| Author | Message | ||
| Manu Sachdeva (Manu)
Junior Member Username: Manu Post Number: 202 Registered: 2-2002 |
Hi Rob, All is fine down my end thanks mate. From what I've heard, the old 993 Turbo is actually faster than the 996 it was replaced by - and that means that it really is ridiculously quick. I can only guess at your modded-out example. I think you prefer the boost rush power delivery more than the endless pulling and pulling of a Ferrari V12. I'm loathe to suggest a Porsche over a Ferrari but how about a 993 GT2 (or 996 GT2 for that matter)? Hell - forget them - get an F40.  Manu | ||
| Rob W. (Wolfturbo)
New member Username: Wolfturbo Post Number: 11 Registered: 12-2001 |
Manu, I'm not necessarily looking to sell the 550, but I would listen to an offer. I tend to enjoy the process of working to obtain a dream car more than the actual car itself. I love my 550, but if I got off of it, I would try a 360 F1 for size. My biggest problem is that my performance expectations have been severely warped by my modded out 993TT. Any F-car short of an F40 seems a bit tame by comparison. I hope all is well on your side of the pond. Best regards | ||
| Manu Sachdeva (Manu)
Junior Member Username: Manu Post Number: 201 Registered: 2-2002 |
Rob, I'm sorry to hear you're selling your 550. Whats the replacement? | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Junior Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 202 Registered: 3-2002 |
Andrew I suspect that the brakes were just cold, no power assist so you are going to have to stand on it hard! I MEAN HARD! The pads will squeek unless they are very hot (which is good) I have 4 point belts in my car and I can make it hurt when I am on the brakes hard. I suggest you take the car out and run the piss out of it (technical term) starting at 100mph, stand on the brakes until you come ALMOST to a complete stop, keep doing this until the brakes have stopped squealing, (you can continue to squeal, it is normal) cycle through this a few times, it should knock any glaze off the brakes. The brakes on an F40 have incredable power on street tires, but they will get overworked on slicks on the track. An F40 with anything less than a Tubi Comp is a disappointment on the ears, get a tubi, you will not regret it. I have the same complaint about a 550 too damn quiet! HAVE FUN AND BE CAREFUL (words of a speed freak) Chris | ||
| Rob W. (Wolfturbo)
New member Username: Wolfturbo Post Number: 10 Registered: 12-2001 |
Hey Cmparrf40, Email me if you're serious about a Titanium 550. I have a perfect 98 55o with 10K miles on it. titanium on black with bordeaux piping, daytona power seats, silver calipers, factory fire extinguisher & spare, tubi exhaust, etc. Car is in So. Cal. Email me if you would like to talk. Good luck! | ||
| Andrew Menasce (Amenasce)
Junior Member Username: Amenasce Post Number: 61 Registered: 10-2001 |
well i think the car has a brake problem. the brakes squel so hard that it hurts . And the decceleration , when braking , isnt impressive to say the least. I was on the highway at 80 mph when suddenly i had to avoid a hole so i pressed the brake pedal to no effect when compared to other sports cars i drove , so i had to press real hard .. thats not good , because you cant be confident , which means you cant push it as its meant to . Also , the noise is somehow disapointing ( everything is standard ) appart from the turbo valve ( you know that psshhhtt , like a monster aspiring air ) do you think the pads are glazed ?worn out by the lack of use ( 1992 car with 1000 miles now ) ? Thank you . BTW about your little problem , delicious problem , you already have a track car (Screaming F40 ) so get a 550 M , the front is so aggressive , so classy , and with the right exhaust it sounds great too.. you can always come back to a 355 as more than 9000 were produced , and you ll always find a low mileage , mint one . thanks again Andrew | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Junior Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 201 Registered: 3-2002 |
Martin, I feel like I am cheating on you! I have found 3 1998 550's. All have had all of the upgrades and each is a one owner, all have between 7 and 8,000 miles. Colors are Red/tan, Black/tan and Yellow/black. prices range from 145 to 147K I am not set on these colors, in fact the dark grey metallic has caught my eye. The red is the only one at a Ferrari Dealer and comes with a FNA warranty. your thoughts are important... Chris | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Junior Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 200 Registered: 3-2002 |
Andrew, talk to me! I was scared when I drove mine for the first time! | ||
| Andrew Menasce (Amenasce)
Junior Member Username: Amenasce Post Number: 60 Registered: 10-2001 |
