| Author | Message | ||
| Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Member Username: Artherd Post Number: 352 Registered: 6-2002 |
Allan- I heard that the reason the Diablo was given AWD (VT cars) was that it was SO powerful, that it would just smoke the tires all the time, even if you let the clutch out slowly at idle. Heh. Gotta admit though, I can't IMAGINE being 'dissapointed' by an F40 (478hp in 2600lbs of PURE SEX ON WHEELS.) But I guess there's a first time for everything  I'd buy it off him cheap. (real cheap, I can't even afford to buy and maintain a 308 properly just yet.) Best! Ben. | ||
| allan fiedler (Allanlambo)
Member Username: Allanlambo Post Number: 541 Registered: 6-2002 |
I heard, that on the Murcielago if you floor it at 20mph in 6th gear, its soo powerful it just spins out of control and kills everyone instantly. Since we're quoting magazines, the new Classic Car mag, that has a Testarossa buying guide, also has an article on the Countach. The owner of the Countach is quoted as saying he had an F40 previously, and was very dissappointed, and would never dream of selling his Countach. Also, 9 out of 10 magazines pick the Murcielago over the Ferrari 575M. | ||
| David R. (Rodsky)
New member Username: Rodsky Post Number: 40 Registered: 3-2003 |
Taek - You're on the money. The Murci is a very beautiful car - especially in the flesh. It is incredibly fast and is (IMO) trending classier for Lambo's. Must be Volkswagen/Audi's influence. However, choosing between it and a 575 is a matter of personal taste. For me, its the latter. Despite the fact that I love power, speed etc. and the Murci is the winner in that department. The Ferrari is plenty powerful and plenty fast enough. It also has something you cant express in words. | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 535 Registered: 11-2002 |
David, I agree with a lot of what you say. But the Murcielago does command quite a presence. It's a matter of opinion. How you feel while you drive any car has nothing to do with the car's overall view most of the time. For example I feel awesome when I drive around in my 99 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX. Why? it's a great car and it's the first car I ever purchased with my own cash. I don't get that same feeling when I drive any other car. Then again, the other cars give me a different sense altogether. Do I like the 575M more than the Murcielago? In pictures, yes I do, in real life, I'd take the Murcielago. Incidentally my wife and brother in law are in the same boat you're in...They'd take the 575M in a heartbeat and not look back. Also agree about the Supra, my ex-roommate's cousin had one of those things. It embarassed anything it came across, as far as I know. Although I know for a fact he didn't run into some of the tuned exotica out there. Cheers | ||
| David R. (Rodsky)
New member Username: Rodsky Post Number: 39 Registered: 3-2003 |
The Motor Trend article was also confusing to me. They definitely said that the 550 hit 194.5MPH at that track (the Arizon Proving Grounds) in July 1999. They also said that the Murci (which only hit 193MPH at the same track) and the 575 were still accelerating and could have hit higher speeds if the track were longer. They predicted the Murci could go over 200. I would have the same question as Allan how could a 550 be faster than a 575 and a Murci. The only logical explanation could potentially be different weather conditions (maybe hotter with a trailing wind?) or different fuels? Allan is correct - The Murci is the faster car - than either a 575 or a 550 (that doesn't make it a better car). However, this doesn't change the fact that Allan is still a bit of a wanker without a lot of class. I thought that article was kind of intersting. Subtly it spoke to the differences between a Ferrari and a Lamborghini. While the Murci was faster and they really liked it - it did not evoke the same emotion that the Ferrari did. I think this intangible is what drives the emotion for Ferrari. For example - "The Murci's interior is the first in a Lambo (for some decades, at least) that doesn't look like it came from a homebuilt kit-car." Ferrari quote "When you drive a Maranello, you sit up straigher, your waistline gets smaller, your hair gets thicker - even your wife or your girlfreind looks better. Its so powerful, yet so classy, so timeless. My favorite." That sums it up for me. You could get a Supra that will blow away either a Murci or a 575. It doesn't mean that it will evoke the same passion or have the same class. | ||
