Countach, the ultimate supercar

1982 LP500S resident in Israel, often used, videoed and imaged there.
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How can you tell from that front view that it's an '82?

 

Love it.
I always like the side draft carbs.
I wonder how much power You can make with modern pistons, conrods, port polished heads, cams, header exhaust etc.
A two valve 5.0 boxer BB can make up to 470 hp if tuned properly.

 

I happen to know this particular car (formerly resident in the UK), otherwise, from that frontal image, it could be anything from a 1981 LP400S S3 to a 1984 LP500S.

 

Front track on an LP400S S3 is narrower than on a 5000S.
Here is an S3 for comparison....
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Anyone know at what point the LP400S front track was increased to be the same specification as used on the LP500S?

LP400S S3 1121316 & 1121358 for comparison.
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A few more of LP400S S3 1121316 restored to factory specification showing front track.
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Joe...so some S3's have the wider front track as 500S?

Brian

 

Yes.

As with many Lamborghini production upgrades in that period (for both Miuras & Countachs), they did not occur neatly with the commencement of the new variant.

 

Yes I thought the late LP400S was externally very similiar (practically identical, excluding badges of course).

I should have known that there can't be too many Miura/Countach cars you're unfamiliar with!

 

Thanks Joe.
I am always learning on these forums.

Brian

 

It's a safe bet that an S1 and S2 had the narrow track.

Once Mimran acquired Lamborghini, he set about making the Countach more useable, they raised the roof, increased the ride-height and also increased the front track, the latter likely to combat push-understeer.

I just can't say exactly when this was done, but it was done.

So far, we know LP400S S3 1121316 & 1121358 have the LP500S track, as does 1121374 http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/lamborghinichat-com-sponsored-cats-exotics/509160-lp400-s3-1121374-nut-bolt-restoration.html and indeed 1121320 (below) so it stands to reason that somewhere early in the 11213xx range this was done.
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Probably old hat to the likes of Joe but in Pistonheads, under classics and yesterdays heros and on page 330 of the "period" pic thread is a photo of Bob at Monaco which i have not seen before but then i have recurring brain fade. Not the best shot no doubt but evocative enough for me to wish i had been there.... i would post a link but i dont know how.

 

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=140&t=686153&i=6580

The photo of the LP500 already had been posted here, but it is very nice, as is the "period" pic thread mentioned by you. Thank you for that.

 

Had to chime, there are some REALLY good photos in that link. Especially the Stratos parallel to the Urraco line.

 

The same location last year...
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Yes, indeed.

 

Depending on how far you want to go, I believe you can get there. I have done some analysis on a 5000S and see 453 hp is not to hard to achieve. Once you get above approximately 410 hp the 45 DCOE's start to limit the airflow so you will need 50 DCOE's. The exhaust ports also start to become a problem, they start to need some extensive porting to keep up once you get above 450 hp. However it is possible to work around this with a longer duration cam. My analysis used a shorter duration cam than stock but with more lift and oversized valves. You will also need to increase the displacement or accept a red line over 8000 RPM to get to 470 hp. I would have to do some more analysis to give more specific information, but those are some of the issues I see. Overall I do not see anything that cannot be overcome.

Cheers Jim

 

https://www.facebook.com/carthrottle/videos/1691328697544840/

The car in question is an LP500S, ZA9C00500ELA12675 to be specific, delivered February 1984.
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Triple Bianco ELA12675 imaged on the road in London
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Wow. Crazy, but still neat.

 

Lift by straps and not chains? Brave, very brave.

Straps are strong, but chains are MUCH safer.

 

Straps have an ability to absorb a bit of shock during movement.

They also have a lower potential of damaging paint if there is incidental contact with the paint/body.

 

Reminds me of this one.
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMWg5SLenu8[/ame]

 

Portman Lamborghini London 1983 Ad noting their George Street showroom.
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