Cmparrf40 can i ask you some question about the F40 ? i drove it today , and came back a little scared.. | ||
| Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Junior Member Username: Hugh Post Number: 66 Registered: 1-2002 |
Julian, While you are correct that the MR layout will give the chassis a more nimble and crisp feel, it will also not be nearly as forgiving as the FR layout will be at the limit. The MR layout is the skeleton for nearly every motorcar-that tuns other than left w/ the exception of IRL-and is such for very real considerations: engine layout, chassis/sus design, center of gravity, aerodynamics of the body panels, etc. However, in the face of this the Panoz LMP cars retain an FR layout and are very competative, when not suffering mechanical failure. Whilst this is one example, there are plenty of others, but I'll refrain from endulging myself. Essentially, at the limit, he FR layout will be much more forgiving than an MR or even RR layout, and in the hands of most novice/weekend racers will be just as enjoyable and rewarding -and possibly safer- when driven hard | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Junior Member Username: Whart Post Number: 241 Registered: 12-2001 |
Julian: i actually agree with your take on the aesthetic of the 550. It is not as pretty as an design exercise as the 456. I'm not so sure i agree about your take on its being a nonenthusiast's car, though, for several reasons: first,although I agree that the past should not be a straightjacket, there is something pretty amazing about the 12 cyl. cars. Fortunately, or unfortunately, Ferrari chose to go back to its front engine pattern after the boxer/testarossa cycle. I had a boxer, which was a hoot to drive, was never too enamoured of the testarossa for aesthetic reasons, and frankly, found the rear engine configuration of these big cars to be a bit unpredictable, and less forgiving, when driven hard. I would truly love a lighter,smaller more stripped down for performance version of a 12 cyl. f road car, but to say that the 550 is not a driver's car mistakes the difference between GT and boy-racer, doesn't it? (Oh, and let me add a few afterthoughts. Right now, you can buy a 550 coupe for less than a 360. Btw, have you driven any of the 12 cyl cars? They will usually make you a convert pretty quickly.BTW, if you ever want to go out with a nonenthusiast, for a drive, just let me know. NMI [no malice intended]). | ||
| BretM (Bretm)
Intermediate Member Username: Bretm Post Number: 2486 Registered: 2-2001 |
For all of us (I'm assuming Michael Schumacher, Jeff Gordon, Barichello, etc aren't reading) you can have a hell of a lot more fun with a front engined car than a mid engined safely. Even the guys that race here I would assume would have a hell of a time putting their 355 into a 4 wheel drift or a nice rear end slide. When I say safely I mean that they are confident enough to do it where if they screw up they wreck and not just run off the track or something. I like the mid engined lay out, but to be honest I think the front engined may be in reality a better setup for the average guy. | ||
| Dave (Maranelloman)
Junior Member Username: Maranelloman Post Number: 130 Registered: 1-2002 |
Todd, I participated in a Ferrari of Houston/Ferrari of Dallas 2-day track event for owners several weekends ago. Very well done, very small run groups, with plenty of track time. I will probably also do a PCA event in mid-May at Motorsports Ranch near Ft. Worth (my FCA chapter & the local PCA chapter are trying to do a number of joint events, since PCA folks seem really cool), but probably in my M3 rather than the F-cars. Have fun at TWS yourself! | ||
| Stephen Patterson (Srpatterson)
Junior Member Username: Srpatterson Post Number: 113 Registered: 11-2001 |
Julian, Don't worry about offending anyone, we do it all the time I have to say that I felt as you do about the 550 when I first bought my 355. However, having now driven the 550 I have a MUCH different perspective on the automobile. In short, I have to have one. You don't have to have the engine behind you to enjoy a true racing experience. Just ask Phil Hill about his time in the 250TR. And besides, any car that goes almost 200 MPH is not in the same grand touring league as, say, a buick. Cheers, Stephen | ||
| Julian Bowman (Julian)
New member Username: Julian Post Number: 16 Registered: 4-2002 |
I hate to offend anybody, but I think the 550 looks ordinary. I know front loaded big v-12s might have been an F-car trade mark in the (distant)past. but modern sports cars should be mid-engined, since that's the most effective lay out, and hint at their single seater racing antecedents. The 550 is beautiful (it must be, it's a Ferrari) but I always think it's a non enthusiasts car. That's why you see so many sports people and celebs driving them, I think they go in to the showroom and say "what's the most expensive Ferrari I can buy?", rather than wanting the pseudo-racing driving experience you get with a 355/360. It's definitely in the Grand Tourer mould, and if that's what you want, the 456 is far more refined looking and indeed beautiful. | ||
