Okay guys, For those of you that are considering lowering your vehicle, attached is a pic of 19" wheels plus H&R springs. Now for the purist, I have to apologize for modifying an already beautiful car however, I wanted to make my car look somewhat original so that on the off chance I happen to roll up to another black 355, we won't look like twinkies. With that being said, I love the lowered look of my car and the suspension feels incredible. I want to actually test the theory of the suspension so I had my friend follow me in his NSX around a few tight turns and afterwards, he commented that he could not keep up with me. Quite honestly, this car now truely feels like it is on rails without the slightest body lean. On the road, it also handled quite well without really sacrificing to much to comfort. There was also one time when the tires rubbed but it was due to a large undulation in the road. Even when I was cornering hard, I did not hear any rubbing. Other than that, no problems. BTW, I am in no way affiliated with H&R or any other products. I am just an enthusiast like everyone else trying to find ways of improving there 355. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
That looks really good, especially lowered. What size tires did you go with? Does the car seem more responsive? Bee Jay
Bee Jay, I went with Michelin PS2 235/35/19 in the front and 295/30/19 in the rear. Now this could be in part to the tires but I feel that with the springs, it is definitely more responsive when cornering. Over the weekend, my friend and I took our cars down an area with very little traffic but lots of tight turns. In the past, I would take these corners at a slower speed while also slightly breaking, precorner. Now, with the new setup, I was able to actually accelerate in the turn with absolutely no body lean. At one point, we raced to a 90 degree turn and without hesitation, I through it into the turn and it hung on without breaking the end loose. The car also felt very controlled and comfortable at high speeds. We next, took the cars on the highway and I weaved (or wove ) side to side in the 355 and it honestly felt like I was moving sideways on a piece of ice. No body roll again and VERY responsive. I pointed it in a direction and it went there.
now I've read on this board that the 348 has factory coilovers and that ride height can be adjusted using them, although I'd guess a full alignment would be needed after doing that. So does the 355 not have that feature, or is my info on the 348 incorrect?
Both the 348 and 355 (and most other late model Ferraris) do not require replacing the springs in order to lower them. One only has to adjust the spring perches as mentioned above. Then align the car.
That's correct, I didn't have to use lowering springs however, the reason why I did it was because I also wanted to make the suspension a little more stiff. Okay, so you're thinking that there is a function of the 355 which allows you to stiffen the suspension from inside your car. Right again. In the end though what matters is what you are trying to get out of the car. I want springs with a higher spring rate which would allow for a tighter feel. Also if you were to lower your vehicle strictly through the coilover system, you could run the risk of running out of adjustment. At any rate, it's all personal preference.
BTW, anyone notice that I got rid of the side markers? I couldn't stand the amber side marker look so I had a custom shop her in town fill the front and back bumpers and then respray to give it a more clean/ european look.
Not that I know of. I think most people either put tint over them, which I've seen on a few Fchatters vehicles, spray tint them, buy euro bumpers, or do what I did. In the end, I think it is a must cleaner look without having amber lights break up the side profile. Personal preference of course.
Looks great!!! You did a good job!! I considered lowering my car in the past but it just barely makes my drive way now, so that was my deciding factor. I like the sidemarker treatment you did as well!!
Looks awesome man! I also love how you got rid of those pesky side markers. I dont like them on the US cars. Yours looka sweet as now!!
Thanks for all the compliments guys. To bad they closed down the post for the cleanest 355 online because I would have liked to give Robbie a run for his money. Oh, and as far as miles go, I think I got you beat gothspeed. There have been plenty of car shows this year and I have driven to just about all of them around the Chicagoland area. I love driving this thing! I, think it's obsurd to own such a wonderful car just to let it sit. Granted, I have put in plenty of elbow grease time to get her to look pristine but that does not mean I'm going to let her sit in the garage. As it stands, I have 55K on the original engine and she still pulls very hard and very strong. Anybody think they can top that?! As long as owners conduct the proper maintenence, these cars are just as reliable as the next. It's when you let the car sit for long periods of time or flat out neglect your car by not performing the service is when people tend to run into problems.
