Testarossa handling | FerrariChat

Testarossa handling

Discussion in 'Boxers/TR/M' started by ferralc, Mar 12, 2024.

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  1. ferralc

    ferralc Formula 3 Owner

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    Question for the experts here. Is there a way to improve the handling of the testarossa to get a bit closer to a 512tr (but knowing the center of gravity is not as low)

    1) replacing rubber mounts (engine mounts, shocks, suspension arms, gearbox mounts) to improve stiffness?
    2) what about aftermarket shocks ??
    3) switching to 18 inch wheels would make a difference or it has nothing to do at all??
    Thanks



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  2. Hg007

    Hg007 Rookie

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

    ryalex Two Time F1 World Champ Consultant Owner

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    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.
     
  4. ferralc

    ferralc Formula 3 Owner

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    I do have new Michelin pilot sports on the original 16 wheels, it improved the feeling vs the13 year old tires I had before but I am wondering if 18 wheel tires with PS2 (which is the tire available along with some Conti extreme contact Sport 2) will make a log of difference vs original pilot sport
    It is not like PS2s (or the contis) are way better than pilot sports and they are both an older technology now
    The 295-35/235-40 will certainly be an improvement than 255-50/225-50 in traction footprint


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  5. lagunacc

    lagunacc F1 Rookie Rossa Subscribed

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  6. Billveloce

    Billveloce Rookie

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    Following with interest


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  7. Superaudiofreak

    Superaudiofreak Rookie

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    I was going to suggest something simular!
     
  8. flat-12

    flat-12 Formula Junior

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    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.
     
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  9. ferralc

    ferralc Formula 3 Owner

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    That is basically my question regarding tires (without maybe a suspension upgrade)
    If PS2s N0 rated tires are indeed way superior than the original Michelin pilot sports that I currently have, they are brand new as Coker are making them now but are obviously an older technology, it is not like a 4S or PSS5 vs Pilot sport comparison, that would be a no brainer, but PS2 have been produced for good 20+ years now.




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  10. Zeff

    Zeff Formula Junior

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

    ferralc Formula 3 Owner

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    It will not be able to enter any driveway haha


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  12. ChipG

    ChipG Formula 3

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

    lagunacc F1 Rookie Rossa Subscribed

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    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.
     
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  14. flat-12

    flat-12 Formula Junior

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    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 …
     
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  15. ryalex

    ryalex Two Time F1 World Champ Consultant Owner

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    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).
     
  16. flat-12

    flat-12 Formula Junior

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    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.
     
  17. ferralc

    ferralc Formula 3 Owner

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    Maybe I was so focused on the PS2 vs Pilot Sport (I always loved Michelin) that I completely ignored that the Continental Extreme Contact Sport 02 are available in such sizes in the Max performance summer category, they are 3rd place on tire rack ratings only surpassed by the PS4 and the Super Sports. This tire was release back in November 2022 so even though it is not a PSS5 it is way newer technology than a PS2 (which is ranked 8th on that same category)
    And the price is not bad at all.




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  18. Grease Donkey

    Grease Donkey Karting

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    +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...
     
  19. lagunacc

    lagunacc F1 Rookie Rossa Subscribed

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    WD40 is a bad idea.

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

    Grease Donkey Karting

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    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.
     
  21. lagunacc

    lagunacc F1 Rookie Rossa Subscribed

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    Short vs long term.

    Your car, your choice.
     
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  22. ferralc

    ferralc Formula 3 Owner

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    In what wheels? Width and offset??
    512tr stock wheels use 235/40 in 8J and 295/35 in 10.5 but require spacers cause they are 28.5mm (R) and 11.8 mm (F) more inside than the 16s.
    That’s why I see most aftermarket wheels using 8.5 and 10, but the right tires for that is 235/40 and 285/35, and in that size you can get PS4 or Bridgestone Sports.
    What are the specs of your wheels that you can use that wide tires without any issues ??


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  23. tbakowsky

    tbakowsky F1 World Champ Consultant Professional Ferrari Technician

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    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..
     
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  24. lagunacc

    lagunacc F1 Rookie Rossa Subscribed

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    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.
     
  25. Zeff

    Zeff Formula Junior

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    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.
     
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