| BretM (Bretm)
Intermediate Member Username: Bretm Post Number: 2481 Registered: 2-2001 |
I like the 550. For some reason the 355 which I love more than any car ever, doesn't seem to be fitting into my grand scheme here. I could never sell the 308 and the 355 would almost replace it. Now that the 308 will be a lot faster the 355 wouldn't be overwhelmingly better in that respect (I know there are a lot of things different, but still). For some reason though the 550 seems to be the car that I would aim for in the future Fcar scheme. | ||
| Todd Chen (Tec)
New member Username: Tec Post Number: 32 Registered: 2-2002 |
Maranelloman, What events do you participate in at TWS? I'll be running out there this weekend with PCA, and we usually have a least a couple of 360's and other various F-Cars. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Junior Member Username: Whart Post Number: 240 Registered: 12-2001 |
Chris, as you know, i have had 2 550's so far: a 97 Maranello and now, a barchetta. There is a reason why it stickered much higher than the 355/360; aside from the engine, and the addictive quality of big torque, it is much more car in every respect. It is also heavy, and, to my taste, a bit fat, but drives incredibly well for such a big, heavy car. On colors, i leave that to you, but note that in yellow, it does look a bit like a very large bananna; yellow/naturale (or cuio) on the inside tames it a bit. I like the car in darker colors, cause it diminishes the weightiness of the body, although my first choice for another one would be argento nurb./cuio, sans scudie badges, and some simple (not the three piece speedline) wheels. Also, if it is an earlier car, make sure all updates, including wheels have been done. Finally, the early cars typically do not have some of the scaglietti program options, like carbon kit, rear leather shelf, etc. I could live without the fancy rear shelf, but after having all that carbon fibre in the barchetta, ii find the regular 550 interior a little dull.(Although the carbon f on the instrument pod does tend to reflect sunlight, which i don't like). Enjoy. | ||
| Dave (Maranelloman)
Junior Member Username: Maranelloman Post Number: 128 Registered: 1-2002 |
Chris, You know my opinion on 550's...:-) And, they are GREAT on-track. I was eating up 355's in the wet recently at Texas World Speedway. But, driver skill probably has more to do with car performance than brute BHP (I say this in fact, not in any ego self-satisfaction, since I know a guy with a 328 GTB who whoops my butt, even though I have 200+ more BHP than he does. I pass him on the straights, but he is a better driver in the really sharp twisties!). IMO, the 550 is more subtle & classy to see on the street (perhaps because there are relatively so few), but color has a lot to do with that. | ||
| Marcus Mayeux (Mmayeux73)
Junior Member Username: Mmayeux73 Post Number: 87 Registered: 4-2002 |
Simple...buy it...you only live once! | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 1997 Registered: 5-2001 |
still have this car available: http://www.miamioffices4rent.com/cavallino/invent/550_maranello_01.htm | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 614 Registered: 9-2001 |
I don't think he will get any more attention than when he drives his F40 down the street | ||
| Manu Sachdeva (Manu)
Junior Member Username: Manu Post Number: 199 Registered: 2-2002 |
Chris, buy one NOW. Rosso with Crema and rosso carpets/stitching + red calipers and scuderia shields. Try and get the factory racing seats - I love them. The quilted rear shelf is a bloody expensive luxury but it looks gorgeous. Other than a proper exhaust, the option I would recommend the most are a set of the factory split-rims to enhance the cars "brooding aggression" (well put Hugh). I disagree with people about going unnoticed in this car though. The 355/360 simply cannot compare when it comes to sheer road presence. People point and stare wherever you go - its a work of art. | ||
| Bill Sawyer (Wsawyer)
Junior Member Username: Wsawyer Post Number: 125 Registered: 2-2002 |
It sounds like you made your decision before starting this thread. Go for it! | ||
| Tyler (Bahiaau)
Junior Member Username: Bahiaau Post Number: 243 Registered: 12-2001 |
Buy the 550. It's a fantastic car. Peronally I think the car looks best in either silver or blue. Besides, 355's are getting way to ordinary. I saw 4 today and that's in the little town of Tulsa. I've got one client with a 550 and everytime I get to ride or drive the thing it's a "life" experience. As for being a track car, I hope that slot is allready filled with the F40. | ||
