Diablo

Took a 5.7 standard 93 2wd Diablo for a test drive the other day and while the car was nice, there were 2 things that stood out that I would like a bit of advice on.

Firstly, the engine seemed down on power compared to where the Diablo 5.7 should be. Acceleration should be in the early 4's but this was slower than my Ferarri 355, it seemed in the early/mid 6's, is that right? Felt like it was 100kw down from were it should be, do these engines suffer serious power losses over time??

I also noticed power would taper off around 5300 rpm's, is this right? Surely it should rev into the 7's with power all the way up? While the lamborghini's engine is obviously much rougher than a Ferraris, there is a lot of shudder and the odd backfiring every 10 secs or so...is this right?

Secondly, the clutch also seemed to have a problem (they need to fix it). You couldn't pull off whith out riding it, so as not to prevent stall. Even while doing this it would still sometimes go into a shudder and jerk forward.

Wont you guys give me some honest feedback here, as this is a great car and I want it. But before I send it for a PPI, I would just like to know what is normal and what is not on these early Diablos (93).

What else should I look for when I go for my next test drive?

Thanks in advance.

 

Something's definetly wrong with the car. Acceleration should be on f430 level.... What diablo where you looking at, it's a very small market so if you post info about the specific car someone can probably give you most of the cars back story?

 

Im not in the states, but I agree that performance should be up there with a F430.

Thanks DiabloTerr, anything else I should look out for?

 

If you aren't a do-it-yourselfer, or own a shop, don't buy any Diablo that doesn't blow you away after a test drive. If you have concerns about how the car runs or how the clutch is behaving, skip this car and find another! The engine should accelerate so hard and smoothly (without any backfiring, (except on the overrun - with aftermarket exhaust)) that is scares you. The clutch should work in the traditional sense, just like a clutch on a Mustang or any other stick-shift car. You could spend a fortune repairing the clutch on a Diablo, and another fortune getting it to run right! Just my opinion....

 

When purchasing an older car, a detailed PPI from a qualified mechanic is your best friend.

Good luck with the search.

 

car should run to 7000 rpm and be much faster than a 355
the one you tested is not running right

 

Power should kick in, not taper off, around 4500rpm. To get the most out of the car you need to keep the rpms high, which is difficult to do since the drive-train is geared so tall. 7000rpm in 2nd gear is beyond the speed limit anywhere in the USA.

 

I agree there is something wrong with that car , Diablos are beasts,powerful and rev-happy,they are powerful from 1000 to 8,000 rpm , smooth and powerfull. if the car was not then stay away, ( especially if its being sold for top dollar)

 

no cels?
Down on power sounds like it should have cel illuminated

 

Assuming the wires aren't cut.

-mick

 

yes, no cells.

Found out that the clutch is a kevlar racing clutch...so that explains the lack of ease of use..lol

Ive just asked the main lamborghini guy to do a full PPI.

Thanks for the advice guys...nothing like getting confirmation and advice from other owners to tell you exactly what should happen with a car, rather than the excuses of the sales-staff before a purchase.

 

i actually purchased a diablo where the car was sold with ppi and paid for fixes with the right cel light disconnected.
turns out i needed a coolant sensor which was hard to diagnose without the cel.
same symptoms as ops

 

The Kevlar clutch makes the clutch easier to use. I love it in mine.

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyAUxLFR04Q&list=PLcAFCEDZU39xYLamb1NBGW_14DrieamN2]1991 Lamborghini Diablo - Jay Leno's Garage - YouTube[/ame]

 

Two 1991 Diablos sold at no reserve for identical$101,750 so I guess that is the current market price. With the recent run up in Countach prices, maybe I should consider a Diablo?

Auctions America - Auburn Fall

 

Great time to buy, enjoy, and hold. I doubt they will get any cheaper than what your seeing now. JMO

 

Those hammered at $92,500, so the $101,750 is the full price with the buyer's premium.

 

The car is not running right for sure. These engines are rather rev happy, compared to other engines in the same ccm category. At 5000-7000 the engine really come alive. Rev limit is at 7550rpms, where the engine cuts out.

Of throttle spitting and burbling is normal on these cars, and sounds cool On throttle it should be very smooth.

If you really want to make sure the car you are testing is performing and running right, you could do a simple accleration/G measurement. An early Diablo should be able to do 0-100mph at around 9sec, AND pull absolutly clean without any stubling and missing from 45mph i 5th gear with WOT.

Also make sure both L an R check engine lights come on with the ignition on.

 

Anyone know the yellow 91 on ebay?

1991 Lamborghini Diablo Base Coupe 2-Door 5.7L NO RESERVE

$86k

 

That car has been for sale for over a year.
You will need a thorough PPI, before handing over any money