| allan fiedler (Allanlambo)
Member Username: Allanlambo Post Number: 540 Registered: 6-2002 |
Hmmmm Mark, lets see, could it have been a test under different conditions? Maybe that would explain the difference? Are you trying to say that a 550 is actually faster than a 575M? Same drag coefficient, more power equals slower car! Allright Ferrari, your doing great than! As for blowing away a Diablo, well maybe, but not stock for stock, and you certainly will not see it vanishing in your mirror. I mean please lets get real, shifting into 5th at say 150mph, the only way your car is getting sideways, is in your dreams. | ||
| Mark Moon (Enzomoon)
Junior Member Username: Enzomoon Post Number: 100 Registered: 4-2002 |
Omar: My M as I currently have it set up will struggle for traction even when shifting from 4th to 5th. Allan may not believe this but I actually had an encounter with an early series Diablo in my hometown about 5 weeks ago. I ate him alive in a straight line. I would rather not say how fast I got it up to for legal reasons but suffice to say I was well into fifth and the Diablo was becoming smaller and smaller in the mirror. I know he was trying because he told me so when I stopped at a light. Sorry Allan, Diablos are not all you make them out to be. It is interesting to note that the recent Motor Trend article on Top Speed at the Ford Arizona Proving Grounds test track had the Murcielago with the highest top speed which of course Allan pointed out. What Allan failed to mention was that the highest top speed ever obtained at that track by MotorTrend was actually a 550 at 194.5 mph. Hmmm....actually faster than the Murci!! | ||
| Faisal Khan (Tvrfreak)
Junior Member Username: Tvrfreak Post Number: 201 Registered: 3-2003 |
Dashboard electrics themselves, or problems with dashboard electrics? Yeah, I know about some of the Murci issues. A friend of mine was constantly at the dealers, and they would simply reset his ECU since they didn't know how to do anything else. Numerous items were also replaced by various dealers and specialists--most were under warranty. One thing that was fairly constant was that he got ripped off everywhere he went. Even if he got estimates and contracts in writing, they would always find a way to screw him in the end. He sold it on in less than a year. Rgds, Faisal. | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 519 Registered: 11-2002 |
Funny you mention it Faisal, dashboard electrics are also prevalent in Murcielagos. Maybe the acceleration seemed off because as Faisal says the handbrake was engaged? Cheers | ||
| Faisal Khan (Tvrfreak)
Junior Member Username: Tvrfreak Post Number: 200 Registered: 3-2003 |
Manu, the handbrake sounds broken, and it was probably still engaged at the wheel. Would explain the funny handbrake action and difficulty in setting off without stalling. Dashboard wiring problems are endemic in the Diablo. Also sounds like the clutch was completely knackered. Press cars usually suffer terrible treatment. Rgds, Faisal. | ||
| Manu (Manu)
Member Username: Manu Post Number: 733 Registered: 2-2002 |
Just a feeling I got - I drove the purple Y1 press car at the UKs only importer Lamborghini London... The instrument binnacle wasn't working (hmmm......), handbrake action was weird (probably just me)... very very 'laggy' throttle action with wayyy overassisted clutch - some kind of drag (perhaps an overly-long 1st gear) was making pulling away without stalling and over-revving near impossible... This car had been utterly thrashed by every magazine in the UK on the road and track.. I'm prepared to give the Murcie another chance..... | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 515 Registered: 11-2002 |
