| Author | Message | ||
| Scott Goodwin (Scotti)
New member Username: Scotti Post Number: 2 Registered: 2-2002 |
Wanted to thank everyone for all the good info. Just to clarify, I'm most interested in the 80's Testarossa as a 512 would not be in the budget... Having rebuilt, restored and modified Alfa V6's for years, dropping engine out doesn't sound too bad. One can only accumulate so much scar tissue on one's hands due to tight spaces and sharp aluminum... I'm glad that I'm not hearing things like main seals, seizures, short-life cams, thrown rods etc... Sounds like the power plant itself is very well made. I did cringe when I heard the bit about the TRX wheels and tires (there where a couple of Alfas with these) as they are hard to get and your choices of tire are very limited. The Bosch L-Jetronic FI system is pretty crude and I would likely tear it out and replace it with a modern, programmable engine management system like a Haltech or Electromotive. Many more horsepower to be had when you can accurately control both fuel and ignition. I have done this on Alfas with great success. I plan to own and drive this car for many years and many thousands of miles. This is a really good group. Very glad to have found you guys... Scott | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 646 Registered: 9-2001 |
The cam belts in a 348 can also be changed without removing the engine . You just remove the gas tank. Its hard to find someone to do it that way although I understand Shelton will. | ||
| David Jones (Dave)
Junior Member Username: Dave Post Number: 61 Registered: 4-2001 |
Well folks, I think we have gotten off track... Scotti was asking about a Testarossa, not a 512TR. 380HP in US trim, Engine out the bottom for service. Ben who told you that the Testarossa's timing belts can be replaced with the motor in the car? I think you haven't found anyone willing to do it that way, because the Tech's you have talked with want to do the job right! | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
Intermediate Member Username: Countachxx Post Number: 1078 Registered: 2-2001 |
Bill the TR engine is on a subframe the 512TR engine is Not, so it has to be pulled out the top. It increases the hours necessary for maintenance but makes the frame much stiffer & thus allows the car to handle better | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Junior Member Username: Whart Post Number: 78 Registered: 12-2001 |
Thanks gents; i also thought that the engine was lower due to change in sump or position of trans. As to having to remove engine to do belts, if the engine in a 512TR is on a subframe like the 348, that's not so horrible, is it? It actually makes working on the engine much easier, and it was my impression that you could drop the engine without a lot of heartache if you knew what you were doing (i'm not saying i could),... | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
Intermediate Member Username: Countachxx Post Number: 1077 Registered: 2-2001 |
Arnaldo hit almost everything except that the 512TR weighs about 150# less than the TR & also has brakes off the F40 & revised suspension & computers. The 512TR has a higher top end than the 993 Turbo. I have yet to find the 993 Turbo or Diablo that can hang with me on the track. Now Vipers r a harder nut to crack, although my big girl has gobbled up a few of those every now & then also  | ||
| Arnaldo Torres (Caribe)
Junior Member Username: Caribe Post Number: 249 Registered: 2-2001 |
Ben, you are kidding, right? If not, please explain. | ||
| Ben Lobenstein 90 TR (Benjet)
Member Username: Benjet Post Number: 494 Registered: 1-2001 |
David Jones - The timing belts CAN be replaced with the engine still in the car. I just haven't found anyone willing to do it that way. -Ben | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 639 Registered: 9-2001 |
A 512TR is fast, but not as fast as a PorscheTT, F40 nor Diablo although I'd still rather have the 512TR. The 1984-87 TR had TRX metric sized wheels that were between 16 & 17 inches and you could only use the Michelin TRX tires. The 512TR, like the 348, 355 and 360 does require the engine subframe to be removed to change the cam belts. | ||
| Steve Magnusson (91tr)
Member Username: 91tr Post Number: 546 Registered: 1-2001 |
Caribe -- and price! about 2X difference. | ||
| Arnaldo Torres (Caribe)
Junior Member Username: Caribe Post Number: 248 Registered: 2-2001 |
Differences between '85 TR and a 512TR, let's see if I can list a few: a. Different body styling on the nose and engine cover. b. Interior styling (instrument panel, seat shapes and so forth). c. Side mirrors on both sides at the bottom of A-pillar as in the 86 1/2 TR, and on both sides of the car. d. Stiffer chassis. They discontinued the under body engine removel subframe approach. d. About 40~45 more HPs which obviously included some engine and transmission modifications. e. 18" vs. 16" wheels. f. 5 lug (as in the 88 1/2 TRs) vs. the single big lug (can't remember the correct name now)wheels. I know I am forgetting more stuff but I hope this helps anyway. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Junior Member Username: Whart Post Number: 76 Registered: 12-2001 |
Aren't there significant differences between the 85- whatever tr and the 512 TR? Willi? | ||
| David Jones (Dave)
Junior Member Username: Dave Post Number: 60 Registered: 4-2001 |
Hi Scott, If you plan to do the maintenance on theTestarossa yourself, then be aware that the car requires an engine out service at some point. You will need a lift that will alow you to take the rear subcarriage/engine out from under the car... If you are not planning on doing this service yourself, I would find a qualified Tech in your area before I purchased the car. | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
Intermediate Member Username: Countachxx Post Number: 1075 Registered: 2-2001 |
