can't make it down my new driveway :(
 

My '03 350z can't make it down my new driveway. :(

I've just bought a new condo in San Francisco, and in typical SF style, the driveway into the building is extremely steep, down from the sidewalk to the garage. My Z only makes it in a few feet before completely bottoming out -- it's not even close to making it in.

I'm engaging some driveway experts to see what modifications can be done to the driveway itself, but doing some measurements and basic trigonometry, I don't think my (stock) 350z will ever get down this driveway.

I did quite a bit of searching to look for discussions on altering ground clearance, but I may be the first person ever looking to RAISE their Z :eek:

I'm looking for any suggestions on alterations. I currently have all stock Performance model parts - 18" wheels, stock suspension, etc. What modifications could be done to give me additional ground clearance? Larger wheels, coilovers/springs, etc? I really don't know much about suspension modifications, so be gentle with me =)

Help me figure out a solution so that I can keep the Z!

Hydraulics maybe? Yikes... time to sell the new condo. :D

Any pics?

I agree. How cool would it be to come home with a normal/slightly lowered Z, stop at the base of your driveway, hit a botton to raise it, then cruise on up.

bigger tire profile would be easy. You can always carry bricks lol.

I recommend the FX35 mod to your Z ;). If your car won't make it, then you have three choices, new car, new condo, or park your car outside your condo if that's an option for you.

lol..... mine couldnt make it over bump in drive way - but now ive moved. all good :)

That stinks...Post a pic of your driveway, may be we can help you find a solution.

Any chance you could rent a garage if the neighborhood?

Anyone who can afford a condo in San Francisco can certainly afford a solution.

That sucks, I'd move :)

You guys are quick to reply, and pretty damn funny too :icon17:

I don't have pictures at the moment... I'm in the middle of nowhere in Pennsylvania for work for the next couple days. I'll try to grab some shots when I'm back later this week and post them.

I've thought about renting a spot in a garage in the neighborhood, but that kinda defeats the purpose of having bought a condo with a dedicated space! =)

But... I just spent all the money on the condo! :rolleyes:

Just to add a little more color... the close of escrow (which happens in a few weeks) is contingent upon my vehicle making it down the driveway, so the seller has motivation to make sure that things work here too :D

Buy a pair of light weight ramps.

http://www.discountramps.com/car_ramps.htm

http://www.discountramps.com/08-16-168-02_car_ramps.jpg

Im kinda in ur situation. For some reason the driveway in my neighborhood is ridiculously high. I have to angle like crazy to make it up. I feel your pain.

Yeah, could you imagine the logistics involved with having to put down ramps in the condo driveway every time he wants to go in or out? Not really feasible.

f that. FX45 FTW

Here's a ghetto sketch of the situation. It's not even close to scale.
The first problem is that there's a slight uphill slope to the sidewalk, and the city says we can't change the sidewalk.
So as soon as the front wheel gets over the top threshold, the body bottoms out.
We've added a concrete "ramp" for a ways, but it's not as easy as it looks to get the ramp to proper height to allow clearance at all points, but not be so high that it'll affect the garage ingress!

air suspension?

Scary as it is, we are all thinking the same!

......OR.....

Create a cave!

The problem with a condo is most likely he cannot move land around :(

move to a flat state....like Fl.