it is a major point for resale. I live in an area where a lift kit could be handy, but it's not a necessity. BTW I have two Porsches. They are quite a bit lower at the front than the 458. I didn't want the extra weight or maintenance that comes with the lifter. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Wow, a 5 year thread resurrection! But for the record, I don’t use or spec lift. Might with the Pista.
I used to say, the only time I use my lifter is when I try to open glove box and hit the wrong button. HOWEVER, I did find myself in a position last week where I needed it. Was very glad to have it as the bottom of my front end would have taken some damage Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat.com mobile app
Certainly not a deal breaker. Certainly look into weaknesses of the lift system resulting in repair issues!
In my area its almost essential. Also, if you ever think you might lower your car, even a little, it will be useful. In general I would not call this an absolute MUST option, but I would say its a very nice to have option. So far, I've ordered it on every car I have ordered.
Where I live, I definitely need it. The driveways and parking lot entrances here are so bad that I have to take an angled approach on my sedan!
Not a deal breaker for me... I don't need it there are other options that are much higher on the priority list!
