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Building a poor man’s 575 FHP in 2025

Discussion in '456/550/575' started by Geoff_kg, Aug 23, 2025.

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  1. Geoff_kg

    Geoff_kg Rookie

    Jun 23, 2019
    48
    Boston
    Full Name:
    Geoffrey S.
    #26 Geoff_kg, Aug 26, 2025
    Thank you, this is great information. I will see about acquiring a master RED fob as soon as I can. These odd technological quirks of older Ferraris are definitely something I’m not familiar with.

    Im also on the hunt for a workshop manual pdf or ROM.
     
  2. tazandjan

    tazandjan Three Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jul 19, 2008
    39,324
    Clarksville, Tennessee
    Full Name:
    Terry H Phillips
    #27 tazandjan, Aug 26, 2025
    Geoff- She is really pretty. Those parking sensors are not on any factory option list. How do you use them, video or strictly audio? There were all kinds of non-standard options owners could request, but as someone mentioned, that is a new one on me.

    Contact Mark and discuss the fob situation and see if the PIN code is in the owners manual packet. Info here on Mark's site: ferrarifobs.com
     

    Attached Files:

    Geoff_kg likes this.
  3. Geoff_kg

    Geoff_kg Rookie

    Jun 23, 2019
    48
    Boston
    Full Name:
    Geoffrey S.
    #28 Geoff_kg, Aug 26, 2025
    Thank you Taz! To tell you the truth I have no idea how they work but my understanding is that they are audio only like BMWs PDC system of the same era. Dealer said it’s a factory option unique to Euro models. I never tested it out however.

    So happy that there are enthusiasts like people on this forum who make it possible to keep these cars in top form. All this information is simply not dispensed in your typical YouTube videos or car reviews.
     
  4. greyboxer

    greyboxer F1 World Champ

    Dec 8, 2004
    12,720
    South East
    Full Name:
    Jimmie
    #29 greyboxer, Aug 26, 2025
    Last edited: Aug 27, 2025
    Remember there is a huge amount of knowledge here (mainly thanks to Taz) so chances are there's already an answer so its always worth looking

    One item that would be part of my next service if not sooner if it has not been done is the weakish water hose in the vee (sorry if I've mis-remembered exact item - 181599 ?)

    Going back to my earlier post Euros could be more likely to have upgraded suspension ecu
     
    Geoff_kg likes this.
  5. white out

    white out Formula 3

    Mar 3, 2010
    1,307
    #30 white out, Aug 27, 2025
    Congrats on the new car!

    1: Upgrade steering ECU: This is nice for better steering response/feel.

    2 & 4: Go coilovers. Will bring the car up to modern Ferrari expectations without the headache of hunting for used parts (and cheaper).

    3: If you go coilovers, you likely will not need a sway bar upgrade. I was very happy with how the car rotated and turn-in feel with the standard bars & coilovers.

    4: See above.

    5: Brakes: Hawk HPS & HPS 5.0 are great pad upgrades that keep dust to a minimum and have very good stopping properties while being easy on the rotors.
    If you want the BEST in braking, Brembo GT upgrade will dramatically improve braking power, but it's $4k for the front (don't need a full set unless you want exactly matching rotors and serious stopping power). I run the GT on the front of my Viper and moved stock front caliper/rotor to the rear (which is about the same size as 575m rear) and the braking power is beyond impressive for non-CCB.
     
    Geoff_kg likes this.
  6. Auraraptor

    Auraraptor F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Sep 25, 2002
    14,157
    MO
    Full Name:
    Omar
    #31 Auraraptor, Aug 27, 2025
    Brembo GT 355mm kit is now NLA, ask how I know. They still offer the 380mm kit. Its a quality setup and much cheaper than the OEM HGTC kit where just a single rotor exceeds $4,000
     
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  7. Geoff_kg

    Geoff_kg Rookie

    Jun 23, 2019
    48
    Boston
    Full Name:
    Geoffrey S.
    #32 Geoff_kg, Aug 27, 2025
    This is all great, loved reading your build thread on your gray 575. I really like the look of the coils but I’m worried they’ll be too stiff - I really need to ride in someone’s with them equipped to be convinced.

