| Author | Message | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
Intermediate Member Username: Countachxx Post Number: 1295 Registered: 2-2001 |
Like Martin said Ive been tracking my 512TR for 2 seasons now. The car is just about bulletproof & I should know cus Ive beaten the hell out of mine every weekend at various tracks in the NE. 1 Thing is that u want to make sure u dont do burnouts cus the transmission mainshaft will make like a swizzle stick then snap, not pretty or cheap. If u plan on tracking the car u will need to buy an electric oil fan & place it behind the oil cooler & tell your mechanic to have it come on when the radiators come on. The oil used to heat up after 3 laps on my car, now its at least managable but I change the oil & brake fluid after EVERY track weekend. If u want to get even more serious on the track I suggest OMP seats, 6 point harnesses, & Brembo has a new Big Brake system for the 512TR, I am currently debugging their prototype system, Needs better ducting from behind. Also a Tubi exhaust makes the engine sound great  Great choice on choosing the 512TR | ||
| James Selevan (Jselevan)
Junior Member Username: Jselevan Post Number: 91 Registered: 6-2002 |
1986 TR - I have owned for 14 years (2nd owner). Not a dime invested until major service this past month. Always started, never got stuck. Fun to drive. Air conditioning works. Original clutch 30,000 miles later. Lowest cost 12 cylinder available. What's the question? Jim S. | ||
| bruce wellington (Bws88tr)
Member Username: Bws88tr Post Number: 800 Registered: 4-2002 |
great mike im glad we both read the same book have a great labor day weekend.. regards, bruce | ||
| Michael N. (Man90tr)
Member Username: Man90tr Post Number: 648 Registered: 4-2001 |
We are on the same page here Bruce -- I know how you feel. Michael | ||
| bruce wellington (Bws88tr)
Member Username: Bws88tr Post Number: 796 Registered: 4-2002 |
mike dont get me wrong, i love them to, but to spend the extra say 40-45k, for a non-tracking car, i cant see it..,my 88 has 8400 miles on it, and the 15k service was done 1 month before i bought the car, so in 6 months only an adjusted throttle cable and 1 non-working fan aint to bad..wouldnt sell or trade it.. bruce | ||
| Michael N. (Man90tr)
Member Username: Man90tr Post Number: 646 Registered: 4-2001 |
I love them all personally, the question is which one to buy. I think the 512TR is drop dead gorgeous, but my heart went a bit more for the standard TR. You are correct the standard TR does have its issues, but I cannot complain. I drove mine for 2 years 9,000 miles before doing anything, but changing a leaking cooling hose. Not bad. That was a couple years ago, I have driven now 20,000 and since then I have the typical TR issue (fusebox). Will change a couple Ac hoses soon, but hoses don't count as they are "wear and tear" items. The key to Trs is to drive them. Let them sit and well, forget that idea. I'll take mine anywhere. | ||
| ross koller (Ross)
Member Username: Ross Post Number: 254 Registered: 3-2002 |
guess its a styling thing for me. i appreciate the extra performance (albeit perhaps marginal), and the fact that it was made in fewer numbers (7177 tr's vs 2280 512tr's) as well. the other thing for me was reliability, and i had heard my share of stories abt tr's, whereas 512tr's always seemed to get glowing reports from everybody. true to form (and knock on wood), i have not had any problems after 2 years and about 4000 miles. i am looking to eventually own other ferraris, but have made the decision to try and never sell the 512, it is just such an amazing machine and i love it. also, for the moment, its the last of the ferrari mid engine 12 cylinders, so there is a certain coolness about that. good luck. | ||
| Michael N. (Man90tr)
Member Username: Man90tr Post Number: 645 Registered: 4-2001 |
Sunday drive, you are correct -- no difference. | ||
| bruce wellington (Bws88tr)
Member Username: Bws88tr Post Number: 794 Registered: 4-2002 |
i here you mike, but i dont track my car at all, but for normal sunday afternoon non- racedrivers, do you see a need for a 512tr?? that is what i am basing my comments about, not the track people.. thanks, bruce | ||
| Michael N. (Man90tr)
Member Username: Man90tr Post Number: 644 Registered: 4-2001 |
In all fairness Bruce, the 51TR is about 80% different than our TRs. I like the earlier styling better that's why I got the 1990 vesion, but the 512TR is a far superior track car. I have driven with William and our TRs cannot do what the 512 does in the corners. Flat out on the straights the difference is not much as acceleration is very close. The 512Tr above a 100 is still quicker though. I would say on a straight where the 512Tr would hit 145 the standard TR would get to 140. Its on the coners that the 512Tr would open up the gap. In this case, its both a styiling and a mission thing as the cars are that different underneath. | ||
| bruce wellington (Bws88tr)
Member Username: Bws88tr Post Number: 793 Registered: 4-2002 |
evan i own a 88 tr and have had no problems at all that were major, do your major services,15k and 30k belt, cam checks, always check your oil and all fluids, and you will never have a major problem...i cant see spending another 40-45k for a car to give you 18 in wheels, 40 more horse, and different brakes....my 2 cents | ||
| Evan Jones (Jonesn)
New member Username: Jonesn Post Number: 18 Registered: 8-2002 |
Thanks for the replies. I'm certain I will buy a 512TR within a few years, its such a beautiful (and sound) Ferrari. I was told by my previous coworkers (Ferrari of Dallas) that the Testarossa had problems with it, so I guess Ferrari made a drastic innovation out of the 512TR. | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 2693 Registered: 5-2001 |
ask William, he tracks his car frequently and drives the living daylights out of it. Enzo would be proud! | ||
| David (Supraoz)
Junior Member Username: Supraoz Post Number: 141 Registered: 9-2001 |
Ours has 13K miles now and we have had no issues with it. Great car you will truly enjoy it! | ||
| Lou B (Toby91)
Junior Member Username: Toby91 Post Number: 81 Registered: 4-2001 |
Have put 20,000 plus miles on mine including a few Sebring and Moroso track events plus three 1000-1500 mile rallies without any issues. The belts were done when I bought the car at 9000 miles and only fluid changes since plus lots of P zeros and brake pads. Its an outstanding F-car I would take anywhere. Make sure you add a Tubi to make it really sing! | ||
| Evan Jones (Jonesn)
New member Username: Jonesn Post Number: 17 Registered: 8-2002 |
The 512TR will likely be the first Ferrari I buy myself, but I'm not familiar with the average maintainence of one. Those of you who own/owned one, how much trouble did you have with your car? |