Preparing to drive a Dino - any tips please?

I’m incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to drive a Dino 246 GT next month. I’m as nervous as I am excited. I learnt to drive quite late (8 years ago now) and have probably only ever driven 7 or 8 different cars including some rentals in the UK and abroad. I’ve never driven anything exotic. My current car is a very sensible Seat Leon and I used to have an MX-5, which I really miss.

I want to do a track day to get a bit more experience before jumping in the Dino. Does anyone have any recommendations of what I should go for - a modern Ferrari, something vintage, or something else? Any recommendations would be gratefully received!

 

My advice: don’t cloud the experience with anticipation.

Go, drive, savor, and enjoy. And then share your thoughts!

Matt

 

Matt, that’s perfect - thank you!! I’ve been really over-thinking it.

 

At the end of the day it drives more or less like any other car. If you haven’t driven a mid engine car before, I’d avoid pushing it to the limit lest you end up spinning like a top.

 

Driving a Dino is pretty straight forward. It isn't over-powered, so don't worry about breaking the rear tires loose. They handle very well. Unless you intend to challenge a bunch of curves in someone else's car, you'll have no problem. The only thing I advise is be prepared to pump the gas 3-4 times when starting. I always worried about flooding the engine, but that's not the case. Open the door, wrap the car around you and look forward to a very enjoyable drive.

 

Let the gearbox oil warm up (as per the manual) before pushing the car. The second gear synchro suffers the most wear. Many shift from first to third gear til the gearbox warms up. Good advice on any car really to let the engine and gearbox come up to temperature before running hard.

 

+1 the best advice

 

A Dino is delicate. When I drive my Dino I take my time. Take it slow. Let it warm up. Get used to the surroundings. I drive it with my fingertips. Make sure each gear engagement is slow, smooth and complete. You’ll start to feel the synchros of the gearbox as you delicately shift up and down. Remember 1st is to the left and down (dogleg). Treat a Dino like a violin and it will make beautiful music and it will give you great satisfaction unlike any other car.

 

Thanks, everyone! I remember the 2nd gear thing from what my relative has told me previously. I’m a musician so hopefully sensitive enough. At any rate, I reckon I’m more likely to be too gentle than too aggressive!

 

The Dino does respond to a light tough. However, there is a real difference between part throttle and full throttle. The engine revs freely and is happy being in upper rpms.

 

That’s good to know. It’s really cool to hear from people who own or have driven one.

 

How exciting. When is the day?

 

Small car - I have checked this out. Compare to Toyota GT86. Roughly the same length, /slightly narrower, a full 165mm lower (thats about 6 ins!) and 100-200kg lighter. Power? - about the same.
I don't think you have to prepare for it, just relax and enjoy it. And write to us about your experience afterward.

 

Bring your checkbook.

You will want to own one after the test drive.

 

Compare a Dino 246 GT... to a Toyota GT86???

All the best,
Andrew.

 

I like the Toyota GR86. Big difference to a Dino though. Kind of like comparing beer to a a vintage wine. A good beer though.

 

A week in the middle of next month.

 

Ooh, thanks for the tip! I’m going to try and relax and enjoy, and remember to post back here afterwards.

 

Pictures, we'll need pictures...

 

Charly, actually there is some preparation. Just to get in the car can be a slight chore for some. You want to sit your rear-end in first. Then to show your respect for the owner, you want to clap your shoes together to get off any dirt, leaves, etc. and then bring your feet in. Once you’ve got your seat belt on you can start the car. Starting the car is another area of preparation for a new driver, depending on whether the car is cold or hot. This has been covered in other threads so I wont bore you with the details. But you don't want to just start cranking the engine. Once started, follow everybody’s else’s instruction regarding 2nd gear.
And have a great time!

 

One more very important item - don't use the door pocket to close the door! Above, and slightly back from that lovely, interior door latch, is a small pocket you can put a couple of fingers into. Use that, the door pockets are too fragile.

 

And speaking of fragile ….. do not touch the 1/4 window latch. Actually ….. don't even look at it . It is very fragile and may end up in your hand.
Nervous yet?

 

My 1/4 window latches are in the glove box

 

And please empty your back pockets! Move everything to the front

enjoy!
Pietro

 

I find that I need to push the gear shift down - like as if I am trying to push it through the floor when I'm engaging

REVERSE

maybe others have a a different experience

but I gently push down as I shift down looking for reverse

somedays it's a little harder than others to find

my 2 cents