Manu, not to drag this out, but I've driven beaten Murcielagos and they are still certainly very fast. They won't lose over half a second in 0-60 times because the car has been "abused". Salespeople are ultra anal when you test drive these things too. Not too many people get to joy ride these things, so even the demos are pampered in my experience (as well they should be). What dealer did you go to? Cheers | ||
| Manu (Manu)
Member Username: Manu Post Number: 732 Registered: 2-2002 |
RE: Murcie - I have no argument, I need to drive the car again... I'm convinced I drove a really tired whacked demonstrator... | ||
| Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Member Username: Artherd Post Number: 348 Registered: 6-2002 |
I was wondering about the gearing at 70. When do 550s get out of second? Also; ASR light =! wheelspin!!! first thing I do with any car that has it, is toggle traciton control/whatever OFF! Many cars with agressive clutches will churp tires on shifts as engine innertia is dumped briefly into the system with no mercy, but won't be able to spin 1st with a gradual throttle lay-in. All that said, 550s sure are faaaaast! (and I bet they do get squirly real easy in lower gears.) Best! Ben. | ||
| Bart Duesler (The_bart)
Junior Member Username: The_bart Post Number: 81 Registered: 1-2003 |
Why would someone be in fourth at 70? Me, I would be at least in third. Some flat 12 beating a V-12. Can I buy some of that smoke you are smoking? | ||
| allan fiedler (Allanlambo)
Member Username: Allanlambo Post Number: 539 Registered: 6-2002 |
Oh Manu, you need to drive another Murcielago, because it is night and day from a 575M, let alone a 550. | ||
| allan fiedler (Allanlambo)
Member Username: Allanlambo Post Number: 538 Registered: 6-2002 |
Ahhhh haaaa, thats funny, 512 is a Diablo eater on the track. Get off the crack please. | ||
| Omar (Auraraptor)
Member Username: Auraraptor Post Number: 586 Registered: 9-2002 |
Back the 512Ms, do they chirp tires? If so in what gears? | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 504 Registered: 11-2002 |
I don't know Andrew, those SV's can handle too. They're so damn light! That would be an interesting match up. Never seen two on a track at the same time. Cheers | ||
| Andrew Menasce (Amenasce)
Member Username: Amenasce Post Number: 980 Registered: 10-2001 |
The 512 TR is already a Diablo eater ( bar Diablo GT/6.0 ) on the track , where it counts . | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 503 Registered: 11-2002 |
"Incidentally the Murcielago although quicker on paper, felt no faster than the 550 when I drove it" Are you sure Manu? I felt a big difference. Cheers | ||
| Manu (Manu)
Member Username: Manu Post Number: 731 Registered: 2-2002 |
Allan - it could well have been an patch of diesel but the ASR did intervene quite positively.... Downshifted from 6th to 5th to 4th, quite deliberately, and slammed the throttle to the stop....the only reason I can remember it is because it took me by surprise.... As Doody says the 550 will DEFINITELY chirp the tyres in 4th and can really squirm in a straight line in 3rd. Incidentally the Murcielago although quicker on paper, felt no faster than the 550 when I drove it.. but as you said, it's worth it for the doors and must-have Giallo-orion (sp?) colour scheme alone..... Doody - we need your test data..... | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1111 Registered: 11-2001 |
fair enough allan. i cannot confirm or deny that particular assertion. however i can test it for us . need to wait for dry roads - sometime next week. looking forward to it  . doody! | ||
| allan fiedler (Allanlambo)
Member Username: Allanlambo Post Number: 536 Registered: 6-2002 |
Mr Doody, i have no doubt you may be able to chirp the wheels in 4th if your winding out each gear and jumping to the next, but just punching it in 4th at 70mph, it will not happen. | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1109 Registered: 11-2001 |
