Help required! got a tape measure?
Discussion
First off let me say hello to you all! 
I've been lurking in the background for some time just reading and getting clued up on S's and the info/tips and problems I've read about here has been a valuable source. Thanks to all for posting up.
I've been looking to buy an S (an S3 is what my heart is set on) for some time and now find I'm almost in a position to buy ... but I've got a little problem!
I have a resonably long driveway which slopes, twice - the first bit isn't a problem but the transition onto the second slope and then into the flat level of the garage could be a problem and I really need someone(s) who owns an S to make a couple of mesurements for me.
The measurements I need are -
The lowest point between the front and rear wheels (I assume it'll be the exhaust somewhere?) and how far it is from the middle of the front wheels.
The lowest point at the front of the car (do S's with the driving/spot lights have a lower front end?) and how far it is from the middle of the front wheels.
The lowest point at the rear of the car (again I assume it be the exhaust) and how far it is from the middle of the rear wheels.
The idea is I can then make a mock-up using timber and "drive" it down the driveway to see if it'll bottom out anywhere!!
Having consulted the bible it gives a ground clearance of 140mm (5.6") but doesn't say where the measurement is taken from. Also scoured the net trying to find the measurements but no luck there either.
My thanks in advance ... and apologies for the essay!
Mike
I've been lurking in the background for some time just reading and getting clued up on S's and the info/tips and problems I've read about here has been a valuable source. Thanks to all for posting up. I've been looking to buy an S (an S3 is what my heart is set on) for some time and now find I'm almost in a position to buy ... but I've got a little problem!
I have a resonably long driveway which slopes, twice - the first bit isn't a problem but the transition onto the second slope and then into the flat level of the garage could be a problem and I really need someone(s) who owns an S to make a couple of mesurements for me.
The measurements I need are -
The lowest point between the front and rear wheels (I assume it'll be the exhaust somewhere?) and how far it is from the middle of the front wheels.
The lowest point at the front of the car (do S's with the driving/spot lights have a lower front end?) and how far it is from the middle of the front wheels.
The lowest point at the rear of the car (again I assume it be the exhaust) and how far it is from the middle of the rear wheels.
The idea is I can then make a mock-up using timber and "drive" it down the driveway to see if it'll bottom out anywhere!!
Having consulted the bible it gives a ground clearance of 140mm (5.6") but doesn't say where the measurement is taken from. Also scoured the net trying to find the measurements but no luck there either.
My thanks in advance ... and apologies for the essay!
Mike
I think you'll be luck to find 2 S's that have the same ground clearances. It's all dependent on a lot of factors. When I switched to the Custon ACT/JP exhaust system I gaind a good few inches in ground clearance, and more agian when I replaced the front shocks and switched my wheels to the S3 style. Best bet is to try and get the car you want to buy and try it.
Hi Kasio and welcome..
If you have been reading the forum over the last few months, you might have seen references to ground clearance...
From what I've heard...they are all different...!
Not much use to you in your current plight I know, There are numerous factors which play a part in grounding out.
Exhaust positioning - How the central box sits into the chassis.
Shocks - Sagging..? or just a bit tired..?
Tyres - Which profile..?
Biffa driver or passenger - I don't have a problem being Gazelle like..
But others who enjot their Pie..?
Where abouts are you..?
With the network of S owners in the UK, there is almost certainly one nearby. Ask a local boy to come over and you can see for yourself. (and we're a friendly bunch)
IMHO this would be the best way...!
Dave
If you have been reading the forum over the last few months, you might have seen references to ground clearance...
From what I've heard...they are all different...!
Not much use to you in your current plight I know, There are numerous factors which play a part in grounding out.
Exhaust positioning - How the central box sits into the chassis.
Shocks - Sagging..? or just a bit tired..?
Tyres - Which profile..?
Biffa driver or passenger - I don't have a problem being Gazelle like..
But others who enjot their Pie..? Where abouts are you..?
With the network of S owners in the UK, there is almost certainly one nearby. Ask a local boy to come over and you can see for yourself. (and we're a friendly bunch)
IMHO this would be the best way...!
Dave
Agree totally with what's been posted so far.
As a general rule of thumb, check how far the bonnet opens before the chin grounds. If you cannot get the bonnet stay in its retainer then chances are the front springs have sagged and the front will sit that much lower.
As Wildfire points out, why not try before you buy ?
As a general rule of thumb, check how far the bonnet opens before the chin grounds. If you cannot get the bonnet stay in its retainer then chances are the front springs have sagged and the front will sit that much lower.
As Wildfire points out, why not try before you buy ?
Pies said:
Simple solution buy a V8S,more ground clearance.There's a nice one in the classifieds at the mo.Almost certainly mechanically sound
Just had a chat with the current owner who is most definately gutted to see it go, but I suspect that whoever buys it will get a mechanically well sorted car, (though the interior may have a few oily hand prints).
Back on topic, unlikely that any 2 Ss will be exactly the same. If you let us know roughly where you are, there would probably be someone close enough to turn up to give it an onsite tril..
Kasio.....Speak up....
It'll take more than that to frighten me off!! sorry bout that had to go out ... xmas shopping
... and I didn't expect this many replies this quickly! I sort of thought they'd all be different, I've been drooling over pictures and adverts and you can see some variance in height in the wheel arch clearances! I'd hoped this was some trick of the light or just the way they were parked up?!?!
So where am I? South Bedfordshire, just outside of Dunstable ... so if anyone can spare the time feel free to mail me. I was planning to try and find a local(ish) owner in the not to distant future so I could have a look before I brave the market!
As for the V8S ... nice, but I prefer the red one below it ... but is it overpriced? naa that's a question for another topic
Oh ... and lordb ... I once tried to describe to a friend what the TVR S looked like ... my description was of an MG on steriods ............ sits back and waits for the abuse to start rolling in ........
kasio said:
I sort of thought they'd all be different..
Thats one way to put it.. 
I do a lot of work in Reading and Dunstable is not too far off my route to and from home, so I'd be happy to drop by and see if the S will fit. Not looking like I'll be heading that way until the new year, so drop me a line then if you still need to se a car on the drive..
).
kasio, GreenV8s's S resembelence to any other S is purely cosmetic Gassing Station | S Series | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff