ground clearance

[wowbagger t.i.p]

Am I correct in thinking that the ground clearance on the exhaust is much better on the V8S than on the V6?
I am thinking of buying a V8S and due to the nature of the Perthshire back roads that I frequently drive on, the clearance would need to be a lot better than my old S2.

[dougc]

Yep, you're spot on. The clearance on the exhaust of a V6 is about 10-11cm I think. I don't know exactly and this is based on the fact that the clearance for a trolley jack at the front is 14cm and the downpipes hang lower than the front valance. I don't know what the V8 clearance is but I have seen V8s easily clear speed bumps that scraped V6s.

[pgmvveld]

Hi,

I have owned an S2, S3 and V8S (currently) and you are right on the ground clearance. Every model in the S-series got better in that and many other respects.
The exhaust is a lot different than the V6-models and that was the main problem. Still you have to negotiate some putholes and sleeping policemen with some respect. Don't let that put you off though. I always use the throttle after a sleeping policeman to let everyone know what I think about them. :-)

Good luck,
Peter (V8S, Holland).

[SS2.]

Adjustable shocks ?

[z_chromozone]

The exhaust routing is better on the V8, but not perfect. I still get caught out by yomps and traffic calming measures. The other real down side is that it is the silencer box that takes the hammering not the down pipes.

Z

[wowbagger t.i.p]

Thanks guys, sounds like a V8S would be fine most of the time and i would just have to slow down for some of hte bigger yomps/compressions on my regular route to work.(Edzel to Banchory over the hills, A superb road if you are ever heading up to Aberdeen area.)

[bugsy]

SS2. said:

Adjustable shocks ?

There are many reasons for buying a V8S but I don't believe that ground clearance is a primary reason.

With adjustable suspension, you can not only cut down on the scraping on the V6 models but also get the bonnet to open to a usable level.

[wowbagger t.i.p]

I was talking to Noel at V8 about this and he said he fits adjustable shocks but that the raised ride height looks crap. The ground clearance is not a reason for buying a V8S but it could be a reason for not buying one, and buying a 400SE instead. I prefer the looks of the s inside and out but I would still consider a 400SE.

[SS2.]

wowbagger t.i.p said:

I was talking to Noel at V8 about this and he said he fits adjustable shocks but that the raised ride height looks crap.

There is a happy medium that can be achieved by having acceptable ground clearance without the car looking like a moon buggy

My V6 does not sit at all high and only very, very occasionally does the exhaust clip the tarmac - generally at 70 plus on bumpy roads

[wowbagger t.i.p]

I am not anti the V6 S, I loved mine, its just that I fancy more performance than a standard V6 can offer. By the way is the photo on your profile, the car with the higher ride height? If so it looks fine.

[SS2.]

My point was that if a V6 sits at an 'acceptable' ride height and if it is agreed that the clearance on a V8 is better than a V6, then a V8 set at a similar ride height to an 'acceptable' V6 will not have major grounding issues.

BTW, my S has been raised about 3/4 inch all round since the profile pic was taken

[wowbagger t.i.p]

Fair point.

[heyiga]

Wowbagger,

I know the roads you are on very well! I drive my S2 to Edzell Golf club all the time! Only 10 mins from my house.

I have just changed my suspension to Gaz adjustables and this has helped on the 'bottoming out at speed' problems, but not the ground clearance. Still no speed bumps in Edzell or Perth!

Let me know if you get one.

Ian

[wowbagger t.i.p]

Will do, but it will probably be six moths or so before I get one.

[bugsy]

heyiga said:

Wowbagger, I know the roads you are on very well! I drive my S2 to Edzell Golf club all the time! Only 10 mins from my house. I have just changed my suspension to Gaz adjustables and this has helped on the 'bottoming out at speed' problems, but not the ground clearance. Still no speed bumps in Edzell or Perth! Let me know if you get one. Ian

Ian, there is a happy medium where you will not bottom out as well, probably about 175mm on the front.
Mine is 165mm at the moment and is just a bit too low.

[doddze]

My V6 used to cause problems but since I have had a custom made exhaust built and fitted I have not ground out once.... the exhaust was built much tighter to the chasis so the down pipes are further back at their lowest point....

new downpipes... If clearance is an issue then fitting a non custom exhaust may help for a couple of cm....

[steve j]

Ah now I see why you achieved 124 decibels I can feel an exhaust modification coming on. Your secret is out.

[Psychobert]

Like the downpipes..

Can take various bumpy roads in the Peaks somewhat more enthusiastically in the V8S compared to the S3C without grounding out. The S3 I think had pretty good clearance too; also had a scratch built exhaust..

[F908 Tim]

Derek...165 mm being the measurement from what to what? The top and bottom spring plates or summint else? Lost again!

[doddze]

steve j said:

Ah now I see why you achieved 124 decibels I can feel an exhaust modification coming on. Your secret is out.

yep but only cos I had to put twin silencers on each pipe to quieten it down...if not it would have been just too user unfriendly