the 550 can chirp the wheels in 4th. just a "chirp" though. in 3rd you can break 'em loose. in 1st and 2nd you can make your tire salesguy rich. in fact, one of my gripes (if you can call it that) with the 550 is that the engine has so much more power than the laws of physics will let you do anything with. doody. | ||
| allan fiedler (Allanlambo)
Member Username: Allanlambo Post Number: 533 Registered: 6-2002 |
Im sorry Manu, but i find it hard to believe your story. Ive driven several 550's and at 70 in 4th, its pretty much flat. Maybe you were on a patch of oil!lol Im with you on the Murci and Gallardo though. Thats why im waiting to see what the Gallardo does to resale prices on the Murci before i get mine. I would personally spend the additional Money just for the doors. | ||
| Manu (Manu)
Member Username: Manu Post Number: 729 Registered: 2-2002 |
Allan - it's the God honest truth.... Planted my foot at 70mph in the dry, in 4th - wheelspin (just a little mind). Where I beleive Lamborghini will have the same problems as Ferrari will be with Galliardo cannabalising sales of the Murcielago. The performance differential will not be enough to justify the extra $$$$$ for the V12 Murcie.... this is why, although the 550 is quicker than the say a 355/360, people may disappointed when driving it becuase they expect MORE for their money..... more SPEED that is - not more car, character, "effortless-ness" (new word).... and so on.... | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Intermediate Member Username: Whart Post Number: 1121 Registered: 12-2001 |
Omar: work on the dealer. The best price you will get for misc. service is now, when buying the car. I may be a dealer's dream, but i have had every F car thoroughly done before i took it; big service, fresh tires, etc. A car sitting for several years doesn't get better, and an ounce of prevention... | ||
| Mark Moon (Enzomoon)
Junior Member Username: Enzomoon Post Number: 99 Registered: 4-2002 |
Omar: I wouldn't think that waiting for an additional year should be a problem at all. My car had 4,300 miles when I bought it in May of 2002. The major had been done in late 2000 as well. I take very good care of it but I don't hesitate to take it to the rev limiter which on the Koenig chip is 7,750!! I had my mechanic inspect the belts and they are just fine. On my previous TR and 512TR I drove them as they were meant to be driven as well...never had a belt issue. I believe that as long as you have the major done within the next year you will be fine. If you get the car I highly suggest the Koenig chip. Also, I believe you will find it the most amazing car you have or likely will ever own. Ferrari took everything they knew from previous experiences with the 512TR and really made a very, very special car in the M. The car is definitely a clear step ahead of the 512TR in performance and the difference is quite noticeable. They shaved alot of weight from the engine internals, including the crankshaft and of course the Titanium con rods. It revs much faster than any other TR. In short, you will likely develop a lifelong love affair with this machine!! Good luck and let me know if you get it! Also, if you have any questions at all just email me at [email protected] Regards, Mark | ||
| Gabe V (Racerxgto)
New member Username: Racerxgto Post Number: 49 Registered: 4-2003 |
A Koenig turbocharged 512m Hmmmmmm Diablo eater, anyone? | ||
| Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Member Username: Artherd Post Number: 336 Registered: 6-2002 |
Not having expierenced TR ownership myself, I too would suggest having the major done as soon as you absolutely can. Untill then, you won't be able to fully enjoy it, always thinking in the back of your head "what if the belt snaps, what if the belt snaps?") Don't risk the car of your dreams on service issues, it would be such a pitty if you had to face the cost of a new engine in such a sweet car (versus cost of a major.) Good luck, I really hope you get the car! (hey, maybe ask for $5k off the price because the car really needs a major due to time alone.) Best! Ben. | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 484 Registered: 11-2002 |
