My F40 first driving impressions! | FerrariChat
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My F40 first driving impressions!

Discussion in '288GTO/F40/F50/Enzo/LaFerrari/F80' started by TimF40, Nov 21, 2006.

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  1. TimF40

    TimF40 Formula 3

    Nov 3, 2003
    1,035
    Seattle/Bay Area/NYC
    Full Name:
    Tim
    #1 TimF40, Nov 21, 2006
    (See thread http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=129615)

    My F40 first driving impressions:

    Short version:
    * OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Longer version:
    * OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    * The looks: WOW!

    * I fit (kinda). What a relief! As some of you may recall from a previous thread, I had dire concerns I wouldn’t fit. However, the stock seats pushed all the way back made all the difference. I have about 1/2" clearance up top. I’m a little scrunched, but not overly so.

    * The car is smoother than my ’02 911 with the 19”s and low profile tires! This I didn’t expect. From what I heard, I thought I was going to be beat to death. I guess it’s all about what you’re used to.

    * Clutch has a long throw, but very progressive. Stiffer than my 550, but not nearly as I imagined.

    * Car has a Tubi with no cats. Sound in the cabin very livable. Seemed not much different than my 360 Spider with level 2 Capristo. Again, pleasantly surprised.

    * Visibility is not bad! I had no problem out the back or left/right.

    * No power steering was way cool! I loved it! Not heavy at all. However, when turning 90 degree corners, the steering knuckle (or whatever it really is), hits my big left foot as it’s working the clutch. Very disconcerting. I resorted to working the clutch with the top of my foot, not the ball as I normally do. No problem except on 90+ degree corners.

    * The brakes. Very disconcerting until I learned to push those suckers – hard. Coming up fast on the car in front after rolling on the throttle gave me heart failure a couple of times until I got used to it. I’ll get used to them, but definitely a weak link for me.

    * The looks: WOW!

    * The boost coming on is a rush!! (pun intended) I’ve never driven a car like this!!! A Porsche twin turbo comes on in a linear fashion (which I found very fast, but boring). This thing is absolutely incredible. Simply incredible. Pardon me for not being able to express the feeling in words.

    My mechanical drug dealer, Roberto, and I took the car out a few hours ago for a quick freeway spin. We spent the entire time gently rolling on the throttle in third (a little more each time as I got used to it), listening and feeling the boost come on, and watching the road shrink between us and the car in front. Then, backing off and hearing the pops and bangs. I kid you not, the procedure was the same each time for at least 20+ times: roll on throttle, boost comes on, car literally rockets forward, we giggle like school kids, lift off, brake like hell, listen to pops and bangs, giggle again. Rinse and repeat.

    I learned not to hit the boost as I was approaching the metal freeway expansion joints; the tires would break loose at over 70. It was only a short slip, but it got my heart racing even more!

    I didn’t stop laughing for hours afterwards.

    * The looks: Did I mention WOW! ;-)

    * I thought my other Ferraris were show stoppers. Not even close to what the F40 garners.

    * Conclusion: The feeling exceeded my expectations. I don’t see how it’s possible I will ever be without an F40. What an experience.

    Cheers!

    Tim
     
  2. zsnnf

    zsnnf Formula 3

    Sep 11, 2003
    1,877
    #2 zsnnf, Nov 21, 2006
    Great impressions. Thanks for sharing. The heart failure from boost to brakes had me rolling on the floor! But only because I knew all too well what you meant! LOL! Enjoy.

    Rick
     
  3. QWKDTSN

    QWKDTSN Formula Junior

    Oct 14, 2006
    373
    WA, USA
    Full Name:
    Steven Patch
    #3 QWKDTSN, Nov 21, 2006
    I'm so jealous! :) Congratulations! The F40 is, in my opinion, the ultimate Ferrari.
     
  4. Aedo

    Aedo F1 Rookie

    Feb 22, 2006
    3,616
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    #4 Aedo, Nov 22, 2006
    Agree!

    And great write-up, Thanks!
     
  5. x8664amd

    x8664amd Karting
    BANNED

    Jul 22, 2006
    103
    #5 x8664amd, Nov 22, 2006
    Congrats. Welcome to the F40 club!


    I do agree with you, however, that the brakes on F40 are very hard to manage during the first few runs. You'll soon get used to it though :)
     
  6. SSNISTR

    SSNISTR F1 Veteran

    Feb 13, 2004
    8,046
    SFL
    #6 SSNISTR, Nov 22, 2006
    +1.
     
  7. Remy Zero

    Remy Zero Two Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 26, 2005
    23,476
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    #7 Remy Zero, Nov 22, 2006
    wow..sounds like u had a fun day. did u buy the F40?
     
  8. Ermanno Claypool

    Ermanno Claypool Formula Junior

    Jul 31, 2006
    344
    Italy
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    Ermanno
    #8 Ermanno Claypool, Nov 23, 2006
    In my opinion too.

    Congratulations Tim....the Forty is irripetibile.
    Just irripetible.

    I'm jealous!!!!!!!
     
  9. DM18

    DM18 F1 Rookie

    Apr 29, 2005
    4,725
    Hong Kong
    #9 DM18, Nov 23, 2006
    Love your post. You really get it. Enjoy!!!!

    I picked up my F40 from the dealer yesterday. I had lent it to Ferrari to ship to Shanghai for the China launch of the 599 so I had not seen the car for a couple of months. I didn't miss the car at all while she was gone. I had to take my 599 in for a check so I thought it was a good time to pick up the F40. After 3 minutes driving home I decided to make a 1 hour detour via the airport and did a lot of what you are talking about - tunnels are the best for boost and pops!!! I have Tubi with no cats too.