    My impression of the braking was that it was solid but nothing to write home about. The amount the car dives forward on hard braking was a little silly, it felt like I was doing a front wheelie. I’ve used Hawk HPS in the past but found they squeal like pigs. I don’t suppose Akebono makes a set of ceramic pads for these cars?
     
    white out likes this.
  8. white out

    white out Formula 3

    Mar 3, 2010
    1,307
    #33 white out, Aug 28, 2025
    The dive is suspension. I know exactly what you are talking about - old Buick - and firming the car up will make braking/accellerating/turning transform.

    HPS/HPS5.0 need a hard bedding in procedure and will be as quiet as stock. I have not heard of Akebono, but if you like them it's worth the hunt. EBC might have pads too.
     
  9. 71veedub

    71veedub Formula Junior

    May 31, 2006
    363
    Boston/North Shore
    Full Name:
    Greg
    #34 71veedub, Sep 7, 2025
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  10. ixlr8

    ixlr8 Formula Junior

    Aug 24, 2015
    361
    Eastern Shore- Virginia
    Full Name:
    Jim
    #35 ixlr8, Sep 7, 2025
    When I lived in Maine, I had my 550 serviced at Bradan on Long Island, they even came and picked it up. I was happy with the quality of service and their costs.
     
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  11. 71veedub

    71veedub Formula Junior

    May 31, 2006
    363
    Boston/North Shore
    Full Name:
    Greg
    #36 71veedub, Sep 7, 2025
    Several years ago I thought they had stopped taking new customers but maybe they expanded and that has changed? I had talked to him almost 6 years back when I had just started looking at importing a 512TR from Europe. I have made a note to contact them, they are certainly well regarded. Thank you for reminding me of that option!

    Greg
     
  12. Geoff_kg

    Geoff_kg Rookie

    Jun 23, 2019
    48
    Boston
    Full Name:
    Geoffrey S.
    #37 Geoff_kg, Sep 7, 2025
    Thank you very much! Tdf/creme 550 was my absolute dream spec of dream specs, I’m sure it’s even better in person!

    For basics I plan to be the service. I have extensive experience rebuilding/restoring BMW M cars and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that there are no mechanics who will go to the lengths I desire for a perfect job. Stuff like AC recharging and tire mounting/alignment I can’t do, but if I need to change a valve cover gasket, it’s only myself I trust.
     
    Ferrari55whoa, 71veedub and Auraraptor like this.
  13. 71veedub

    71veedub Formula Junior

    May 31, 2006
    363
    Boston/North Shore
    Full Name:
    Greg
    #38 71veedub, Sep 7, 2025
    Thanks! Happy to show it to you once I get it sorted again.. would be interesting to see them side-by-side, I think NART blue is similar but a little lighter blue.

    Yup..

    I'd like to do a lot of the work longer term (have workshop with lifts) but all 4 of my cars (also 993tt and 928) have fallen out of service and the time has come to get them on the road again, and I'm going to need some help. Ideally someone where I can be a little involved in the process.
     
  14. kane00

    kane00 Formula Junior
    Rossa Subscribed

    Aug 4, 2005
    494
    Los Angeles
    Full Name:
    Keith
    #39 kane00, Sep 30, 2025 at 2:54 PM
  15. Auraraptor

    Auraraptor F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Sep 25, 2002
    14,157
    MO
    Full Name:
    Omar
    #40 Auraraptor, Sep 30, 2025 at 3:40 PM
    Very cool! I want them to re-release NF2 wheels in proper size/offsets and weight. That or maybe side skirts in carbon. Man can dream.
     
    Qksilver likes this.
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