smcgee1970

I am picking up my Z in a day or two, and it just occured to me that I might have trouble pulling it onto my driveway. I have a moderately sloped driveway, but there is a steeper angled "curb" transition to the street. Anybody had any problems with something like this? I can make a simple wood ramp if I need to, but I am not sure if I even need to worry about it.

westpak

iTrader: (19)

The Z doesn't have much trouble with slopes as the front wheels are so close to the front of the car so it doesn't have a huge overhang like say a Vette, just take it easy and it wont be a problem. On the other hand it is low so be careful with parking spots and the stops make sure you stop before you get to them or you will hit the bottom of the bumper.

MannishBoy

iTrader: (1)

Let us know what happens with yours. I've been wondering the same thing. My drive-way sounds much like yours with the curb step up to a slope.

I figured if I have problems, I would pour a ramp in the drop off of the curb to take that dip out. Many of my neighbors have.

rahilio

the ground clerance is 4.9 inches the dealer left me the truck driver instruction in my car

BRONXWARRIOR

if this helps my last car was a eagle talon which is simalar to the eclipse the ground clearence was actully lolwer on my last car i scrapped it all the time.

on the z i never scrape it so it has higher clearence

i also park far from the curb however just to be safe

smcgee1970

Got my Z yesterday, and there was no problem with the ground clearance on the driveway with a steep transition to the street. It is close, but coming in at an angle and taking it slow works just fine.

I love this car. 100 miles and absolutely no problems. Tracks straight - no pulling to one side or the other. No funny noises other than the starting thump of the brake system. The chrome-silver paint shows minor orange peal. Interior is nice. Seats fit great. This is the most fun I have had in any car other than a Porsche 911. For $31K I am very pleased.

Pooh2002

Congratulations Smcgee1970,

You will keep finding out new things to love about the car the more you drive it. I'm up to 750 miles (3 weeks) and still get a big grin on my face every time I fire it up.

MannishBoy

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the info. Congrats on the car.

Just curious, but you don't have a photo of your driveway for comparison purposes, do you?

smcgee1970

I don't have a photo handy, but I can borrow a camera and post one this weekend. Basically, the driveway itself sits at about a 10 degree incline. The transition to the street drops about 3.5 - 4 inches in 12 inches of distance. This is from memory and not exact, but that might help with the mental image. It is true that the wheels are so far forward, that it really isn't too bad. I definitely think that a fast aproach, that would load the suspension, would be disaster.

MannishBoy

iTrader: (1)

That sounds pretty similar to my setup. I was planning to have some concrete poured in the dip like many of my neighbors, but if it works, that's a lot of hassle saved.

If you can get a pic, great, but if it is too much work I appreciate your description. I've got to find a car around here to test drive, and see if I can get them to let me bring it out here. Hmmm, how to convince the dealership to let me see if I will scratch up the car in my driveway....

I haven't attempted to find a car to drive in about three weeks, and I'm seeing more in showrooms around town lately. May just finally be doable. Strange that I can drive an Infiniti the week of release, but still haven't got anybody to let me drive a Z.

smcgee1970

Here is a photo of my drive way for what it is worth. This isn't causing my Z any problems.

S8ER95Z

I can't even leave my alley properly.. you will get used to being cautious after the first minor scrape (Most of the time its just the air dam..its plastic..nothing to worry about.) Then you angle into and out of every slope after that.. Ive mastered it..LOL I look dumb sometimes going into driveways at goofy slant angles...but it works.

MannishBoy

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the pic. Unfortunately, you made me worry again, because mine is worse both in the gutter area and in the angle after the curb

Oh well. I just need to test it.

texlace

Looks to me like that drive entry will be no problem. Let someone watch you from the side the first time you pull in. I don't think you will drag.

ATC Ken

I have scrapped the front air damn several times (part of the aero package) even while going slowly over driveway entrances. Yeah, it's only plastic but I'm starting to notice it as I walk to my car. Of course, my eye is drawn right to the scraped plastic piece underneath my Z.

Anyone have an idea how to "hide" the scrapes - primarily along the edge. Was thinking I might just use some sandpaper. I'll probably buy another air dam also - for later replacement.

Ken

toothlessracer

My driveway is steeper than the one pictured prior. I have a Chrome silver 350z and a 97 Eclipse. The eclipse makes it up fine a 5 mph however the Z scrapes @ any speed. I've had the car 3 weeks and I've jacked up the car to see exactly what was scraping I don't want it to be the oil pan. I t wasn't so I'm in the clear. I'm planning to put the rear tires up front and getting 265/45/18 for the rear. this will give me about 1/2 inch ride height increase.

MannishBoy

iTrader: (1)

If I get this car, and have problems, I'm pouring concrete in the dip. My current car scratches the tailpipes if I go straight out, but it ok if I angle both in and out.

Have you tried a couple of boards in the gap to see if it will help you clear it, or is it the whole driveway (and not just the curb dip) that is causing the problem?

I figure I'll experiment with a 1x12 board with a smaller board behind it to fill in the gap before I waste money on concrete.

toothlessracer

the driveway doesn't have a dip it's just steep. However my sister wants my wheels for her 02 Altima. If that's the case I'll get some light weight 19's.