I think you would have to anyway based on when it last had it. Not so much the miles, but in time (2000). You wouldn't want to risk serious repairs on it by trying to go the cheap route. If it's a garage queen which has intermittently been taken out for a spin, use it the same way and as soon as you can make your donation to your nearest Ferrari dealer go ahead with the whole service. Just don't plan on spinning that engine. They get pricey from what I've read in Ferrarichat.com in previous posts. Good luck! Hope you bag it. It's one of my favorites too. Cheers | ||
| Omar (Auraraptor)
Member Username: Auraraptor Post Number: 580 Registered: 9-2002 |
Taek-Ho, thats easier said than done, its already a bit of a stretch buying the 512M...but its my favorite Ferrari, and #17 is just the way I wanted it to be (low mileage, original, accident free, red on tan) So I want to buy it now, and basicly worry bout it atleast a year later. | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 482 Registered: 11-2002 |
Do it right after your purchase. That way you'll have it fully sorted and you'll square out anything that might pop up post-sale. Cheers | ||
| Omar (Auraraptor)
Member Username: Auraraptor Post Number: 579 Registered: 9-2002 |
Back to the topic of F512Ms, Mark I was looking at a F512M that had its last major in the spring of 2000 (900 miles ago). If I did buy this car (it's car #17....the garage queen with 2600 odd miles at Miller in Grenwich) when would you suggest I do the next major? I was initally hoping to get another 2 years before I needed to have one, but when I found out the time of the last service (and read the post of the breaking belt) I am now hesitant to waiting soo long...when would be a right time for the major. Also, how much does major run on the F512M (if you would happen to know ballpark) basicly so I can start saving for it... Final thing, wish me luck! I hope to have (God willing) a F512M in 3 weeks or so. | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 469 Registered: 11-2002 |
Maybe the wing is there out of pure necessity. That thing puts down brutal power. I could see how it could get unruly at speed. But I agree it sure is ugly. Cheers | ||
| allan fiedler (Allanlambo)
Member Username: Allanlambo Post Number: 531 Registered: 6-2002 |
Oh and on the Koenig Testarossa, a wing looks good on Lambos, but on the Testarossa it does not. Id buy it without the wing, but yes, it needs chrome wheels. | ||
| allan fiedler (Allanlambo)
Member Username: Allanlambo Post Number: 530 Registered: 6-2002 |
Manu, the only way a 550 will have wheelspin in 4th at 70mph will be if it is on a sheet of ice. Lets get real. The Murcielago and the Gallardo will definately not be in the same boat with wheelspin, as they are 4 wheel drive. I definately agree that a 550 is faster than a 355 in real world performance. | ||
| ross koller (Ross)
Intermediate Member Username: Ross Post Number: 1227 Registered: 3-2002 |
just looked at the pics and noticed that this car is a testarossa, and did not start life as a 512tr or m. they probably would not have had to change out nearly as much on the suspension and tranny if it had started life as one of the latter. where's will h when u need him? | ||
| Ernesto (T88power)
Intermediate Member Username: T88power Post Number: 1499 Registered: 2-2001 |
I cant tell if it has chrome wheels, so we can't categorically state if Allan would like it. Ernesto | ||
| Mark Moon (Enzomoon)
Junior Member Username: Enzomoon Post Number: 97 Registered: 4-2002 |
Ross: My thoughts exactly! Maybe Allan would want it? | ||
| ross koller (Ross)
Intermediate Member Username: Ross Post Number: 1225 Registered: 3-2002 |
i like the power, but i hate that wing....too much like a pimped out lambo.... | ||
| J R K (Kenyon)
Member Username: Kenyon Post Number: 304 Registered: 10-2002 |
