New 08 / 430 Spider Owner with pics ... Glad to join !!!

Hello everyone ...

I know its not official until you see pictures ... (scroll down)

Now to the questions:

Unless am reading the wrong manual, which is the only one I can find on ferraridatabase.com and only for 2006 spider models, the manual provides very little information about proper up/down shifting the F1 system (other than keeping your foot on the paddle). either ways:

1. Are there any known RPM sweet spots for up and down shifting? I noticed when in Auto mode and taking it easy on the throttle, the factory had it configured to up shift at around 3,500 rpms, and generally anywhere between 3,000 and 4,000 rpm the shifts seem very smooth and it feels very much like a 6 speed manual.

However at higher RPM's (above 4,000) the shift seems a bit more harsh on the drivetrain to the point where I thought am doing it wrong or missing the sweet spots, this is a bit confusing to me since am new to sports cars

2. What sort of RPM range is considered safe, at times I feel like keeping it between 6,000 and 8,000 rpm, is this totally safe for extended periods of time? Moreover, how high can I go? 8K? 9K? More?!!

Would appreciate your feedback, would also like to hear what you've been doing and how things have been working out for you.

Thanks in advance
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Beautiful. Love the color combo and wheels.

 

Congrats on the spider, I love the color combo as well. Drive the car as you would a regular manual. Redline is 8500 rpms so this is as high as you can go. Driving between 6-8k rpms for extended periods of time will cause extra wear on the engine. When driving "normally" I typically keep it at about 3-5k rpms. I don't really know if there is a sweet spot to shift, but the gear changes seem much quicker in the higher rev range. Avoid inclines and hills, especially in reverse.

There are literally about 100 threads on the F1 shifting techniques. You will find even more information than you thought was available. Some even have various ways of coming to a stop light/sign. (down shifting yourself, letting the car do it, or putting it in neutral) Enjoy the car.

 

congradulations.. amazing combination..

put your foot fully down, and go... the car meant to be driven like that.. haha ...

j/k..
I used to drive mine with auto gear off, going 30-50% on the throttle, i shift at 3500-4500rpm ... that way you don't put pressure on the clutch.
make sure you always put the car on sport mode, sometimes use race if there is no car besides you..you will have fun... forget snow mode and the one next to it, whatever it called. they kill the clutch... and never use CST off! you just don't..

don't put your foot little bit on the accelerator if you get stuck in traffics, just let the car in front of you moves a bit, and go like 10-20% throttle at once, and stop..

nothing will happen if you don't follow what i said above, but your clutch life time will decrise..

good luck and enjoy it..
man i just missed my F430....

 

Silver with red looks great! Congratulations.

 

Welcome! Beautiful car, enjoy!!

 

Congrats ... Great looking car !!! I am not an expert, but I'll tell you my experience and what I like. I have only owned my red 08 F1 spider for 9 months. I had many of the same questions after getting mine... After about 1 months I did the following and every got much more fun.

1. Removed plexiglass wind deflector... Better visibility, looks better and still no wind noise.
2. never drive it in auto ... It's just more fun !
3. Disconnected exhaust valve... The sound is more consistent and more intoxicating.
4. Put the mannetino in race and never touch it.... Unless the roads are wet or very bumpy.
5. Let the car warm up before letting the RPM exceed 4000.
6. When warm shift at whatever rpm you like... Music gets better the higher you go
7. Drive it often and have fun... Enjoy it

 

Thanks folks, your feedback is greatly appreciated.

 

Congratulations and welcome. Beautiful car. I worried excessively the first few weeks of ownership, but now I treat it as any other car. I drive and enjoy it. Driving it hard won't hurt it. On the contrary, it likes it and wants to go fast. You'll see.

 

Nice Spider! I really love the silver with the rear carbon segment

 

Me, too. Bold interior. Like it.

 

Welcome and congrats! What a beauty.

 

Very very nice!! Congratulations

 

Congrats man!! That's a pretty car. I love the interior.

 

What an amazing car!
Very unusual combination and it works fantastically!
Enjoy she is gorgeous

 

Congrats and welcome to the club!! Love the carbon back, wheels and the color of the top which is quite unique. Enjoy in good health.