| Tenney (Tenney)
Junior Member Username: Tenney Post Number: 111 Registered: 2-2001 |
I've some experience with both and think the 550 gets the nod v 355 track or otherwise. Also hear where Willis is coming from re: representing all the food groups (6, 8 and 12). That's kinda cool. Especially when one's a '40. Color-wise my pick'd be Titanium. If that seems a little flat, can't go wrong with Red. In either case it'd be shield-free for me. Factory racing seats are nice in this car, btw. Good luck with the search. The 550 is perhaps the best all-around Ferrari built thus far, IMO. | ||
| Ryanab (Ryanab)
New member Username: Ryanab Post Number: 30 Registered: 3-2002 |
Cmparrf40, I live in Calgary, but when I get tired of the "Big" city I getaway to my Cabin there (on Grizzly St). Breathtaking scenery everywhere perfect for taking your mind off things and less than 2 hours away. RMK. | ||
| Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Junior Member Username: Hugh Post Number: 65 Registered: 1-2002 |
Ryan, Yes that is the local Rosso Monza/Crema 550. Gorgeous indeed, but I would opt for the Nart Blue/Tan I find the tan appointments to be the most stunning and the added bonus of a Tubi exhaust already installed! http://www.symbolicmotors.com/frames/images/Contemporary/Vehicles/3415/341502.jpg http://www.symbolicmotors.com/frames/images/Contemporary/Vehicles/3415/341503.jpg http://www.symbolicmotors.com/frames/images/Contemporary/Vehicles/3415/341521.jpg http://www.symbolicmotors.com/frames/images/Contemporary/Vehicles/3415/341505.jpg -Man, I'm never going to figure out how to mark-up my posts!- Chris, I know exacltly what you mean, and you are right, the silver may be all together a bit "bland", however in Black, red, or blue the 550 will look perfect! -Hubert | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Junior Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 199 Registered: 3-2002 |
Ryanab, Damn! that is beautiful! Wow, I have not seen that combination before... thanks Chris | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Junior Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 198 Registered: 3-2002 |
Hugh, I know exactly what you mean. I can not think of any Ferrari that has the potential for such varied personalities as a 550. The color can completely change the attitude of the car. I must admit I change my opinion from one day to another. One day I see a silver one and think it is the most beautiful car I have seen, the next day I find it a little boring. The same goes with red or yellow, sometimes I get excited looking at these monsters in bright colors, other days I think they look like an adult in kids clothes... This is going to take some time for me, I will know it when I see it (I hope)! | ||
| Ryanab (Ryanab)
New member Username: Ryanab Post Number: 29 Registered: 3-2002 |
Hugh, Don't know if this is the car you are talking about, but hands down the most gorgeous 550 ever!   | ||
| Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Junior Member Username: Hugh Post Number: 64 Registered: 1-2002 |
550's are brilliant cars, in nearly any color. But, to me the 550 was designed to be a subtle, brooding, and understated monster, however cliche that may sound. A wolf in sheep's clothing if you will. So, I personally find the cars in Silver/Black, Nart Blue/Tan, and various combinations therof to be the most complimentary to the lines of the 550. I'm not trying to critique your taste's just stating my own personal opinion. I would also extend this to my desire for shields and/or painted calipers. On a black/black 550 the shields and calipers would give the car a very sporty accent, but on say a Blue/Tan car the red calipers along w/ the yellow shields may catch the eye in a different way. There are a number of 550's at a local exotic dealer here in San Diego, in a cornicopia of color combinations, including: Rosso Monza/Crema w/ red piping and stiching, Nart Blue/Tan-mentioned above-, Titanium/Silver, and, just to add to the temptation, and Black/Black Barchetta. If you'd like me to take a look at one, let me know, I could easily snap you some digital pics. Feel free to email me @ [email protected] -Hubert | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Junior Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 197 Registered: 3-2002 |
Ryanab, you live in Banff? I have never been there, always wanted to go... Maybe we will meet someday, thanks for your comments, Chris | ||
| Ryanab (Ryanab)
New member Username: Ryanab Post Number: 28 Registered: 3-2002 |
Cmparrf40, The car has got to have the shields and red calipers! RMK | ||
| Ryanab (Ryanab)
New member Username: Ryanab Post Number: 27 Registered: 3-2002 |