K�nig Competition 2002 Based on Ferrari Testarossa (512TR,TR-M) first modified 1994 - rebuilt with latest Koenig technique 2002, topcondition Koenig engine: - 5000ccm, 4-V, 12 cylinder - special turbo pistons - four step turboelectronics boost at 600/700/800 or 1.000 horsepower - integrated fire extinguish-system Performance/power: - 1.000 hp @ 7100 rpm - 1.150 NM @ 5250 rpm - 0-100 km/h 3,5 sec - 0-200 km/h 8.9 sec - 0-300 km/h 16,0 sec - Topspeed upto 370 km/h depending on gear ratio - power weight 1,59 kg Transmission: stronger racing gear box with different transmission transmission cooling system Suspension/weehls: adjustable racing suspension with roll-bars 3-parted koenig aluminum sportwheels Front: 9x19 with 225/40 ZR 19 Rear: 11x19 with 295/35 ZR 19 Brakes: high performance racing brakes (Brembo) with brake-adjustment Koenig body parts: frontskirt with adjustable front flaps carbon rear wing airbox naca air inlets F1 mirrors plexi engine window dynamic side-line connecting to cooling-inlets weight 1.590 kg Interior: 32 cm racing steering wheel aluminum door skills and shifting knob racing sport pedals racing or exclusive sportseats and interior roll-bars or rollcage 4 and 6 point seat-belts The rebuilt Koenig competition 2002 is the fastest one with lower car weight improved aerodynamics and other modifications Mileage: 17677 km Year: based Testarossa K�nig Competition modified 1994 and 2002 price export exwork: 95.000,00 �       | ||
| ross koller (Ross)
Intermediate Member Username: Ross Post Number: 1223 Registered: 3-2002 |
like whart says, the 0-60 figure is more of a usa issue than elsewhere. somebody on the board made the comment in another thread that the really indicative performance stat is the 0-150mph. this is the one that seperates the men from the merely well geared and goodyeared. if you review the weights vs hp and torque figures for 550/512tr/m, you see that they are all more/less equal, but with a slight advantage to the older cars (wgt in kg vs hp = 3.48/3.44/3.30 respectively) (wt in kg vs torque in nm = 2.97/2.95/2.91 respectively). yet the performance figures to 60mph are better for the 550, so to me this comes down to gearing aimed at the usa market. | ||
| Manu (Manu)
Member Username: Manu Post Number: 727 Registered: 2-2002 |
Errr.... Am I missing something here - the last time I hopped into a 550M it was wheelspinnig at 70mph in 4th IN THE DRY.... The car is an AMAZING performer.. this is to say nothing of the comparison between a 550 and a "tweaked" 512M. 550 vs F355 is exotic VS toy... the engine in the F355 is wonderful - BUT it's peaky and pretty much gutless below 4000rpm...... The 550 CRUSHES it in outright performance in the real world - performance figures mean nothing - as far as I am concerned it's all about seat-of-the pants feel because, ultimately, THIS is what satisfies you..... Even against the 360 (which is probably quicker to 100mph becuase the 550 is wanting to spin most of it's power away) the 550 FEELS much quicker... At motorway (read: freeway) 80mph+ speeds I have yet to experience anything that felt significantly quicker..... The 360 in Ferraris own words is the entry level Ferrari... the 550 is errr advanced? Either way, performance figures have very little to do with it... if this is an issue for some people I can sort of understand where they're coming from... you want more bang for your extra bucks... The SAME thing will happen with the Lamborghini Murcielago and Galliardo..... | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Intermediate Member Username: Whart Post Number: 1112 Registered: 12-2001 |
I have found that the 550 does not put all its power to the ground, and is rather squirrely, if driven for max speed from launch at a dead stop. Honestly, the Corvette seems to launch better for drag racing purposes. As to shifting, i agree that the dogleg on the Boxer required the reflexes of Lee Harvey Oswald in the Warren Report, but the 550 isn't a whole lot better to shift from dead stop for max speed only because you run out of juice in first, second has very little added top end, and by the time you get to third, the Viper's got ya. Of course, o-60 is alot more important on the streets of the US than it is in measuring other aspects of the car's performance.Maybe the engine weight over the drive wheels contributes to the performance Mark describes. My boxer was pretty quick, didn't have the torque of the 550, though. | ||
| James Selevan (Jselevan)
