Cross-country in my 550 | FerrariChat

Cross-country in my 550

Discussion in '456/550/575' started by itamar, Sep 19, 2006.

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  1. itamar

    itamar Rookie

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    I have wanted to drive my 550 around the US for the longest time.I usually fly from LA to Montreal, Canada in June for the Canadian Grand Prix(great city,great event), so I decided to drive there instead...Bottom line, my wife and I hopped in the car, and took off.Amazingly, the car can actually carry quite a bit of luggage if you pack it right. The total miles we drove were 7540 exactly.The car performed flawlessly.It's a 1998, and now has 38000 miles.Our route took us from LA to Utah(Bryce & Zion),Steamboat Sprngs,Co.,S. Dakota(MT. Rushmore,Badlands), Wisconsin, Chicago, Ohio,Pennsylvania, N.Y., Vermont,up to Montreal, then back home through N.Y. Penn., W.Virginia,Tenn, Arkansas,Oklahoma,Texas,New Mexico,Arizona, and back to LA.We had some very high temps. along the way, and some torrential rains, and I was amazed as to how well the car performed, no issues at all.It does not burn any oil at all, A/C worked well. The slow down light flashed a few times, but went away.The seats were very supportive and comfy as well.BTW, I had the 30K service done prior to leaving, and the timing belts looked as good as new! The tensioners were excellent as well. The 2 other drive belts were quite worn,though.
    I also drove up to Monterey last month as I do every year, and we're going to Las Vegas in 2 weeks. What can I say, I just love to drive this car!
     
    itamar, Sep 19, 2006
    #1
  2. S Brake

    S Brake F1 World Champ

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    I am very envious. I hate driving long distances but I think I would be able to handle it in an F-car
     
    S Brake, Sep 19, 2006
    #2
  3. yetis

    yetis Rookie

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    Owns Ferrari and uses the heck out of it!!! Good to hear and hope to follow your example soon.

    Any pics of the car????
     
    yetis, Sep 19, 2006
    #3
  4. donv

    donv Two Time F1 World Champ Owner Rossa Subscribed

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    Great to hear! That is exactly what that car is designed to do.
     
    donv, Sep 19, 2006
    #4
  5. the_jay

    the_jay Formula 3

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    Any pics of the roadtrip? I love seeing dirty Ferrari's :)
     
    the_jay, Sep 19, 2006
    #5
  6. itamar

    itamar Rookie

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    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    itamar, Sep 19, 2006
    #6
  7. Cielo

    Cielo Karting

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    I put 350 miles on mine this weekend, nothing in comparison, but a lot of fun!
     
    Cielo, Sep 19, 2006
    #7
  8. riverflyer

    riverflyer F1 Rookie

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    Itamar, thanks for posting the story and pics. Would love to see some more if you have them. Sounds like a complete blast. How long did you take to make the whole journey?
     
    riverflyer, Sep 24, 2006
    #8
  9. Modificata

    Modificata F1 Rookie

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    Itamar

    Wow. I think there is nothing better than using these cars for what they do best. More pics would be appreciated.
     
    Modificata, Sep 24, 2006
    #9
  10. TrentS

    TrentS Formula Junior

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    Congrats itamar... It's nice to see someone using a Ferrari as it was intended!

    Keep on posting pics, they're great! :)
     
    TrentS, Sep 24, 2006
    #10
  11. Evan.Fiorentino

    Evan.Fiorentino F1 Rookie

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    Wow awesome first post!!! Atleast someone is using the car the way it was meant to be used!!
     
    Evan.Fiorentino, Sep 25, 2006
    #11
  12. synchro

    synchro F1 Veteran

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    That arch is defintely the upper section of Zion, I'd know it in my sleep (from previous rafting club trips).
    What a fantastic bit of scenery and the most perfect car to see it in!

    Perhaps that stunner of a lady accompanied you?
    Darn lucky having the best of all worlds.

    Kind regards (with envy) ,

    Scott
     
    synchro, Sep 25, 2006
    #12
  13. PaulK

    PaulK F1 Rookie Silver Subscribed

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    Thats beautiful! It is something you will never forget for the rest of your life I'm sure. I wouldn't mind some more pics ;)
     
    PaulK, Sep 25, 2006
    #13
  14. Ferrari_lvr

    Ferrari_lvr Formula Junior

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    Tons of open road, a great destination, and a bright red Ferrari...what a fantasy.
     
    Ferrari_lvr, Sep 25, 2006
    #14
  15. itamar

    itamar Rookie

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    Total trip: 31 days. That day in Zion by the arch was so hot...107 degrees! I'll post some more pix soon.
     
    itamar, Sep 25, 2006
    #15
  16. Townshend

    Townshend F1 Veteran Owner Rossa Subscribed

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    You are one of my new heroes. Sounds like an awesome time! Welcome to FChat btw.
     
    Townshend, Sep 25, 2006
    #16
  17. synchro

    synchro F1 Veteran

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    How did the 550 A/C work - all OK?
     
    synchro, Sep 26, 2006
    #17
  18. itamar

    itamar Rookie

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    A/C worked well. In some of the exreme heat we encountered it took a little while to cool the cabin down, but it was not bad at all. In fact, when I returned I had the A/C serviced,the system was vacumed-out,and new lubricant and freon added.It turns out that I was low on freon,not too much,but low.There were no leaks detected at all, and now it blows ice cold.My windows are lightly tinted, and I always use a reflective winshield sunshade when parked-it helps...
     
    itamar, Sep 26, 2006
    #18
  19. steveirl

    steveirl Formula 3

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    Well done, Im sure you will always remember it, no better way to get to know your car, this year I drove from the UK to France through Belgium for the LeMans 24 and then back to Ireland. The cars are meant to be driven.
    Steve
     
    steveirl, Sep 27, 2006
    #19
  20. itamar

    itamar Rookie

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    Absolutely,the longer a car-any car,sits idle, the more likely it will develop problems,leaks, etc.I'll take a higher mileage car over a super low mile car any time.Unfortunately most Ferrari owners view the cars as an investment,not a car ,big mistake! I say life is short,enjoy it...
     
    itamar, Sep 27, 2006
    #20
  21. TrentS

    TrentS Formula Junior

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    +1

    You get it, drive them as they were intended... Garage queens are nothing but trouble.
     
    TrentS, Sep 27, 2006
    #21
  22. saleenfan

    saleenfan Formula Junior

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    +1
    Finally some one who really uses there Ferrari! (not that others on this site dont ;) )
    Great pics and great story
     
    saleenfan, Sep 29, 2006
    #22
  23. Ferrari 360 CS

    Ferrari 360 CS F1 Veteran

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    Great story, nice to see a Ferrari being driven and enjoyed, after the 550 was built as GT car. Nice pictures too..
     
    Ferrari 360 CS, Sep 30, 2006
    #23

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