Well guys, my upgrades were finally completed by Algar and the results are dramatic! If you look back at my pre-installation thread, I was having the performance, handling and exhaust upgrades installed. The difference in handling and feel is dramatically better on normal roads. The gear shifts are much better too (albeit only 15-20ms faster than the GTB). The stance of the car is hard to distinguish from the GTB but they only lowered it .6 of an inch. The rubber (pzero corsa) is a vast improvement! The exhaust is wonderful! Many warned me it wouldn't be distinguishable from the standard exhaust. The note bellows much nicer than the GTB and in the mid-rpms is where it really stands out. Just enough noise for me!! The handling and turn in issues were what sparked my initial desire to make this change. Having owned mostly mid-engined Ferraris (except for my 575M) and most recently owning a 458, the need for a more nimble feel was vital. This upgrade meets that plateau for me! I posted a few pictures. Algar kept me up to speed all throughout the process and even sent pictures to me with progress! It was about a 22 hour job. Go for it guys!! Joe Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Joe, Congrats on the kit..!!! I was waiting to see what you thought..I have my 07 set to go in by the end of this month..Iam just getting the handling part of the HGTE kit and I already have the HGTE wheels which I really like...As far as exhaust I think Iam going to go with Fabspeed straight pipes that get rid of the secondary cats..I will leave the original muffs. on as it should give me a better(read/louder) exhaust note and I should even pick up a few horses... It would be nice to hear a clip of your car if you get a chance but if not enjoy anyway, sounds like it worked out great for you...Kevin
Joe- She looks great and it is easy to see that 0.6" (15 mm) lowering. The exhaust looks good with the typical HGTx double walled tailpipes that make them much easier to keep clean. 85 ms is quick shifting. Mine does it in 220 ms. Enjoy driving her. Now all you need are GTO wheels and some lucky 612 owner can inherit your monolitics (for a fee, naturally). Taz Terry Phillips
Kev and Taz, thanks for the note. I'll try to post audio this weekend. Taz, I absolutely love my rims but I'm conflicted because the gto rims are really aggressive. I don't want the car to be a poser though (a GTO wannabe). What do you think?
Joe, Your 599 looks smokin hot! Looks like you are finally warming up to red Ferraris? I can tell its been lowered and the stance looks menacing. I will be taking a ride to West Chester soon for your C&C and hope to see your 599 in person Again congrats and good luck..looks awesome
Joe- I do not think there is such a thing as a poser $380K 599, but you would have to make a lot of cosmetic changes besides wheels to begin faking a GTO, like the front grille and other F&R trim pieces. Not only do the GTO wheels look great, they are 1.5" wider front and 1/2" wider rear (9.5" and 11.5") and will contribute measurably to handling and braking, especially if fitted with the new Michelin Super Sports. The 599 was always under-wheeled and under-tired for the power and weight. An equivalent ZR1 Corvette has 10J x 19 F and 12J x 20 R wheels, considerably wider than the 8J x 20 and 11J x 20 wheels fitted to 599s (8.5J x 20 F HGTE) and even wider than the GTO wheels. Bad news is the GTO wheels are expensive. But they are worth it. Taz Terry Phillips