Member Username: Jselevan Post Number: 559 Registered: 6-2002 |
Mark and others - one factor not considered is the ability to get the power to the road quickly. Specifically, I am referring to my inability to shift quickly between 1st and 2nd in an early Testarossa and a late 512i BB. While I cannot comment on the power of the 512M versus that of the 550, I have to believe that shifting has improved. Has anyone similar experience? Jim S. | ||
| Bart Duesler (The_bart)
Junior Member Username: The_bart Post Number: 71 Registered: 1-2003 |
???????????????????????????????????????????? What is this noise? | ||
| allan fiedler (Allanlambo)
Member Username: Allanlambo Post Number: 516 Registered: 6-2002 |
Thats what i mean, a 575M, is alot more car than a 550. | ||
| Hans E. Hansen (4re_gt4)
Intermediate Member Username: 4re_gt4 Post Number: 1340 Registered: 4-2002 |
A Maranello on nitrous. Hmmmm......... | ||
| martin j weiner,M.D. (Mw575)
Member Username: Mw575 Post Number: 970 Registered: 5-2001 |
with Nitrous plus 120 mph tailwind. | ||
| Hans E. Hansen (4re_gt4)
Intermediate Member Username: 4re_gt4 Post Number: 1337 Registered: 4-2002 |
Was that with or w/o the alum pedals? | ||
| martin j weiner,M.D. (Mw575)
Member Username: Mw575 Post Number: 968 Registered: 5-2001 |
I think it was this month's Motor trend-575MM F1= 4.16. | ||
| Mark Moon (Enzomoon)
Junior Member Username: Enzomoon Post Number: 96 Registered: 4-2002 |
Randy G: Yes, they offer quite alot of performance upgrades for the Testarossa, including a chip. Their website is www.koenig-specials.com Regards Mark | ||
| randy g (Ragilber)
New member Username: Ragilber Post Number: 3 Registered: 5-2003 |
do they offer anything for the testarossa's? | ||
| allan fiedler (Allanlambo)
Member Username: Allanlambo Post Number: 514 Registered: 6-2002 |
It definatly didnt feel like a car capable of 0-60 in 4.2 seconds. From what ive read, the 575M has a hard time accomplishing that. Even appart from the performance, to me it is disappointing to look at, thats why i love the 512 Ferrari, which has great style. I dont want a Ferrari to drive everyday, i have a Cadillac for that. | ||
| Dave (Maranelloman)
Intermediate Member Username: Maranelloman Post Number: 1643 Registered: 1-2002 |
Allan, 0-60 in 4.2 seconds, for a 4000 lb car (including fuel & driver) is disappointing? | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 461 Registered: 11-2002 |
Mark, Great to hear from a F512M owner. I love those cars. I think they're some of the best on the road. You should get out and drive it more though! Cheers | ||
| allan fiedler (Allanlambo)
Member Username: Allanlambo Post Number: 513 Registered: 6-2002 |
Mr Doody, by greatly disappointed i mean i expected more from Ferrari's ultimate 12 cylinder model in terms of performance. Again, im not a race car driver, but in terms of straightline speed, it wasnt what i thought it would be. Then again, i was also very disappointed in the performance of my 355, which looks like the twin to yours. | ||
| Mark Moon (Enzomoon)
Junior Member Username: Enzomoon Post Number: 95 Registered: 4-2002 |
Omar: My M is really a semi-garage queen although I have driven it more than the previuos owner who had it in his living room! It is just a toy for Saturday/Sunday blasts. The 550 will be my daily driver. I change the fluids on the M every 1,500 miles. It will be due for its major in 1 year. Mileage is about 6,800 right now. Allan: Glad to hear you at least give grudging respect to the 512...I agree that it is one of the greatest modern road Ferraris ever made. | ||
| Omar (Auraraptor)
Member Username: Auraraptor Post Number: 571 Registered: 9-2002 |
Mark, you make me want one even more! Tell me, just out of curiousity, how often do you do maintaince on your M, and how reliable it has proven so far. | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1093 Registered: 11-2001 |
greatly disappointed wow. while i can certainly find fault in anything, "greatly disappointed" is a fairly strong statement. what do you feel are the shortcomings? doody. | ||
| allan fiedler (Allanlambo)
Member Username: Allanlambo Post Number: 504 Registered: 6-2002 |