I'd say go for it, I client of my father has a silver 550 here in Banff and he loves it. Says that compared to the other F-Car's he has owned this one doesn't attract as much attention. Sort of go unnoticed, least myself I would love that. RMK. | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Junior Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 196 Registered: 3-2002 |
Hugh, I am at a cross roads on color. I love yellow Ferrari's. My Daytona was yellow and my 355 is yellow. The 550's look great in any shade of silver or blue metallic. The one I drove is black/tan it is beautiful. I would like to look at red/tan. I would consider yellow/back if the seats have yellow stitching. I am open on the color right now. I would like Daytona trim and on some cars, I like shields and painted calipers, suggestions? | ||
| Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Junior Member Username: Hugh Post Number: 63 Registered: 1-2002 |
I say get the 550! It's a good blend of GT luxury and race car brute force! There was a 550 on slicks at a recent Sears Point track day-not really fair to compare this to a car on street tires-, and throughout the hairpins and tight sections of the course the car looked flat and very content with track duty, and needless to say, down the straights the car was amazingly fast, scary fast. Also, in comparing the 355 v. the 550 it's expected for a mid-engine car to be a bit more nimble, but the 550 is by no means sloppy or heavy handed. Having been in both a 550 and 355, I find the appointments in the 550 a little more crafted-not to knock the 355 at all-it's just that the 550 seemed very, very cleaverly appointed. That is to say that it shows it's GT luxury in it's interior appointments. Honestly, b/w a 355 and a 550, I would opt for the 550 everytime, regardless of track considerations. But, if the choice were b/w a 360 and a 550, that would be a much more difficult decision. Go for the 550. You've had the 355, you can always sell the 550 and go for another. If I had the opportunity, I wouldn't hesitate. BTW, what color combination(s) are you looking at? I find the silver 550's to be the best! | ||
| Stephen Patterson (Srpatterson)
Junior Member Username: Srpatterson Post Number: 111 Registered: 11-2001 |
Do you want to drive, or fly? | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Junior Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 195 Registered: 3-2002 |
Steve I called you, do you want to got to Springfield tomorrow? I found a Fly yellow Maranello I am interested in, call me on my cell tonite and lets go tomorrow with John Gerkin... | ||
| Stephen Patterson (Srpatterson)
Junior Member Username: Srpatterson Post Number: 109 Registered: 11-2001 |
Just buy the damn thing. You know you want one before I get mine! Besides, silver is my color. | ||
| John A. Suarez (Futureowner)
New member Username: Futureowner Post Number: 28 Registered: 3-2002 |
I think it is a matter of how you intend to use the car. I say go for it if you just want one of the classiest cruisers in the world! | ||
| Willis Huang (Willis360)
Member Username: Willis360 Post Number: 656 Registered: 8-2001 |
Sounds like someone's addicted to V12 power. I'd say sell the 355 and buy the 550. That way, you'd have the whole range covered (V6, V8, V12). IMHO | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Junior Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 193 Registered: 3-2002 |
OK, I know we have covered this already but... I went to my local Ferrari shop today and drove the 550 again. damn that car drives great, but so does my 355, so when I can not make up my mind on a car I let my wife drive it and get her impression. Now my wife is no ordinary women. Ask her about turn 7 at Mid-ohio and going airborne backwards into the kitty litter, jumping out and getting right back into a back-up car. Or watching her kick butt on our Karts. I was out driving my Daytona and she was in front of me in our 355, so I passed her doing 125, I looked into my rearview mirror and she was not there! Next thing I know she passed me doing 155! No, she is pretty fast behind the wheel, she and Nika could be great friends. I took the 550 over to our friends house where Dana (my wife) was visiting. I pulled up expecting her to say what the hell is that and no you can not have it. Instead she goes cool, are you wanting that car? I said I want your opinion. Dana and her girlfriend jump in the 550, Dana looks over and turns the ASR off! Then proceeds to lay rubber for 60 feet until she hits 2nd and does it again, 3rd gear same thing, and finally into fourth we here a slight chirp and off she goes! 30 minutes later she comes back with a huge smile on her face and says "Damn this thing is fast!... but the 355 is a better track car!" So now I have to once again decide, 355 of 550 I am so confused! | ||
| Cmparrf40 (Cmparrf40)
Junior Member Username: Cmparrf40 Post Number: 192 Registered: 3-2002 |
Please help! |