| Author | Message | ||
| Dan (Bobafett)
Member Username: Bobafett Post Number: 915 Registered: 9-2002 |
Tino (and Doody, naturally), The issue with Tubi is not only the resonance (which, actually, I have only experienced second-hand), but the dominating 'presence' of the exhaust. Personally, I like a balance between engine and exhaust noises. I felt that the Tubi dominated the aural spectrum, to the point of being too loud even at idle, and not maintaining that aural stimulus up top (as others mention, it gets quieter above 3k, which is when I'd expect it to get louder). Of course, this is a very subjective thing. My personal preference is that the exhaust should have a little more low end rumble than stock, pronounced mid-range, and a fair deal more top-end scream. I do not, however, want something that is dominating and ever-present to the point of being out of keeping with the car's subtle nature (again, this is a personal preference and subjective statement). If there were a system that Tubi offered that were a lot quieter at idle / standard cruising speed (I don't want a headache driving this car for 25-30 miles, as Doody mentioned), but opened up the car when the loud pedal was mashed into the carpet, I might look into it. Personally, I'm happy with the CarGraphic solution. On an aside, Doody - you need to make a special visit just to listen to the exhaust. I know you love Marin, so just come out. Practically speak, Dave is closer to you (TX), but cmon, TX vs. CA? We both know there's no comparison!  (Dave - it was in jest! Really! We'll keep that debate to OT ). --Dan | ||
| Manu (Manu)
Member Username: Manu Post Number: 779 Registered: 2-2002 |
I don't know what the sitatuation is in the USA but here in UK this is what I know/recommend for the 550. 1. The ORIGINAL 550 Tubi (old model) is quite aggressive at low rpm - whether it's annoying is debateable.... 2. The NEW 550 Tubi is much more discreet and has ZERO resonance. We are the biggest Tubi dealers in the UK and we prefer NEITHER. 3. For the best sound we sell the Tubi Style pipe-only exhaust system for the 550/575M. As there is no muffler to back up exhaust flow, the system NEVER resonates... it's really discreet at low rpm with a lovely burble - the great thing is it doesn't fade at high rpm, which is exactly what you want. And because the 550/575M still has that huge central muffler it is NEVER too loud. This isn't salespitch - IF YOU'RE NOT HAPPY THEN WE GIVE YOUR MONEY BACK + �100.....- hell you can come up and punch me in the face.. Trust me - I know... I've done CRAZY things to get 550s sounding right and this is step one... You USA boys with Tubis on 550s that are not happy should swap to the pipe-only - Either get in touch with Tino or call Franc Yarde at TubiStyle USA and he'll tell you more. | ||
| Mark Moon (Enzomoon)
Junior Member Username: Enzomoon Post Number: 153 Registered: 4-2002 |
Doody and Tino: I actually agree with you both in some ways! The Tubi CLEARLY has a low rev resonance which I could imagine some people would find annoying. I absolutely love it. It actually becomes somewhat disappointing when you really get on it. The exhaust actually gets quieter over 3,000 rpm. I am gettig ready to swap out the central resonator for crossover pipes from Stebro. This supposedly really opens it up wide even with cats and makes the car scream. I hope so. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Intermediate Member Username: Whart Post Number: 1416 Registered: 12-2001 |
I agree that the stock exhaust sound on a 550 is too quiet for its role as sports car, maybe not for its role as grand tourer. When you get on it, it begins to sound a little gnarly, but it is hardly an aggressive or loud sound, and will disappoint those looking for a aural sound comparable to the car's performance. (By contrast, i heard a Vanquish about a week ago, throttle down 2-3, and it sounded far, far better). I had tubis on two different 8 cyl. ferraris and did find them resonant to the point of annoyance. I didn't mind the sound at higher velocities, but at 10 mph, it sounded too loud, and to my ears, artificial. I did not experiment with the tubi on either 550 i owned, but was intrigued by an earlier thread involving Tubi solo with a crossover pipe or some such. I just bought a Ruf system for the GT-2 and can't wait to hear what it does, after being assured that it will give me burble and give me gnarly but will not resonate. | ||
| DESperately awaiting Friday (Sickspeed)
Senior Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 5331 Registered: 8-2002 |
Doody - speaking of removing a tubi and going back to stock, the other day i finally printed out and read your "Wholly Subjective Comparison" on your 355 and 550; a thoroughly enjoying read... Hope you don't mind that i stapled it and added it to my Ferrari paraphernalia collection... | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1382 Registered: 11-2001 |
