the biggest issue with the F1 is reversing. The ratio for reverse is taller than 1st. I use the "abrupt clutch" mode in reverse (pull and hold the left paddle after selecting the gear, a "+" appears on the dash gear display) but it's very hard to reverse up any sort of an incline without lots of clutch slip and consequent shortened clutch life. Leaving the 'box is sport mode reduces slip significantly on 1st gear takeoffs, but makes you sound like ****** with the throttle blips as you slow for every traffic light. Apart from that, the F1 is definitely less work in traffic and shifts are very fast if you have your boot in above 5000rpm - not that that is a smart thing to do around town in just about any Ferrari. Greg, did you get an SD2 reading on your clutch wear from CM? When you hit 70% wear it starts selecting neutral on upshifts, but Sal at Racing Red can tweak the ECU to delay that.
To avoid slipping , do not feather or stab at the acelerator. Either accelerate or don't and the clutch will fully engage or disengage. If you are on a hill in very slow traffic , let the traffic move ahead and then move on . If you try to creep with the traffic then you will fry the clutch in no time. Probably not a good idea to reverse uphill at all unless absolutely necessary. A little forward planning usually avoids the issue.
I must say, I'm quite enjoying sounding like ******, more than usual Clutch wear was at 50% so I'm starting to look around for pricing on parts already I'm taking it to FMS for a major next Monday. They quoted $1500 for the annual service and another $2000 for the cambelt service. I'll drop it off on my way to work and they will provide a car for me to use at no extra charge. Should be ready for pick up on Thursday. Seemed ok pricing to me plus the added convenience of a car to use as well as having it done in a few days seemed a no brainer compared to the workshops I've used in the past. Hopefully it will be a positive experience
Yes, I worked that out in the first few weeks, while the car had it's original (worn out, thanks again PP ) clutch. I also learned not to change down to 1st in slow uphill corners - the clutch hates that. Leave it in 2nd, a 575 will pull a house off it's foundations in 2nd gear
X-pipe with MM rear boxes. No mufflers at all really, beyond the cats. Surprisingly civilised at light throttle.
I'd like to find a pair of factory sports rear boxes - then I'd have factory appearance but lots more sound.
If you want it to be loud and sound like an old school F1 check out the headers made by member F1 Eengineering in the 575 section. Sounds amazing.
The wrecker in Adelaide sold a pair of HGTC boxes a couple of months ago. Keep an eye on Ebay they do pop up in US or Germany.
Good advice. I have done something like 175,000 km's in various old school automated manuals in a BMW, Maseratis and Ferraris. Never had to replace or do any work on a clutch in all that mileage. It's all about how you drive them. If you know how they work and exercise some mechanical sympathy they are as good as a normal manual in terms of clutch life.
Possibility of some parts being available for a 575 if anyone is interested in putting an order in. https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/456-550-575-sponsored-bradan/491899-575-part-out.html
that's it, no reach-arounds for Greg on the GG! My own fault, I said the fateful words, "whatever you do don't tell PP", and sure enough he couldn't resist!
I didn't say anything about happy or unhappy....I said he's embarrassed, as he well should be. GG is going to be very interesting this year.