What suspension parts (if any) to replace at 46K miles to improve handling? | FerrariChat
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What suspension parts (if any) to replace at 46K miles to improve handling?

Discussion in '348/355' started by dreamcarswest, Dec 26, 2015.

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  1. dreamcarswest

    dreamcarswest Karting

    Apr 4, 2007
    162
    #1 dreamcarswest, Dec 26, 2015
    Hi folks,

    I have another post where I asked about what to replace on my 360 - which has much higher mileage. But I have started wondering if it is likely that at 46,000 miles my '95 355 Spider would benefit from any new suspension components (the first thing that comes to mind is rebuilt shocks).

    There is no particular problem with the car, but in the past I have waited until typically higher mileage on cars before replacing shocks (75K miles or more).

    I don't mind spending money on the 355 but I don't want to waste it if, at 46K miles (high for a Ferrari but pretty low by normal car standards - thus my dilemma), the suspension is still performing the way it did when new.
     
  2. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #2 ernie, Dec 26, 2015
    New bushings wouldn't be a bad idea if they are showing signs of wear. The motor mounts and gearbox mounts should be inspected also.
     
  3. dreamcarswest

    dreamcarswest Karting

    Apr 4, 2007
    162
    #3 dreamcarswest, Dec 26, 2015
    Thanks - I'll have those checked this week.
     
  4. Mitch Alsup

    Mitch Alsup F1 Veteran

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    #4 Mitch Alsup, Dec 26, 2015
    Bushings is also what I would have recommended had Ernie not gotten there first.
    Check them out meticulously. The sway bar bushings at also suspect. While you are at it, check the front upper shock chassis pick up points (known points of failure cracking).
     
  5. 308 GTB

    308 GTB F1 World Champ
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    #5 308 GTB, Dec 26, 2015
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  6. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #6 Wade, Dec 26, 2015
    Was that Evil Knievel's car?
     
  7. 308 GTB

    308 GTB F1 World Champ
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    #7 308 GTB, Dec 26, 2015
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  8. cuneo

    cuneo Formula 3
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    #8 cuneo, Dec 27, 2015
    Does anyone have a good source for bushings? The only ones I could find were by Energy Suspension. Is this a brand people here have tried?
    I need to do both front and rear, upper and lower.
     
  9. SoCal1

    SoCal1 F1 Veteran
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    #9 SoCal1, Dec 27, 2015
    I can reiterate suspension bushings

    Street car, hard bushings will make a harsher ride and a bit more noise from the suspension but usable.

    For a street car I like stock rate bushings to keep the ride quiet and soft .

    I have one car with solid bushings and it is harsh over any kind of deviation in the street.
     
  10. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #10 Wade, Dec 27, 2015
    That's a beautiful repair, and almost too pretty to cover it with paint.
     
  11. cuneo

    cuneo Formula 3
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    #11 cuneo, Dec 27, 2015
    Does "reiterate" mean rebuild, or do you make new ones? Stock rate bushings would be what I'm after. If you want to PM me a price please do so!
     
  12. dreamcarswest

    dreamcarswest Karting

    Apr 4, 2007
    162
    #12 dreamcarswest, Dec 27, 2015
    One thing I'm wondering about bushings - do they wear as a function of time or mileage, or both? Does simple exposure to the atmosphere over a couple decades deteriorate the rubber, even if you don't drive the car very much?
     
  13. dreamcarswest

    dreamcarswest Karting

    Apr 4, 2007
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    #13 dreamcarswest, Dec 27, 2015
    Is there a list of bushings I should have inspected in addition to sway bar bushings?

    And how can I tell if they're worn, aside from obvious visible cracks?
     
  14. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #14 ernie, Dec 27, 2015
    Hahahahahaaaaaa!!!!!!!
     
  15. cf355

    cf355 F1 Rookie

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    #15 cf355, Dec 28, 2015
    if the car sits over long periods of time/decades the rubber will dry out & crack from dry rot.
     
  16. dm_n_stuff

    dm_n_stuff Four Time F1 World Champ
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    #16 dm_n_stuff, Dec 28, 2015
    I can NOT vouch for their 355 parts but can tell you their 246GT parts are excellent.

    Suspension Parts for Ferrari 355 - Superformance

    Also, I'm certain Daniel at Ricambi America can set you up with everything you need. Great guy, and a main sponsor here.

    Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati Parts - Ricambi America, Inc.
     
  17. cf355

    cf355 F1 Rookie

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    #17 cf355, Jan 1, 2016
  18. 308 GTB

    308 GTB F1 World Champ
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    #18 308 GTB, Jan 1, 2016
  19. plugzit

    plugzit F1 Veteran
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    #19 plugzit, Jan 1, 2016
    Want to IMPROVE handling? Buy Robb's challenge front sway bar. Buy real performance parts...have the shocks revalved, buy better springs. All in all, about the same cash new bushings, and lots better performance. If your bushings aren't hanging out the ends or missing rubber, they're just now "hard" performance bushings anyway. Don't just "return to stock", go ahead and improve! JMO
     
  20. dreamcarswest

    dreamcarswest Karting

    Apr 4, 2007
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    #20 dreamcarswest, Jan 2, 2016
    Hey Plugzit - I kind of agree with you. I say "kind of" only because this is a spider - and I don't really push it in this car for that reason. I've had too many bad things happen in sports car over the years - both on the track in controlled driving schools and on public roads. So in a convertible I'm not driving near the limit.

    Also given how bad California's roads are, I do care about ride quality. On glass smooth pavement even a car with *no* suspension will have a nice ride - but our California roads are starting to seem like they belong in a developing country.
     
  21. Gialllo uno

    Gialllo uno Formula Junior

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    #21 Gialllo uno, Jan 2, 2016
    I have used energy suspension poly bushings in some older American muscle cars and no doubt it is a world of a difference in those cars over rubber bushings , but as has been pointed out they are harsh on uneven roads and will squeak if not lubricated properly. I might upgrade the sway bar bushing to poly,and this would be it as far as changing bushings unless of course you find some questionable after inspection.
     

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