Tyre Sizes for 348
Discussion
I have a 348 Spider a late 1994. Its has wide track with 15mm spacers on it. At present I run 265/35/18 on the rear.
I need two new rear tyres and I want to increase the size on the rear tyres. My momo rims are 18"x 9.5. I want to fill the wheel arches.
Is it possible to run 275/35/18 or 285/35/18 or even 295/35/18 ? What is best ?
I have a large gap between the wheel arch and tyre. I want fill the gap without lowering the rear of the car.
The front of the car is fine. A small gap with 225/40/18.
If I lower the car it will be to low at the front and possible the tyre will scrap on the wheel arch. I think you can lower the rear on its platforms ? But I do not want to upset the balance of the car with regard to weight distribution.
I need advice. Thanks.
I need two new rear tyres and I want to increase the size on the rear tyres. My momo rims are 18"x 9.5. I want to fill the wheel arches.
Is it possible to run 275/35/18 or 285/35/18 or even 295/35/18 ? What is best ?
I have a large gap between the wheel arch and tyre. I want fill the gap without lowering the rear of the car.
The front of the car is fine. A small gap with 225/40/18.
If I lower the car it will be to low at the front and possible the tyre will scrap on the wheel arch. I think you can lower the rear on its platforms ? But I do not want to upset the balance of the car with regard to weight distribution.
I need advice. Thanks.
If you fit larger diameter tyres to the back, the front will automatically lower a small amount as it will act like a see-saw. ie, the front spoiler will become MORE likely to hit the ground.
348's tends to be a bit choppy and taily anyway, so if you lower the rear and/or raise the front, this will move the aerodynamic centre of pressure towards the rear slightly and improve this problem at medium/high speed.
A trip to the set up patch is always nice once in a while, you can check and adjust your weight distribution and cornerweights there if you're worried about it, but otherwise just turn the platforms the same amount each side until you're happy. Then check and reset the camber and toe.
348's tends to be a bit choppy and taily anyway, so if you lower the rear and/or raise the front, this will move the aerodynamic centre of pressure towards the rear slightly and improve this problem at medium/high speed.
A trip to the set up patch is always nice once in a while, you can check and adjust your weight distribution and cornerweights there if you're worried about it, but otherwise just turn the platforms the same amount each side until you're happy. Then check and reset the camber and toe.
Kenyon, a slightly technical response here. To fit the larger width tyres will cause several effects.
The first relates to gearing - the 275 gives a gearing change of 1.1% because the circumference will be bigger, this also means the speedo will be under-reading by the same amount. This builds to 2.1% for the 285 and 3.2% for the 295. The last two are too much to consider, the car will be slower accelerating as well. IMHO any change in wheel/tyre combinations should try to stay within 1.5% of the original to avoid complications.
Any change will be to the ride height as follows:
275 increase rear height by 3.5mm, 285 by 7mm and 295 by 10.5mm, this wll also lower the front spoiler because of the see-saw effect as previously described.
A further problem may arise with the wheelarches and contact with the tyres, you would need to check clearance for the full suspension travel. You would also need to consider the inside side because the tyres would 'bulge' equally inside and outside, I personally would not even consider spacers for the wheels on safety grounds.
Another change would be to the handling, with an increase in contact patch at the rear and no corresponding increase at the front you would be looking at some understeer here.
The last problem I can think of may be the wheel width. I am not sure the maximum width tyre you can fit on a 9.5" tyre but bearing in mind you are fitting ultra low profile tyres I would hazard a guess at the 285 and 295 being too wide to fit safely, a 9.5" wheel is 241.3 cm wide
What are the standard wheels/tyres combinations for front and rear?
The first relates to gearing - the 275 gives a gearing change of 1.1% because the circumference will be bigger, this also means the speedo will be under-reading by the same amount. This builds to 2.1% for the 285 and 3.2% for the 295. The last two are too much to consider, the car will be slower accelerating as well. IMHO any change in wheel/tyre combinations should try to stay within 1.5% of the original to avoid complications.
Any change will be to the ride height as follows:
275 increase rear height by 3.5mm, 285 by 7mm and 295 by 10.5mm, this wll also lower the front spoiler because of the see-saw effect as previously described.
