512BBi questions... | FerrariChat

512BBi questions...

Discussion in 'Boxers/TR/M' started by Doody, Nov 14, 2003.

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  1. Doody

    Doody F1 Veteran

    Nov 16, 2001
    6,099
    MA USA
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    Mr. Doody
    i've been doing some research on these beasts.

    why are they so heavy?

    the 365 GT4/BB weighed in at 2,724lbs. the 512 BB hit the scales at 3,084lbs. but the 512 BBi clocks in at an impressively-higher 3,800lbs. these are "dry" weights off of FNA's site.

    why? that's a 13% increase from the 365 GT4/BB to the 512 BB; and then an additional 23% weight increase from the 512 BB to the 512 BBi.

    as you look at the three Testarossa evolutions, the car models get lighter as time goes on, not heavier :).

    a 512 BBi is a few hundred pounds heavier than a 550.

    obviously we've got different materials, etc. etc., but the numbers seem anomalously all over the map.

    doody.
     
  2. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 11, 2001
    25,035
    30°30'40" N 97°35'41" W (Texas)
    Full Name:
    Steve Magnusson
    I'd be willing to wager the first two are just typos/conversion errors/optimism ;), and 3,800 lbs for a BB512i sounds more like a US-converted curb weight (not a dry weight) if a US-version TR is ~3,660 lbs dry.
     
  3. tifosi

    tifosi F1 Veteran
    Lifetime Rossa

    Sep 5, 2001
    5,382
    texas
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    Tom D
    interesting - there was never a US version so I don't think its us versus europe comparision thing. as far a the 365 bb is concerned maybe since it came close to racing that they used extra light parts that probably were replaced with heavier stuff later???
     
  4. davem

    davem F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Jan 21, 2002
    8,210
    Stepford, Connecticut
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    dave m
    The early Boxers must have the wrong weight as the accleration times are all close throughout the series. Horsepower changed slightly but a 1000 lbs would be a huge gain in 0-60 times.
     
  5. Doody

    Doody F1 Veteran

    Nov 16, 2001
    6,099
    MA USA
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    Mr. Doody
    lord knows that FNA's web site has contained erroneous data before!

    so i downloaded the PDF user manuals off the owners site.

    the 365 GT4/BB manual lists "dry weight" as 2,722 lbs.

    the 512 BBi manual lists "kerb weight" as 3,484 lbs.

    in theory* the difference here (aside from changes to the car itself) would be a full tank of gas and all fluids topped up, all tools, spare, etc. the BBi tank is purportedly 110 litres, which comes to 183 lbs (just trust me - don't make me repeat what i just did to get that number!).

    so net-net, the delta is probably more like 400 lbs. still notable at a 15% increase given that you'd hope weight decreased over time, not increased.

    doody.

    * in 1995 the EC put in place a new official definition of "kerb weight" that includes a 90% full gas tank, all tools, spare, etc. 7kg of luggage and a 68kg peson - so be careful comparing "kerb weight" of cars from 1995 on to "kerb weight" of cars before that. sheesh.
     
  6. GaryReed

    GaryReed F1 Rookie

    Feb 9, 2002
    3,109
    Seattle
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    Gary
    Doody, I recently purchased a 1984 512BBi. According to the DOT/EPA papers that came with my car, Amerispec Inc. listed the "vehicle curb weight" as 3,460 with all of the emissions equipment already installed.
     
  7. parkerfe

    parkerfe F1 World Champ

    Sep 4, 2001
    12,887
    Cumming, Georgia
    Full Name:
    Franklin E. Parker
    From what I've read, the BB512i was quicker in acceleration than both the 365GT4BB and BB512 due to lower gearing . The 365GT4BB had a higher top end though.
     
  8. bobafett

    bobafett F1 Veteran

    Sep 28, 2002
    9,193
    Doody,

    You see the powers at work that are out to confuse you? ... Yes...just you! :D

    --Dan
     
  9. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 11, 2001
    25,035
    30°30'40" N 97°35'41" W (Texas)
    Full Name:
    Steve Magnusson
    Well, it took us ~2 years to figure out what was needed to put 328 non-abs wheels on a 308 -- think we can weigh an actual 365GT4/BB in less than a year?;)
     
  10. GaryReed

    GaryReed F1 Rookie

    Feb 9, 2002
    3,109
    Seattle
    Full Name:
    Gary

    Correction: I just noticed the Amerispec sticker on the drivers side door frame. It states: "Altered by Amerispec," Gross vehicle weight: 3,260 pounds. Front: 1,420 Rear: 1,840

    I'm really curious about what my car "really" weighs, since it's been on a strict European diet..... I may have to stop by one of those truck scales and see if they will weigh it for me. :)
     

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