355 GTS on a track | FerrariChat
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355 GTS on a track

Discussion in 'United Kingdom' started by CharlieUK, Jul 11, 2004.

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  1. CharlieUK

    CharlieUK Karting

    Jun 30, 2004
    99
    London
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    Charlie
    #1 CharlieUK, Jul 11, 2004
    Just wondering how 355 GTS's hold up on a trackday without the roof in? Is the body strong enough? The reason that I ask is that without the roof panel in then there is less ridgidity in the car. The reason that the roof would need to be out is that I am reasonably tall and with a helmet on, I can't sit in the car w/out the roof off!! Berlinettas have strong fixed roofs, so no problem there- but I can't sit in them with a helmet on!! Spiders have strengthening underneath, so again I believe are fine.

    Thoughts greatly appreciated.
     
  2. jrs

    jrs Formula 3

    Jun 14, 2003
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    #2 jrs, Jul 11, 2004
    Charlie

    I have seen Mark Collins do some amazing things on a track in a GTS without roof. I suspect that he would be well qualified to comment on how well it works. I have had my GTS on track and noticed no body scuttle at all. It definately has a lot less flex than the spider which I have also driven on track.

    James
     
  3. murph7355

    murph7355 Formula 3

    Nov 30, 2002
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    #3 murph7355, Jul 11, 2004
    Mark's definitely taken his on track.

    But I would suggest caution. If you don't fit "inside" the frame with your helmet on, some tracks might not let you on for safety reasons...helmets aren't designed to support even part of the weight of a car :)
     
  4. jrs

    jrs Formula 3

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    #4 jrs, Jul 11, 2004
    Valid Point but in the GTS the roof section is quite thick and when it is out the helmet isn't usually sticking out the top ( unless you are really really tall )

    James
     
  5. CharlieUK

    CharlieUK Karting

    Jun 30, 2004
    99
    London
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    Charlie
    #5 CharlieUK, Jul 11, 2004
    Thanks 4 the advice, but no I'm not that tall! the helmet would not stick out the top of the car, just that with the roof in, my helmet is rubbing on the roof lining and therefore not comfortable/ practical.
     
  6. 360CS

    360CS F1 Rookie

    Nov 1, 2003
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    #6 360CS, Jul 11, 2004

    Charlie ive seen loads of people on trackdays with roof on and off.

    I cant believe that the body of a 355 would have that much flexibility with the roof out, then again will you really be going that hard into the corners???
     
  7. CharlieUK

    CharlieUK Karting

    Jun 30, 2004
    99
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    Charlie
    #7 CharlieUK, Jul 12, 2004
    Won't be going too hard into corners, but I just know that the GTS is not as strong as Berlinetta and the Spider was reinforced.

    To sum up, sounds as if GTS is fine on track, w/out its roof in. Thanks all.
     
  8. ric355

    ric355 Guest

    Dec 21, 2003
    1,375
    #8 ric355, Jul 12, 2004
    A late reply on this one, but my spin is that it makes no difference whether the roof panel is in or out, as it is not a structural part of the vehicle. It is just a panel held in place with two clips at the front and a slot at the back. This is far from being structural, and won't increase the rigidity of the vehicle at all.

    I'm sure it'll be fine on the track, and no different whether roof is in or out.

    Ric.
     
  9. jrs

    jrs Formula 3

    Jun 14, 2003
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    #9 jrs, Jul 12, 2004
    It is a great car on track. Ask anyone who has been with Mark Collins in his.

    James
     
  10. 360CS

    360CS F1 Rookie

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    #10 360CS, Jul 12, 2004

    Thats my thoughts Ric

    Im not sure what all this reinforcement stuff has come from, I wasnt awear that they reinforced the body on the GTS??

    Anyone

    PS Clarlie pls fill out yr profile !!!!
     
  11. 360CS

    360CS F1 Rookie

    Nov 1, 2003
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    #11 360CS, Jul 12, 2004
    CHARLIE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ON A FEW TRACKDAYS OUT

    ps thx for the profile :)
     
  12. MarkCollins

    MarkCollins F1 Rookie
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    Jul 2, 2002
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    #12 MarkCollins, Jul 12, 2004
    Charlie

    As commneted I have done a number ( read 40 +:) ) of trackdays in my GTS (now sold) I couldn't fit in with the roof on and a helmet so had no option. Obviously the GTS is not quite as strong as the GTB and as stated elsewhere the Spider is reinforced wheras the GTS is not but the chassis is pretty good, I have driven it hard with the roof in and it does feel a little stiffer but in reality not much.

    Balance is superb but ultimately it is a heavy and and all that weight can be difficult to control, it's particularly noticable during braking, the car really benefits from being driven smootly, start yanking the wheel and trying to brake late etc and you'll unsettle the car
     
  13. noony

    noony F1 Veteran

    Nov 25, 2003
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    Johnathan
    #13 noony, Jul 13, 2004
    Unless you are a hardcore track guy I'm sure you won't notice...you could always buy an elise/exige/VX220/968CS for the track
     

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