    I can't recommend highly enough 18" OZ's and Brembo big brake kit. That is all you need to do to transform the car. Keep all of your original parts of course and it is so simple to bolt them back on. The 18" OZ's are absolutley acceptable even to a purist.
     
  10. McLaren_boy

    McLaren_boy Formula Junior

    Nov 21, 2003
    358
    ATL but NOLA is home
    Full Name:
    Jonathan
    #10 McLaren_boy, Nov 23, 2006
    Wow, awesome write-up! Recently having the privilege of riding along in an F40 on the track, I know what the boost is like, simply amazing, and utterly exhilarating! I thought I'd been in some fast cars before I rode in the F40, but I was completely wrong, nothing compares to the way the boost hits in the F40.

    When I rode in the passenger seat the legroom was very cramped, although I understand that the driver's side has more legroom? I'm about 6'2" and not that I'd be getting an F40 anytime soon, but just wondering, can someone 6'+ comfortably fit in the driver's seat?
     
  11. Scuderia-San-Antonio

    Scuderia-San-Antonio Formula 3

    Feb 27, 2005
    1,567
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    Wes
    #11 Scuderia-San-Antonio, Nov 24, 2006
    WORD!!
     
  12. GTE

    GTE F1 World Champ

    Jun 24, 2004
    10,117
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    Marnix
    #12 GTE, Nov 24, 2006
    At least the ultimate V8 midengined Ferrari, and that's still saying something. She truly is an automotive icon, still very relevant 20 years after her introduction. Remember that TopGear episode with Jeremy playing around with the Enzo, McLaren F1, Jaguar XJ220? He also picked the F40 as his favourite drivers car!
     
  13. RufMD

    RufMD F1 Rookie
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    Jan 31, 2004
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    #13 RufMD, Nov 24, 2006
    agree !
     
  14. Tipo815

    Tipo815 F1 Rookie

    Nov 1, 2003
    3,565
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    Jeffrey
    #14 Tipo815, Nov 24, 2006
    It is definately the ultimate E-ticket ride! I've owned many cars and the closest thing I can compare the F40 to is an older generation Porsche 911 Turbo (mid 80s) where there was turbo lag followed by a rush of acceleration (considerably greater rush in the F40! :))

    The car is amazing today amongst so many supercars. Imagine what it must have been like for enthusiasts back in the late 80's ... almost 20 years ago!! It is definately addictive. I think the F40's character is why it is more popular than the F50. Ferrari should have made the F50 twin turbocharged!

    For those that have a F40 ... we are truly lucky and blessed to have the opportunity to experience such a magnificent piece of machinery. For those who aspire to have one ... stay focused! It is well worth the effort and the wait!
     
  15. TimF40

    TimF40 Formula 3

    Nov 3, 2003
    1,035
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    Tim
    #15 TimF40, Nov 25, 2006
    Very, very, well said! - Tim :)
     
  16. Simon^2

    Simon^2 F1 World Champ

    Oct 17, 2005
    12,313
    At Sea Level
    #16 Simon^2, Nov 25, 2006
    Tim, Great write-up. Welcome to the club... The smile never diminishes!
     
  17. 410SA

    410SA F1 Veteran

    Nov 2, 2003
    8,511
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    #17 410SA, Nov 25, 2006
    Welcome to the worst day of your life in F40 ownership -it only gets better each time you drive it!
     
  18. 410SA

    410SA F1 Veteran

    Nov 2, 2003
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    #18 410SA, Nov 25, 2006
    Do you have a part or model # and widths of the 18 inch OZ's. I'd like an alternative set, in black, to my 18 inch HRE's.
     
  19. 134282

    134282 Four Time F1 World Champ
    BANNED

    Aug 3, 2002
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    Carbon McCoy
    #19 134282, Nov 25, 2006
    Tim, this is great, colorful and enjoyable insight to new F40 ownership... It sounds like you're very happy and I congratulate you... Thank you for sharing this experience with the rest of us...
     
  20. Heat Seeker WS6

    Heat Seeker WS6 Formula 3

    Nov 4, 2003
    1,704
    Milwaukee, WI
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    John G
    #20 Heat Seeker WS6, Nov 25, 2006
    I had the privillage to get a ride in my ex-boss' F40 several years ago and I can recall all the sensations and sounds of the ride still to this day. It was simply incredible! Though he's had his for several before my ride, and even through now, I know for a fact he still gets the biggest grin & giggles away when he's behind the wheel of it still. Enjoy yours just the same!
    One day.....
     
  21. RacerX_GTO

    RacerX_GTO F1 World Champ
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    Nov 2, 2003
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    Gabe V.
    #21 RacerX_GTO, Nov 25, 2006
    The car has a mission to headbunt the horizon. Enjoyed reading your experience! Speaking in modern terms, that is THE Ferrari of Ferrari's. Enjoy that beautiful car!
     
  22. Webby

    Webby F1 Veteran

    Sep 12, 2004
    6,821
    #22 Webby, Nov 25, 2006
    Great post Tim, I can only imagine what it must feel like, and congrats again!
     
  23. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 10, 2005
    100,220
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    #23 PAP 348, Nov 25, 2006
    Great read Tim. Thanks for sharing your F40 experience with us. Always great to hear from guys that own these supercars. Cheers. :):)
     
  24. DM18

    DM18 F1 Rookie

    Apr 29, 2005
    4,725
    Hong Kong
    #24 DM18, Nov 30, 2006
    No idea. Apparently there is only 1 set that are approved by the factory. I did mine along with the brakes at Bob Houghton. I will send you photos
     
  25. 410SA

    410SA F1 Veteran

    Nov 2, 2003
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    #25 410SA, Nov 30, 2006
    Thanks. Looking forward to them.
     
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