458 lowering questions, need help.

I think you may lower it up to 20-25mm max without adding springs. But it may be a problem if your suspension is old and the treads may lock. Just check with your dealer

 

Novitec springs are ~$1,700 (same part with and without the lift) plus whatever labor is at the dealer/bodyshop to get them installed. But shouldn't be 1,800 in labor. Did they quote you a price for the parts and if so what is it? 3,500 all in seems high.

I just ordered my springs and spacers today so will have a better sense of total cost incl installation when it's all done.

 

With the lifter, you can't lower it more than 15 mm from Euro spec height. Some say that US cars ride higher, but not sure.

 

Looks like the 458 has coilovers. Why can't you adjust the perches and lower the car that way? That is how all other Ferraris I have worked on work. The bigger question with lowering is what does that do to the bumpsteer character of the car? You can actually make a car handle worse by lowering too much. You can also run out of shock travel and make your handling worse too.

 

You can get 15mm with the stock coil over springs adjusting the perches...that's about 1/2". You need the novitec to go 30mm or more. If you go too much, you can make the tire impact the fender edge if the wheels are turned out and you hit a bump. The springs are 1730 and the labor at my dealer was 1500. That's does not include alignment
...another 500. Welcome to Ferrari service. The car handles better with the springs and would surely perform better at the track with stiffer and Lower springs.

 

Christian's got is covered, follow his info!

 

I want to lower mine as well, can I go to the dealer to adjust the perches to lower it 15mm?

 

Yes, if you have the lift system that is the maximum you can lower it on the stock
springs, if you want to lower it more than 15mm and you have the lift system then
you have to install Novitec springs.

best

 

Thanks

 

Anybody know how many turns of the perches are required front and rear to maintain factory rake to bring a standard spider down to something sensible.....?

 

Colin, I would not lower the car on stock coils as to lower it enough so that it
looks good there will not be many threads left on them and even though the chance
is quite slim the last thing you want is the suspension to bottom out on you.

I recommend you purchase the Novitec lowering springs for safety, flexibility, and peace
of mind and then lower her 25-30mm in the front and 15-20mm in the back.

best

 

It's not so easy. Here's what I've been told.

I believe the "universal" stock ride height is as follows.

Front 139.4 mm +/- .5 mm
Rear 165.8 mm +/- .5 mm

This is measured at the four frame corners at the casting hole, whatever that means.

You need to start by measuring the current height, and then put the car at factory spec. Besides stock height, I believe Ferrari have some recommended min and max ride heights a dealer can implement depending on the local road conditions etc. Take the car to your dealer, and see how far you are from minimum factory recommended height. You have to remember that every car is different, so that's pretty much how it's done. Each time the suspension is changed, you also have to measure the car on the ground. You can't just say, 4½ turns will do so-and-so, it depends on the particular car. When you know how much you can lower your car and keep the stock rake, that's the time to find out whether or not you want to proceed with lowering springs.

 

+1

It is not easy to get a car lowered an exact value as the variables DK308 mentions, and
others, affect the spec.

Fyi it took me about 10 adjustments spanning over a year to get my stance right.

I would recommend putting the Novitec springs and seeing were the car sits without
even touching the coils. The Novitecs lower the car about 30mm overall so it should be
enough. If you still want to lower her more you can give the coils a few turns after the new
springs have been installed

best

 

Novitec springs flying off the shelf but I can still get you a set shipped immediately. There was just 2 sets in stock when I checked yesterday. You can order them here Novitec Sport Spring Kit - Ferrari 458 Italia - Exotica-Motorsports

 

Really happy with Novitec - an extra half inch makes all the difference

 

More like an inch if you go the standard 30mm drop. I'm glad I went with them too.

 

Ok guys, thanks for the information, much appreciated......will add the novitec springs to my Santa list!

 

It may be steep for a couple of springs, but it's definitely worth it! The fact that you can still lift it is super.
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Great shot!

 

That's what they all say LOL