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Steep Drive - HELP

Discussion in '360/430' started by swhite7007, Jul 26, 2013.

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  1. swhite7007

    swhite7007 Rookie

    Jun 27, 2013
    26
    San Antonio, TX
    Full Name:
    Scott
    #1 swhite7007, Jul 26, 2013
    Just took delivery of an absolutely mint 2003 360 - best first drive in my entire life. Only one problem, I have a steep drive and I underestimated how low the front of that car was going to be. First time up I scraped the pan a little bit - really not all that bad, but I dont want to do it every time.

    I am thinking of a way to tackle it. My idea is to take the hill sideways at first with the passenger side wheel, and once Im a good way up I will turn into the hill to avoid taking the hill straight on. Do you think that will avoid dragging the pan?

    Thanks for any help and advice.

    Scott.
     
  2. Ferrari-F1

    Ferrari-F1 Karting

    Jul 12, 2013
    238
    Southern California
    #2 Ferrari-F1, Jul 26, 2013
    Taking the incline at an angle is always good. Also take the dips slowly. It's a low clearance and definitely something to get into the practice of with these cars. Enjoy your new ride!

    Btw, did you get the spider or coupe? Do you have pics to share?
     
  3. Pzerohero

    Pzerohero Karting

    May 28, 2013
    70
    #3 Pzerohero, Jul 26, 2013
    2 Planks of wood... used to get racecars onto trailers everywhere
     
  4. IDriveM5

    IDriveM5 F1 Rookie

    Jul 2, 2012
    2,675
    Central Ohio
    Full Name:
    Raj
    #4 IDriveM5, Jul 26, 2013
    I think that would work if he had a huge curb to get over. But I'm not sure that's what the OP claims is the problem. If it's a steep driveway, not just a curb problem, then the only real solution is to go at an angle, and hope for the best. Also, not sure if they'll help, but maybe some skid plates? I have a huge curb, and had them installed on my car. They're probably more appropriate for a curb problem, and not so much a steep driveway problem.

    I would not recommend going up in reverse for obvious clutch wear reasons.
     
  5. captglen

    captglen Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 25, 2007
    1,790
    West Palm Beach, Fl
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    Glenn L.
    #5 captglen, Jul 26, 2013
    I have a similar issue when I moved.
    I always go up on an angle and it seems to just clear without hitting, the other is to put a plank at bottom of driveway to lift the nose an inch or so higher so it does not touch. The worst case solution is to get the concrete redone at less of an angle and be more gradual. I hate that scraping sound, it make me cringe
    Good luck
    Glenn
     
  6. vrsurgeon

    vrsurgeon F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 13, 2009
    16,460
    Charleston, SC
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    Curt
    #6 vrsurgeon, Jul 26, 2013
    Gotta hit it at a 45 degree angle. Then turn into the driveway.
     
  7. Turbo Ron

    Turbo Ron Formula Junior

    Nov 3, 2003
    262
    West Los Angeles, CA
    Full Name:
    Ron Stavis
    #7 Turbo Ron, Jul 26, 2013
    Good answer.
     
  8. SoftwareDrone

    SoftwareDrone F1 Veteran
    Sponsor Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jan 19, 2004
    7,805
    San Jose, California
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    Mike
    #8 SoftwareDrone, Jul 26, 2013
    Yes, hit it at an angle, and get some skid plates.
     
  9. swhite7007

    swhite7007 Rookie

    Jun 27, 2013
    26
    San Antonio, TX
    Full Name:
    Scott
    #9 swhite7007, Jul 26, 2013
    perfect - thanks guys. Wanted to test my logic before I gave it another go. There is no curb, just a sharp rise in elevation. I can hit the drive at a very sharp angle - up to 60 or 70 degrees if needed.

    Appreciate the help.
     
  10. fc2

    fc2 F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Nov 2, 2006
    5,263
    Silicon Valley Ca.
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    Frank C.
    #10 fc2, Jul 26, 2013
    Skid plates will protect the car, but remember... they'll also "lower" the front end a bit making the car more prone to hitting the ground.

    I'd first try the angle-approach to see if you can clear the ground at all. If scraping is inevitable, then skid plates for sure.
     
  11. redcaruser

    redcaruser Formula 3
    Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 8, 2012
    2,426
    switzerland
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    daniel
    #11 redcaruser, Jul 26, 2013
    Shouldn't it work, lift your car a little bit, the chassis is adjustable. I know, this is the absolute worst case for a Ferrari driver...
     
  12. Pzerohero

    Pzerohero Karting

    May 28, 2013
    70
    #12 Pzerohero, Jul 26, 2013
    Has anyone fitted a lifting kit to a 360??? Cost?
     
  13. Ferrari-F1

    Ferrari-F1 Karting

    Jul 12, 2013
    238
    Southern California
    #13 Ferrari-F1, Jul 26, 2013
    I would be interested in the cost and more importantly what the finished product looks like also on a 360 specifically.

    If anyone has undergone this and has pics of the finished look can you please share them with us?
     
  14. Skidkid

    Skidkid F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Aug 25, 2005
    9,497
    Campbell, CA
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    John Zornes
    #14 Skidkid, Jul 26, 2013
    Haven't done it but thought about one. Ramlift makes one and it isn't too expensive BUT you will need to replace the springs as well because it fits under the springs.
     
  15. Trent

    Trent Formula 3

    Dec 10, 2003
    2,013
    Indialantic, FL
    Full Name:
    Trent
    #15 Trent, Jul 26, 2013
    +1; concrete work is probably less than one nose repaint.

    Also +1 that skid plates lower effective nose height ( I have them anyway, and mine are "used" )
     
  16. wahoo5

    wahoo5 Karting

    Nov 9, 2009
    182
    Richmond, VA
    Full Name:
    David
    #16 wahoo5, Jul 26, 2013
    If your driveway is like mine and the side edges at the entrance are rounded up, then it works for me to approach at an angle and put the front tire from one side on the curved up edge of the driveway. Works like a charm for me and, best of all, it is free!
     

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