A further problem may arise with the wheelarches and contact with the tyres, you would need to check clearance for the full suspension travel. You would also need to consider the inside side because the tyres would 'bulge' equally inside and outside, I personally would not even consider spacers for the wheels on safety grounds.
Another change would be to the handling, with an increase in contact patch at the rear and no corresponding increase at the front you would be looking at some understeer here.
The last problem I can think of may be the wheel width. I am not sure the maximum width tyre you can fit on a 9.5" tyre but bearing in mind you are fitting ultra low profile tyres I would hazard a guess at the 285 and 295 being too wide to fit safely, a 9.5" wheel is 241.3 cm wide
What are the standard wheels/tyres combinations for front and rear?
The stock 348 wheels are
Front 215/50/17 - 7.5/17
Rear 255/45/17 - 9.0/17
Later F348 some had, same as F355.
Front 225/40/18 - 8.5/18
Rear 265/40/18 - 10.0/18
The later 348 Spyder had the wide track on it.
I have 225/40/18 - 8.5/18 on the front
I have 265/35/18 - 9.5/18 on the rear.
Do you think I will be alright with 275/35/18 on the rear. Jutsin
Front 215/50/17 - 7.5/17
Rear 255/45/17 - 9.0/17
Later F348 some had, same as F355.
Front 225/40/18 - 8.5/18
Rear 265/40/18 - 10.0/18
The later 348 Spyder had the wide track on it.
I have 225/40/18 - 8.5/18 on the front
I have 265/35/18 - 9.5/18 on the rear.
Do you think I will be alright with 275/35/18 on the rear. Jutsin
Input the different tyres in this (the 'official' one first) and it will calculate the %-difference compared to that one:
www.powerdog.com/tiresize.cgi
Should give you an estimate if the diameter is within acceptable limits.
Doesn't say anything of course about the fitting of the tyre and if it will rub or not.
Bye, Arno.
>> Edited by Arno on Tuesday 3rd December 14:47
www.powerdog.com/tiresize.cgi
Should give you an estimate if the diameter is within acceptable limits.
Doesn't say anything of course about the fitting of the tyre and if it will rub or not.
Bye, Arno.
>> Edited by Arno on Tuesday 3rd December 14:47
Kenyon,
If you take 255/45/17 as stock and change to 275/35/18 you are reducing the circumference by 1.8%, this is about OK, however I am not sure you could squeeze them onto 9.5" rims, I notice the later combo was 10" rims, are you sure yours are 9.5"?
Interesting to note that the 265/40/18 increases the circumference 1.2% with a rise of 3.95mm whilst the 225/40/18 front reduces the circumference by 1.5% and lowers it 4.8mm. Did they adjust the ride height for the later cars to balance this out?
Your 265/35/18 actually is out of range to me with a reduction from stock of 2.9% and lowering of 9.3mm.
My personal suggestion would be to go for the later model spec of 265/40/18 on the rear, these should fit your 9.5" rims OK.
In all cases you should ask the tyre center doing the work about the fit on the wheels and it is probably worth talking to a Ferrari dealer, preferably the importer about the fit in the wheel arches.
If you take 255/45/17 as stock and change to 275/35/18 you are reducing the circumference by 1.8%, this is about OK, however I am not sure you could squeeze them onto 9.5" rims, I notice the later combo was 10" rims, are you sure yours are 9.5"?
Interesting to note that the 265/40/18 increases the circumference 1.2% with a rise of 3.95mm whilst the 225/40/18 front reduces the circumference by 1.5% and lowers it 4.8mm. Did they adjust the ride height for the later cars to balance this out?
Your 265/35/18 actually is out of range to me with a reduction from stock of 2.9% and lowering of 9.3mm.
My personal suggestion would be to go for the later model spec of 265/40/18 on the rear, these should fit your 9.5" rims OK.
In all cases you should ask the tyre center doing the work about the fit on the wheels and it is probably worth talking to a Ferrari dealer, preferably the importer about the fit in the wheel arches.
Hey Kenyon
Any Idea when the LATE 348 spiders were being manufactured ?? Mine is a 94 spider chassis 99659 , the last spider produced was 99935 , so my car was one of the last 300 produced .... not sure how many spider Ferrari actually made ??
