Radio issues on Superamerica

Hi,

I just found this forum. (Actually, I am new to any forum.) I have a Superamerica I was lucky enough to get to order the way I wanted it. I don't use the radio often but since new it has had issues with the radio. The original radio/navigation is no longer in the car and the dealer installed one without the navigation option (apparently couldn't find a replacement). The rear subwoofer was changed once. Now the driver door speaker is also gone. The dealer states they are no longer available and is trying to locate one. I am more concerned that there might be other issues underlying these problems. The car also eats batteries. (Three to date, even with the charger on when not in use.)
Should I be concerned or continue driving with no worries?
Thank you for any ideas or responses.

 

Jose- You might check with Scott and see if he has any thoughts. A Ferrari lover who owns a stereo shop and has done tons of work on Ferraris.

La Jolla Audio
Scott Cairncross
5161 Santa Fe Street Ste B
San Diego, CA 92109
858-581-6545
858-581-0360

 

Hi tazandjan,
Sure appreciate the quick response and info. Will call him next week.
BTW, related to another thread, the screen in my air scoop is a kind of bright, not shinny, grey metal, the screen for the cooler behind the driver's door is gloss black and the car is white. Again thank you.

 

Jose- Definitely different color from the 575Ms, which are pretty much black.

Not good that she eats batteries. Have someone do an absorption test for you to see if she is draining through a short or bad connection. Should be around 40 ma or less. Mine does not need to be on a maintainer at all and lasts at least a month and will still start. Once you know you have a problem, a good tech should be able to isolate it. Do the normal things first like making sure the battery ground cable and battery connectors are snug. Maranellos are not normally rough on batteries unless the alternator is going, so I would expect the same from a Superamerica, even if you do have a couple more big motors in there. Something like a top microswitch misaligned could be pulling current all the time.

 

Hi Taz,
She gets 29mA absorption according to the repair order, so I guess it is ok. Batteries can be finicky. I've had some that last and last, others fail after 1-2 years. ? I'll be sure to include with the radio conversation. As to the color, people usually do a double take when they see the shields. Jose

 

Jose- Not leaking current then, at that reading. Good news. Odyssey makes an overkill battery that fits the Superamerica (and Maranellos). It is the 34R-PC1500, but it takes a more powerful battery maintainer to keep happy if she is off the road a lot. Good news is it is an AGM (absorbed glass mat) battery and can be deep discharged dozens of times without affecting the battery. Older, pre-lithium rechargeable tools came with lead acid AGM batteries that do not care about orientation and to not leak.

 

Hi Taz,
Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my questions and offer suggestions. I am glad I found this website.

 

Hi Taz,
For your list: VIN ZFFGT61A450143106, Assy. No. 60397
Jose

 

Jose- Thanks, will add her to the list. Assume she is F1 and does she have FHP or HGTC?

 

I have not measured the current draw on mine, but I have had issues with long u driven periods leading to roof issues. I've been told by service that the roof mechanism is very sensitive to current, which at least would fit the story. I keep a battery tender all the time now. I just installed the lead such that it does out of the wiper area to the left (where the battery is) such that it is easy to plug and unplug.

FWIW the radio is a sore point for me. I've put in aftermarket but that woofer is a complete waste of effort. Not engh of a chamber, I think.

Mario

 

Taz, she is F1 and HGTC for handling, Daytona seats and carbon fiber trim for comfort.

 

Hi Mario,
I have been very disappointed with the radio sounds. I agree with you that the cabin enclosure is too small to get good acoustics from the system. ( I had ordered the high powered radio and wish I had not now.) At the time I had a Maranello and it sounded way better. More room behind the seats.
As to charging, I use the factory battery maintainer but I am going to use it only a day or two before I know I am going to use the car instead of all the time the car is not used.
Thanks for the reply. Appreciate the input. Jose

 

Jose- Just the way I would want mine. Looking forward to seeing some photos. Here she is in the list.
View attachment 575M 575 SA VIN and Assembly Numbers Rev 2.37.doc

 

Thanks. Love it. I have tried to attach some images. I hope they go with this response.
Jose
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Jose- Wow, that is really pretty. Bianco Avus with Beige. Great combination. Work keeping the lower part clean, I bet, but worth it. Funnily, white paint does not show dirt very much.

 

Hi Taz,
Thank you . I love the car. It is quite a handful when you step on it.
Jose

 

Jose that is absolutely gorgeous. Always love white on Ferraris.

 

Hi gsjohnson,
Thanks. It is becoming more common, at least down here in Miami.
Jose

 

Hopefully there will be one more down there this year or next! 😄

 

Jose- Here is what they did to the engine to get 540 hp out of her. Basically they hot-rodded it, but with mods only a factory would normally tackle. Simple translation: shaved block for 11.2:1 compression; exhaust valve seat angle in the head widened, which sunk the valves and required shorter exhaust valves; camshafts advanced 6 degrees; and intake runners and head ports increased in diameter for more flow.
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Hi Taz,
Thank you for the spec sheets. I had thought that the increase in power was due to software/programing changes. It appears that they also did some old time performance enhancements (shaving blocks, porting runners, adjusting the compression chamber, valve size, etc.). As a teenager (some moons ago), I used to dabble building chevy v-8s for the track (drag). Back then the cars had no electronics at all, even the ignitions were points and condensers, fuel injection was mechanical and such. Thanks for bringing back the memories.

 

Jose- I had hot-rodded Corvettes in the 60s and 70s, so have CC'd a few heads in my time. My 67 427/390 was running a ZL-1 cam, Edelbrock high riser, and a Holley 850 cfm double pumper. Plus Hooker headers dumping straight into factory side pipes. Got around 6 mpg, even with a 3.36 rear end.

 

Hi Taz,
Love it. Now you really did it.
I raced a 66 396 Vette w12.5 compression that mirrored yours. (had a 5.14 rear for the 1/8, never figured mpg. but it was quick!) I now have a 66 427/390 Coupe, no racing, just taking care of it for the next generation.
Jose
PS. the SA is another matter, altogether from another galaxy.

 

Jose- I had 10 all total, starting with a 61 283/230 and ending with an 08 Z06, which I traded towards the 575M in 08 with only 537 miles on the Z06. Had a 63 327/360, too. Z28 racing cam and side pipes. 5 Z06s, too, but the only thing I did to them was Ultimate Pedals and rearranging the relationship between gas and brake pedals so I could heel and toe.

 

H Taz,
"Uncle, uncle. I give." Only 5.
Jose