Testarossa handling

Great question - i am interested in the responses as well. thanks, hg

 

Going from the 16" wheel to an 18" with new modern tires made my steering much better. Still a little softer in the center than I would like.

 

https://pdf.sciencedirectassets.com/282606/1-s2.0-S2211812814X00027/1-s2.0-S2211812814000583/main.pdf

 

Following with interest


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I was going to suggest something simular!

 

I would stay original - it‘s a classic Ferrari, not a modern performance car for the race track.

Switching to 18 inch wheels is the best way to improve the handling without any big modifications. There are Ferrari rims for the 512 Tr, aftermarkt wheels that look like the original style 16 Inch rims and many other …

Modern tires are a great improvement in handling. I highly recommend to use the Porsche N0 specification tires! These tires are available in the same size of the 512 Tr and the best choice because of the weight distribution is quite equal to the Porsche 911.

 

I wonder how easy it is to lower the car slightly?

 

yes and new disk brake upgrades, there is thread here and I can send some info but mine is 15 years old.

 

The TR lies at an inflection point and clearly attracts both people who appreciate for what it is and those seeking to modernize/transform it.

 

Some Porsche 997 used the tire size the Ferrari 512 Tr had (235/40 zr 18 and 295/35 zr 18).

Porsche started production of the 997 in 2004. So that tires are developed 20 years ago. The Testarossa was produeced from 1984, so the „original“ tires are 40 years old - hugh step.

If you really want modern tires it’s a pity, you could use Michelin PS 4s in the Front and Michelin Pilot Super Sport for the rear.

Maybe the new Michelin PS5 will be availible un the right size …

 

I've got 18" P-zeroes, not my favorite as I use Michelin PS4 on all of my sports cars, but much better than the 16" it had (they were Bridgestone AFAIK).

 

I bought two or three years ago a new set of Bridgestone RE050 (N0 Porsche spec) in 235/40 zr18 and 295/35 zr18 for the Testarossa, when I was told that this tires/sizes will no longer be availible; don‘t know if that is true. Not a big Bridgestone fan, but this tire works very well on the Testarossa. The first set of this Bridgestone tires was fine and so is the second one. Don‘t know/like the Pirelli, i prefered the Bridgestones, but the Pirelli will also improve handling.

No comparison with the original 16 inch tires!!!

Perhaps somebody with good relation to Porsche could ask for a recommendation - i still hope that this tire size will be produced by Michelin (PS5) in near future again. There were so many 997 produced.

 

+1 for 18 inch wheels with appropriate tires.

I'm using Michelin Pilot Super Sport 295/35 ZR18 (103Y) XL and Michelin Pilot Super Sport 245/35 ZR18 92Y XL.

The performance is quite nice. You don't get distanced too much by modern F-cars on curvy apline roads.

The track geometry is changed in the 18 inch set-up however leading to slight changes in direction when accelerating or braking. Nothing scary though.

PS: rubber mounts should be treated with silicone, WD40 or else on a regular basis in order not to fully dry up...

 

WD40 is a bad idea.

ATE Plastilube is safe for rubber and plastic, although I've seen comments that it swells rubber also.

 

If WD40 is a bad idea or not may depend on various factors (such as the quantity used). At least per technical data sheet and my experiences in the past few years it's safe to use... Source: https://wd40.co.uk/data-sheets/

After a treatment of the rubbers with lubricant there was always a significant handling improvement.

 

Short vs long term.

Your car, your choice.

 

The Testarossa is a cement mixer. It's great on the long stretch highway run. Track use..defiantly not.

A good rim.and tire change is definitely an improvement. But it will never solve the cars problems.

That big ol engine sitting on top of the gearbox..raising the center of gravity, and the rear sub-frame section, never mind the weight of the knock-off hub and rotor assembly..you really question what Ferrari was thinking when they designed the car.

I really like the TR..but honestly it's a real truck to drive..

 

Compared to what.

Not lightweight, but easy to drive, more nimble than you make it sound, and the majority of us will run into our own limitations before the car's.

 

Great points. Also I get a kick out of the way some perceive these older cars. Never once considering the era in which they were made. It’s like they made the car yesterday and some how were complete idiots.