i'm one of those oddities who removed the tubi from his 550 and put it back to stock. let me see if i can explain what dan is mentioning (dan - apologies if you're talking about something else!). at 2250 to 2750 RPM the tubi has a "resonance" about it inside the cabin. i don't know if it's a standing wave thing due to the cabin shape or whether it's a virbation or what. it's not caused by the exhaust having been sold by someone other than mensi though :-) :-). the vast majority of people will apparently not really notice it. some small subset of people will find it a tad annoying. some really tiny group of people can't stand it - it's way beyond annoying or, in my case, it literally was causing me headaches. i've been told there is a variant on the standard tubi (tubo solo?) that does not have this resonance. i talked to three different ferrari mechanics about this "resonance" and they all knew exactly what i was talking about - this isn't some "only weird people hear it" thing :-). although i am pretty weird :-). for the avoidance of doubt, let me state that the tubi sounds WONDERFUL. it's lovely beyond belief. when you start the car - any conversations nearby stop. it's music. the problem for me was that at the time i had a 25-30 mile highway commute. do the math next time you're in the car on rev range at highway speed in a high gear, and you'll get to that mid-2s space handily. by the time i got to the office i'd be fighting off the headache. i have never had the opportunity to hear the other options (this other tubi thing, cargraphic, fuchs, etc.). hope this is helpful on that particular topic. doody. | ||
| Bart Duesler (The_bart)
Junior Member Username: The_bart Post Number: 195 Registered: 1-2003 |
I have a little over 38k miles and will hit 40,000 early next month. Heck, i am looking at 100,000 miles before even thinking of getting a newer V-12 Ferrari. Change the oil every 3,000 miles and check the tires often. Since I carry no spare, I do not want to have a flat in the deseert in the summer 100 miles from nowhere. | ||
| Tino (Bboxer)
Member Username: Bboxer Post Number: 309 Registered: 8-2001 |
Dan, I don't know which Tubi you are referring to when you talk of "droning" and "annoyance", I'd really would like to know. Every day, (and I mean Every day) Tubi's are sold; no one has yet complained, or as much as mentioned "droning". Yes, I know a couple of guys who have posted messages stating they had their Tubi's removed; heck I know two of my buddies right here on this forum who removed their Fuchs after a couple of weeks but I am still waiting for the first MENSI Tubi customer who returns or removes his Tubi from a Ferrari. I've had a Tubi on two of my cars and I'm concsious of their sound and if that is Droning, then I, as well as dozens of owners do love that sound. | ||
| Dan (Bobafett)
Member Username: Bobafett Post Number: 911 Registered: 9-2002 |
Zak: Try the CarGraphic / Fuchs exhaust. It's not the droning ever present headache that the tubi is, but has a good low end burble, mid range grunt and a top-end scream, but quiet enough to be used w/o annoyance. --Dan | ||
| zak dhabalia (Dhabaz)
New member Username: Dhabaz Post Number: 1 Registered: 7-2003 |
Hi DAB, ive bought a 99 550 with just under 10k on clock and done about 1.5k already in last 8 weeks. i did lots of research before speaking to previous owner and chatting to the dealers at Graypaul ferrari in Loughborough, England. the 550 car is an extremely reliable car and was designed meant for regular use with minimal hassles for race type enthusiasts all the way through to busy executives. Access to the important parts/areas is easy so labour fees should be minimised. Its a wonderful car with graet build quality. just check through the archives on this site to see how few times queries come up about 550s. The car has been out for about 7 years now since launch. Congrats....by the way do you have stock exhaust or a tubi?: mine is stock and I feel its a bit too quite for a V12. | ||
| Ali Haas (Aehaas)
Junior Member Username: Aehaas Post Number: 57 Registered: 5-2003 |
Prices vary. Call your local dealer. aehaas | ||
| Douglas A. Benson (Dab)
New member Username: Dab Post Number: 2 Registered: 7-2003 |
Roughly, what should one expect to pay for an oil/filter change or a belt service. Are there routine maintenance items other than oil and belts that I should anticipate? Thanks again, DAB | ||
| Dan (Bobafett)
Member Username: Bobafett Post Number: 910 Registered: 9-2002 |
I believe Bart has close to 40k on his car? --Dan | ||
| Ali Haas (Aehaas)
Junior Member Username: Aehaas Post Number: 56 Registered: 5-2003 |
I originally bought a used 550 and traded for the new 575 after 17k miles. I have had the 575 for almost 2 months and have 1,400 miles on it. These cars are easy to maintain and I would think less than the rear engined cars. I think these are worry free. There is a lot of room to work up front making things easy to do. However, there is nothing to do! Inside these cars are tight as a drum, no vibrations or rattles. Those type things I cannot tolerate. aehaas | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Senior Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 5082 Registered: 5-2001 |
DAB, (hm, that is a good German beer) can not tell you about the 550 but all the newer Ferraris are wonderful daily drivers. I drove my 1991 348TS daily. Now a 355 daily and there is no concerns whatsoever. The maintanance on the 12cyl is more than on 8s but you know that. The 550 is a great car. Lots of power and wonderful styling. Bless you for using it daily. You will enjoy every minute in it. | ||
| Douglas A. Benson (Dab)
New member Username: Dab Post Number: 1 Registered: 7-2003 |
Does anyone have any experience with 550 Maranellos that are driven on a regular,if not daily, baisis? How well do these cars tolerate such use and given appropriate maintenance, are there areas of "special concern"? Thanks in advance for any insights you can offer. DAB. |