I for one am greatly disappointed with the 550's performance, and would guess that a 512 M would be faster. Even if it isnt, the 512 is an awesome car, and one of the last great Ferraris. As for the Diablo.....lol, i wont get everyone going on that subject. Love the 512 though! | ||
| Dave (Maranelloman)
Intermediate Member Username: Maranelloman Post Number: 1641 Registered: 1-2002 |
While I don;'t have a Tubi on my 550 (I have a Cargraphic/Fuchs instead--see previous threads), I have to agree with Doody somewhat. There is slightly less torque off the line. However, it also feels like there is slightly more power over 4000 RPM, and the engine winds to 7000 RPM a lot quicker... As for the 512M being quicker: well, when you remove the catalysts, and remap the ECU, I would certainly hope so!! It is lighter in weight, and that flat 12 is mighty torquey... | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1092 Registered: 11-2001 |
mark - my understanding is that the tubi exhaust on the 550 results in a slight reduction of power. i have not seen a dyno curve, but this is what my dealer told me. people swap out 550 exhausts for aural reasons. mine was swapped back to a stock exhaust and i noticed no change in power, but i didn't do any controlled test runs or the like. fwiw, doody. | ||
| Mark Moon (Enzomoon)
Junior Member Username: Enzomoon Post Number: 94 Registered: 4-2002 |
Regarding the Koenig chip: It is AMAZING! I had an Autothority chip in my 355 which made some difference but Koenig is the real deal in my opinion. It changed upper range hp very considerably. I personally think their 30hp increase is VERY conservative. I should know as I drove it with and without. Also, no F512M is supposed to beat a 550 from all the #s quoted in mags so it clearly made a difference that made the cost well worth it in my opinion. I don't know if they make a chip for the 512TR. I know that the chip I received from them is supposedly specific for the M. I guess like everything else in life not all chip makers are created equal. | ||
| Ali Haas (Aehaas)
New member Username: Aehaas Post Number: 12 Registered: 5-2003 |
Do not believe what the people say that sell chips. My Mercedes dealer and I are very close. They got 2 different chip sets from different performance manufactures. The chief mechanic and I went to Desoto Racetrack here just north of Sarasota, Florida. The stock chip pushes my SEL 600 V12 sedan through the 1/4 mile in 14.8 seconds. The best of the chips ran it down in 15.28. Incidently, this car weighs in at 5,100 lbs. Few people have the opportunity to test these things and just buy them on the word they are better. Well guess again. Do not buy before you test. aehaas | ||
| James Glickenhaus (Napolis)
Intermediate Member Username: Napolis Post Number: 1382 Registered: 10-2002 |
Mark Some guys drive cars, others read mags. It doesn't surprize me that he hasn't taken you up on your challenge. Best Jim | ||
| Jens Haller (Jh280774)
Member Username: Jh280774 Post Number: 664 Registered: 9-2001 |
Ross, Look at: www.koenig-specials.com They claim a 30hp plus with the chips which cost you hefty 2900�. The chips seem to work for 512M as well as 512TR. To be honest I am sceptical about the power gain. Con saluti cordialissimi, Jens Haller | ||
| ross koller (Ross)
Intermediate Member Username: Ross Post Number: 1219 Registered: 3-2002 |
does koenig still make the chip and would it work in a 512tr, and what is their claimed hp increase? | ||
| Mark Moon (Enzomoon)
Junior Member Username: Enzomoon Post Number: 93 Registered: 4-2002 |
Well, I picked up the 550 last week. Wonderful, powerful car. I was waiting for back-to-back tests and I can confirm that from the seat0of-the-pants and speedo readings the F512M with the Koenig chip, Tubi and Test pipes IS faster than the 550 with Tubi. I plan to do some further tests including having an impromptu straight line run in the 512 and a friend driving the 550. As I have said before the M is a Beast of a car. Thought you 512 guys would find this interesting. Now where is that guy Allan with that Diablo?..... Just kidding Allan! |