If you really dislike blowing away Porsche Turbos, COrvette Z06's, Lambo Diablo SV's & the ocassional F40 then do NOT get a 512TR | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 1525 Registered: 5-2001 |
Drove a TR for 2-3 months in Germany back in 1991. Great car. No problems. Okay, so it was new... Anyhow, I would/will add one to my stable at one point. They are great cars and so great in value at the moment. | ||
| Arnaldo Torres (Caribe)
Junior Member Username: Caribe Post Number: 246 Registered: 2-2001 |
I have own my TR since May last year, and I am absolutely in love with it. So far I have done only one repair to it which was to fix an oil leak coming from the clutch housing. I did it myself, and it turned to be easier than I expected (plus I got a lot of help and advise from the guys here). I also replaced the speedometer sending unit recently. Besides that, everything is working fine so far. I had put about 6000 mi since purchase, and I use the car at least 3 days a week. My only complain is the damn seat belt retractors. The passenger just failed for good about 3 weeks ago. The driver one is working as good as new, though. Also, the front spoiler keeps rubbing against everything on the road. It just requires more concentration when driving than on other cars to prevent serious damage to it (this is probably true of most sports cars anyway). I am planning to do the timing belts replacement very soon. I am currently planning for it and gathering information since I am planning to do it myself as well. I am sure I will be needing the invaluable support from the guys here to get it done right, but it will be a fun and positive experience (I hope!!!). | ||
| Mitchel DeFrancis (4re308)
Member Username: 4re308 Post Number: 422 Registered: 6-2001 |
Scott, I drove an 86 TR for several months and just loved it. It was easy to drive, although VERY wide. I worried about rubbing hips with a curb or other cars sometimes. It was wonderfully fast and reliable. Its also easy in the rain too. People just freaked out when they saw that thing. It rode nice on the highway, and you can blow off just about any other car just by flexing your right foot. The sound and torque was incredible. I got the car to 160 once and it was rock solid. I just LOVE TRs!! | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 629 Registered: 9-2001 |
I loved my 1986 TR too. It was fast, looked great, was exotic and never gave me any problems over the 20k+ miles I drove it. The people who don't like the side strakes are mostly followers who heard about a magazine writer not liking them and tagged alone with that opinion like a puppy dog. Remember, #1 most of the magazine writers can not afford a Ferrari and, #2 the man who was responsible for the TRs design, Sergio Pininfarina, hailed the TR as one of his favorite Ferraris of all times. | ||
| Jon P. Kofod (95f355c)
Junior Member Username: 95f355c Post Number: 99 Registered: 8-2001 |
Scott, I had a late 80's model for about three years and loved it. I had absolutely no mechancical problems. Most of the problems were related to interior parts, like broken air conditioner switches, very low quality leather on the seats and beware of those darn motorized seat belts. These things are downright dangerous (just ask some of my dates) and they seem to wear out very fast. Getting them from FNA takes months and they are a pain to install. I bought my car with 6300 miles on it and then racked up another 20,000 miles in three years. Great car, but wicked when you loose the back end. Regards, Jon P. Kofod 1995 F355 Challenge #23 | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Junior Member Username: Whart Post Number: 74 Registered: 12-2001 |
Is your question framed as an absolute (as opposed to any other car) or, say, in comparison to the 512 TR which is later and improved? I have not owned a TR in any form (including a testa rossa from the 50's) but there are people (willi where are you) who can 'splain the real differences between the early cheese grater TR and the 512TR. (if it were me, i would buy a 512 boxer for the same money, but that is a different question). Love that funky mirror on the early grater, though. | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
Intermediate Member Username: Countachxx Post Number: 1074 Registered: 2-2001 |
I have a 93 512TR, parts r pretty pricey but since u do your own labor u can save a lot of $. My biggest gripe is that the intake for the oil cooler is Way too small. I drive my car on the track often & on a long track like Watkins Glen I can do 5 or 6 laps before the oil temp goes for the sky, course the tires melt too | ||
| Lung (Lung7707)
New member Username: Lung7707 Post Number: 34 Registered: 1-2002 |
Scott...I live in Singapore where its hot and humid (sun, rain, sun, rain). I use the TR as my daily driver with no problems at all. The car is driven at lease 10-15 KM per day. Suprisingly, it is a very easy car to drive. The down side perhaps would be steep angles (car parks). I do not perform my own repairs, I send it to the dealer. Apart from the first month of problems (harden hoses, magnetic coil, alternator, air-con, air con, more air-con problems), the car has not had any problems for the last 2 years. I send it back to the dealer about 3 times a year for the A/B service packages. I dropped the engine 1 year ago for all belts to be changed. Its a great car - speaking from position of course :-) | ||
| Scott Goodwin (Scotti)
New member Username: Scotti Post Number: 1 Registered: 2-2002 |
I'm new to this group so forgive me if this has been discussed elsewhere... Before I buy a TR(85 to 88?) I'd like to find out from anyone who has owned a TR in the past, or owns one now, what are the mechanical drawbacks to these cars? I plan to do most of my own repairs and drive the car regularly in a hot southern climate (Texas). I'd especially like to hear from people who have done their own repairs and maintenance, as well as those who drive a TR daily (or almost...) rather than keep it as a collectible. Thanks in advance for all your help. |