348 at high speed

From an engineer-minded point of view look at the attachment shown in the enlargements (Ricambi). With that much sheer attachment it must be functional rather than a bolt-on aesthetic chin strap? A small investment (given all your other ducks in a row) to see if it offers the desired results.

My $.02
Brian

 

LOL.... My "Alleged" experience wasn't on a track. It was a LONG straight road slightly down hill with a tail wind while following two TR's. But of course, my speedo could be off too...

I don't think there are too many tracks where a 348 could get over 130-140ish. Maybe Texas World and Texas Motor Speedways in Texas.

 

The fastest track around here is Willow Springs, assuming you are not running California Speedway's oval track. Max speed on the front straight in a street car is about 130mph plus or minus (my best as 125 in an M3) - you do have to make a rather tight 90 degree left at the end of it that could end somewhat badly if you miss, or someone smacks you into the weeds during a practice run. We are so grateful FBB is still with us. I have done 140 on the 101 in my Spider and pushed 130+ in the SS on the 10. I need to try a faster run in it now that it has been made safer at speed. But for me, it's not about the top end with these cars, it's how fast I can blast through corners to leave mere mortals scrambling behind.

On the other hand, a trip to the salt flats might be fun...

 

As others are pointing out... it depends on the track you are running. The 130 mph speeds can be seen around here at Virginia International Raceway ( www.VIRclub.com ) the full course is 3.27 miles long and has a generous back stretch and a slightly shorter front stretch. It also has incredible elevation changes, including a section of up-hill esses that can be entered over 100 mph. Using the right driving line and braking points, "safe" high speeds are available. You can imagine the speeds other FCA club owners achieve in higher powered cars. ( the 599 sounds incredible at wide open throttle )

On the other hand when we run on the shorter course ( North or South ) these speeds are impossible. As Fat Billy Bob says, he has more track time then most everyone... he is just driving on a track that is not configured for achieving these top speeds. I would encourage FBB to join us in late October for our next Full course track day He would love it.

Don't forget - fastest top speed does not mean lowest lap times and that is where FBB's track experience would shine.

 

Agreed...or you might as well drive a vette!!!!!

 

I have a 94 348 Spider. At the time of the below mentioned speeds I had the Factory Brigestone SO2's, and everything factory.
We had the car (according to the Speedo) at a little above 160 a couple of times. It did not handle that well at that speed. We were not at the speed for very long.
At 150 the car handled perfectly. Keep in mind that my speedo (as in most 348's) runs about 7-10 miles per hour faster then it actually is.
Looking back at it I would probably never ever go the fast again in the 348, but it sure was fun at the time
Jean-Louis

 

I have been to 136mph (before the governer kicked in) in my last BMW 3-series. I would hope the Ferrari could do better!

 

I have a stock 94 348 spider and it handled well at 165 and still climbing quickly, verfied speed with another car at same time.

 

buy the way if you have a real problem with you car at high speeds check toe and camber on your steering and your tire wear.

 

Agreed, I have a 90' as well. I have upgraded the wheels/tires, have the spacers, and the splitter. The car is still sqirrelly and I need to do an alignment to sort it out. I can't find anyone in my area that will do a weighted alignment on the car. Is it really as simple as adding the specified amount of weight on the driver and passenger sides of the car and then aligning to specs?

 

a few other things to affect your car handling are road conditions and tire set. You may want to move your car at least every month. Get the car tires off the ground or move the car a foot or so, not putting a memory in the steel belts in the tires.

 

That is funny sh@t!

 

Wow!! Thats moving!!

Ive had my car up to 136 mph without any issues.

 

In germany, 165 mphon a long level straight with no wind. I know the speedo over reads some 10-15mph, so in the 348 this should be easy to beat...

Marco