Regards
Scott
1994 348 spider red/black LHD
Any Idea when the LATE 348 spiders were being manufactured ?? Mine is a 94 spider chassis 99659 , the last spider produced was 99935 , so my car was one of the last 300 produced .... not sure how many spider Ferrari actually made ??
Regards
Scott
1994 348 spider red/black LHD
Scott,
I own a late LHD Red/black inteior 1994 348 Spider. It took me one full year to read up and study which of the 348's were best to buy.
My F348 has the follwoing Performance Upgrades
Engine Upgrades – ECU/Ignition/Injection Upgrade, Bosch Fuel Regulator Upgrade, Tubi Non Cat- 316L Polished Stainless Steel ‘Free Flowing’Exhaust System, K&N Filter System, NGK Platinum Racing Plugs.
Fiorano Set-up – Tarox Brakes Disc (purchase in New Year, 4-Pot Brembo Calipars, Momo 18” Light Alloy (8.5 & 10.0) Rims, Bilstein Adjustable Dampers, Eibach Sport Springs
0-60 mph 4.9 sec
Max speed 182 mph
Max Rpm 8200 rpm
Max Power 365 Bhp
The 348's between 1989/ early 1992 had.
TS and TB models
Black front, rear, side skirts
Black horse badges
300 Bhp
Bosch 2.5 Montronic System
Battrey in engine bay, short track
The 348's in early 1992/ early 1993 were updated.
Chrome horse badges still badged as TS and TB
Red Colour coded front, rear, side skirts
Battery moved to front wheel arch
Some say the Bosch 2.7 Montroic system was installed at this time, not sure, maybe.
The 348's in late 1993 / late 1994 were updated again.
Re-badged as GTS and GTB
320 BHP, larger air plenum chamber
Wide Track rear end with bigger anti-roll bars and new suspension set up.
Engine slightly lowered for better stability & handling.
Upgraded Bosch 2.7 Montonic system installed
Battery still in front wheel arch
Still colour coded rear, front side skirts.
Still chrome horse badges.
The centre front grill was updated. had a black trim around the edge.
On the GTS and GTB and Spyder their was more leg room inside. The bulk head behind the seats was shorten to allow the seats to goe further back.
I found this out by Ferrari when I sat in a early TS with roof behind the seat - no leg room, but the GTS with roof behind seat still had enough leg room. I am 6'5" tall.
Some Background Information on F348 Series.
F348 Series ...............................
The F348 Ferrari Spyder was launched in late 1993, running alongside the evolutionised F348 GTB/GTS. It was the first two-seater spyder sportscar made by Ferrari since the 365 GTB/4 (Daytona) Spyder last sold in 1974. It was the first mid-engine two seater Spyder produced by Ferrari.
There have been many engineering developments and design refinements to F348 series that have improved its Performance, Handling and Comfort.
In addition to the modifications to the body configuration of the F348 Spyder, there had been significant technical changes that enhanced the performance and road stability.
Engineering developments included a transverse gearbox with revised ratios for quicker acceleration and a free flowing exhaust system for higher power output. The wider rear track with an improved suspension system assured better handling and manoeuvrability.
In 1994, the evolutionised F348 GTB/GTS cease production with the all new F355 GTB/GTS. The F348 Ferrari Spyder’s were still produced alongside the F355 series.
The late F348 Ferrari Spyder’s were further evolutionised by introducing the F355 characteristics onto the F348 Spyder’s as a development platform for the all new F355 Spyder that was to be released in 1995, when the F348 Spyder cease production.
This information was supplied to me from Italy at Ferrari. I live in the UK and have family in Italy, my wifes side.
Please note that prices for left hand F355 are coming down and are nearly same price as a good, late spyder.
Remeber the 348 Spyder is the best of them all, the last to be built and run longside the F335 TB and TS.
Regarding the single and double plate clutches, I have been told and read that Ferrari installed single and double clutches at random. Thats what I have been told.
Remeber a Ferrari must be driven several times a week. I use mine all season, except in salty road conditions. You must get a Ferrari with full service history.
I bought my Left Hand drive 348 for £32,000 sterling pounds a year ago and I have just been offered by a main dealer £39,500 sterling pounds the reason being is that the spyders are worth more on the market and not many of them about.
