Hi All, I plan on doing the vast majority of the maintenace on my 355 myself. However, because it is an F1, there appear to be several items that require the use of an SD 1. For instance, replacing the clutch and then bleeding it correctly calls for the use of an SD1. Is this for real, or is there a way around this. The main reason for asking is that an SD1 on ebay is over $16000.00 USD. Neil
There are ways that the clutch can be bled without one but there are several steps required in informing the TCU (Trans Control Unit) that a new clutch has been installed so that it can reevaluate the throw out bearing position at rest and with clutch disengaged. It can be ignored but then we hear all sorts of complaints of poor clutch operation and poor life. Well thats why. If you are going to work on them and well you need the right tools, simple as that. When I left the dealer to open my own shop I did not even look for a building until I had secured the SD's. I just did not need one until I had the other.
I agree with your point, there's no point me doing it if I can't do it right. I guess I'll look to see if there are any better deals going for an SD1, I presume its the Ferrari Module that is expensive, as I know the Lotus Esprit using the SD1 also. Until I can get one, I guess I'll just have to be selective on what I undertake. Neil
SD1 translates to Systema Diagnosi Uno. It is proprietary to Ferrari. If it says or does something else it is not an SD1. The items on Ebay are a replacement for them. No one else is offering them at any price that I know of. Real original SD1's are very very rare. SD2 with SD1 capable software will be about the same price if you can find one and an SD3 can allegedly do SD1 functions as well but they cost quite a bit more. For the few times as an owner you will need it just pay someonethat has one.
For US$16K,you may as well open a workshop and charge the SD1 out to make your money back on it. Thats alot of money to spend,when you will probably never use it.
After 1995 wouldn't you need an SD2 anyway ? One thing you could do is befriend a Ferrari tech/shop and use it when you need it - I know the shop I use would allow me to utilize it - since they do a lot for me when I don't have the time, skills or tools. Probably would have to go the independent route - most dealers probably would not allow it..
Presumably then, I am mistaken about the SD1 being used elsewhere, no wonder it is so bloody expensive. Thanks for the correction. Neil
Presuming that it's legal to monitor data communications with your own car, you won't need to buy an SD1 (leasing or borrowing 1 time would suffice) because you can scan it and then sell/return it. Go here: http://www.flache.de/Download/Shareware/SerialSnifferE/body_serialsniffere.html That serial data sniffer puts your PC in between the SD1 (or SD2) and your car. It watches all of the data traffic from the SD1, then transmits that to your car. This lets your PC see the commands that the SD1 gives your car. Then it watches all of the data traffic from your car and transmits it back to the SD1. This acts as though the SD1 is simply connected to your car. The PC is invisible to the SD1 process. In the meantime, your PC records everything. By using the SD1 for one application at a time (e.g. clutch initial position setting) you can record the signals that the SD1 sends for that activity...and you can play it back later directly from your PC. Your car doesn't care if your PC or an SD1 sends a command, after all. Thus, you can train your PC to do each SD1 step. After enough training, your laptop will do everything that the SD1 will do. At this point you can sell/return your borrowed SD1. Image Unavailable, Please Login
I understand that the SD1,SD2, SD3 tools are complicated. But I find it a little bit odd that no one has come up with a less costly solution for us who want to do some of the work on the car of our own.
Hi Neil - I have one of your awesome exhausts on my Esprit S4s. Feel like doing the same for a 355? Check your PMs - if you have the time I'd love your personal impressions of the 355 vs Esprit.
It may let you see the bytes going to and from the car but it won't tell you what byte means what. Without a description of the protocol you are in for a looooooooong process unless it's trivial or nearly so. Use ODB1 Esprit owners have a fantastic shareware tool called "Freescan" that a gentleman in the UK developed. He had a huge leg up because the ODB1 Esprits used a GM ECU with a well known interface.
That's very true. To know what each command means, you'll have to pay attention to the SD1 when scanning. And even that won't break it down to the byte level. But, by capturing on your PC all of the information that the SD1 sends (and any subsequent hand-shaking and data coming back from your f-car ecus) for a "clutch initial position" command, you will be able to program your PC to resend that same information at a later time. The ECUs on our Ferraris don't care if a PC or SD1 is sending batches of information/commands, after all.
Brian S. Is this THE Brian S???? I was hoping you did have one. I was going to call and try to borrow it when the time came, lol. MFennell, thanks for the comments on the Esprit exhaust. i thought about doing one for the 355, but it is alot more complicated and unlike the Esprit, there are several options already available for the 355, Tubi, Capristo etc. I'll drop you a line tonight about the 355/Esprit comparison. Neil