I believe their was all in all 1090 spider made. Dont quote me on this though.
I hope this information helps.
Regards,
Justin
I own a late LHD Red/black inteior 1994 348 Spider. It took me one full year to read up and study which of the 348's were best to buy.
My F348 has the follwoing Performance Upgrades
Engine Upgrades – ECU/Ignition/Injection Upgrade, Bosch Fuel Regulator Upgrade, Tubi Non Cat- 316L Polished Stainless Steel ‘Free Flowing’Exhaust System, K&N Filter System, NGK Platinum Racing Plugs.
Fiorano Set-up – Tarox Brakes Disc (purchase in New Year, 4-Pot Brembo Calipars, Momo 18” Light Alloy (8.5 & 10.0) Rims, Bilstein Adjustable Dampers, Eibach Sport Springs
0-60 mph 4.9 sec
Max speed 182 mph
Max Rpm 8200 rpm
Max Power 365 Bhp
The 348's between 1989/ early 1992 had.
TS and TB models
Black front, rear, side skirts
Black horse badges
300 Bhp
Bosch 2.5 Montronic System
Battrey in engine bay, short track
The 348's in early 1992/ early 1993 were updated.
Chrome horse badges still badged as TS and TB
Red Colour coded front, rear, side skirts
Battery moved to front wheel arch
Some say the Bosch 2.7 Montroic system was installed at this time, not sure, maybe.
The 348's in late 1993 / late 1994 were updated again.
Re-badged as GTS and GTB
320 BHP, larger air plenum chamber
Wide Track rear end with bigger anti-roll bars and new suspension set up.
Engine slightly lowered for better stability & handling.
Upgraded Bosch 2.7 Montonic system installed
Battery still in front wheel arch
Still colour coded rear, front side skirts.
Still chrome horse badges.
The centre front grill was updated. had a black trim around the edge.
On the GTS and GTB and Spyder their was more leg room inside. The bulk head behind the seats was shorten to allow the seats to goe further back.
I found this out by Ferrari when I sat in a early TS with roof behind the seat - no leg room, but the GTS with roof behind seat still had enough leg room. I am 6'5" tall.
Some Background Information on F348 Series.
F348 Series ...............................
The F348 Ferrari Spyder was launched in late 1993, running alongside the evolutionised F348 GTB/GTS. It was the first two-seater spyder sportscar made by Ferrari since the 365 GTB/4 (Daytona) Spyder last sold in 1974. It was the first mid-engine two seater Spyder produced by Ferrari.
There have been many engineering developments and design refinements to F348 series that have improved its Performance, Handling and Comfort.
In addition to the modifications to the body configuration of the F348 Spyder, there had been significant technical changes that enhanced the performance and road stability.
Engineering developments included a transverse gearbox with revised ratios for quicker acceleration and a free flowing exhaust system for higher power output. The wider rear track with an improved suspension system assured better handling and manoeuvrability.
In 1994, the evolutionised F348 GTB/GTS cease production with the all new F355 GTB/GTS. The F348 Ferrari Spyder’s were still produced alongside the F355 series.
The late F348 Ferrari Spyder’s were further evolutionised by introducing the F355 characteristics onto the F348 Spyder’s as a development platform for the all new F355 Spyder that was to be released in 1995, when the F348 Spyder cease production.
This information was supplied to me from Italy at Ferrari. I live in the UK and have family in Italy, my wifes side.
Please note that prices for left hand F355 are coming down and are nearly same price as a good, late spyder.
Remeber the 348 Spyder is the best of them all, the last to be built and run longside the F335 TB and TS.
Regarding the single and double plate clutches, I have been told and read that Ferrari installed single and double clutches at random. Thats what I have been told.
Remeber a Ferrari must be driven several times a week. I use mine all season, except in salty road conditions. You must get a Ferrari with full service history.
I bought my Left Hand drive 348 for £32,000 sterling pounds a year ago and I have just been offered by a main dealer £39,500 sterling pounds the reason being is that the spyders are worth more on the market and not many of them about.
I believe their was all in all 1090 spider made. Dont quote me on this though.
I hope this information helps.
Regards,
Justin
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