Change Fuel Injection from Testarossa to 512TR/M

Hi I have an 89 Testarossa, and am pondering the advantages of changing the Fuel Injection to the Motronic 2.7 used in the 512 TR or using if possible, the injection system used in the 512M.

Has anyone done this and if so, did you notice a significant benefit. Was it difficult to do and get parts.

My car is working well and I just replaced the standard injectors which increased performance slightly.

Thanks

PV908

 

It can be done and has been done, but remember the tricky things like cam angle sensors etc that will be required to run late model ECU which your car currently does not have.

Very difficult and expensive.

 

This is my car which I had changed to a motec unit. I am very happy with it and it is fully programmable. I changed the intake runners to a 512tr while I was at it. Gave me about 40 more hp.

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=215725&highlight=motec

John
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Very interesting - I had thought about this too. However, am I the only one who thinks that the original "square" airboxes are somehow a little better looking that the trapezoid shapes? Symmetry, perhaps?

BTW, it has been a while since we discussed this - but what quantifiable difference was there in performance between the original U.S. single mirror cars, up to the 512TR, and then on to the M?

 

Hi James,
Well my first thought was for performance. James (Norwoods Performance) and I both thought it was a better design and would have a smoother flow. I personally don't like the originals. I think they look clunky and kinda kluged (sp?) together. Just my opinion though. Performance wise it has been a big improvement, seat of the pants and dyno wise.

I did this for a couple of reasons. First, I wanted to have the ignition system more manageable for future mods. I originally thought of doing a turbo mod, but have decided against it. I do continue to consider modding the engine in the future (cams, pistons, head work, etc.). Second, I never liked mechanical fuel injections.

As for as the differences in models, I believe someone here wrote a fairly detailed comparison at one time.

John

 

So, the M had maybe 445 hp, and the 512TR at about 425 or so? And, I assume that this was mostly from induction breathing or maybe the cams?

 

Induction, cams, and higher compression.

John

 

I have Motec on my 512TR race car as well and it does add a little more problem and is probably cheaper and better than the OE 512TR injection

You could make some hp by insulating your intake, I imagine you would notice quite an improvement as your intake air is heated by the exhaust which is not ideal

 

I think you meant 'a little more power'? Guess the new baby have you dreaming. Congrats, I have to keep looking at my kids baby pictures to remember how cute they were as my 19 year old son tells me "your not cool".

John

 

Yes, thats what I meant

guess I'm still dazed

 

You are thinking in terms of max power and is why so many just do not appreciate the real difference between TR and TR512. The 512 has more power and torque clear across the range. The difference in real world usable power and throttle response really needs to be experienced. And then there is the matter of the redesigned frame substantially improving rigidity. The drive unit was lowered to lower CG and the entire suspension was a redesign. There is just no comparison in the handling. The brakes are a huge improvement too. The interior of the 512 was done in house instead of at Pininfarina as the TR was so interior fit and quality was far better. They also did away with the stupid double disc clutch.

Ferrari told us they made a mistake in making the car look like a TR even before they came out because early feedback showed them most thought it was just a facelift of TR. In fact it really was a different car. 512 was considered a commercial failure because so few felt the need to trade for a car that looked the same as the one they already had and sales never did as well as they should have.

We have a TR and love it but if I had had the money I would have gotten a 512. It is a better car in every way.

 

I believe he was talking about hp only. I don't want to speak for him, but I was noting my hp improvement.

John

 

very nice... but where are the air filters located with this design?

 

There K&N's cones that go into the cavity behind the wheel well.

John

 

JRATCLIFF: I find your modifications absolutely fascinating! It's nice to see so much time and effort put into a Testarossa. I'm sure I speak for may other TR owners out there too! I would love to see and learn more about your car and what you have done to it. Very inspirational!

 

Thanks Jeff,
I am going to document everything over the next couple of weeks. I really like the car and thought it needed some tweeks to make it even better. The one thing I wanted to do more than anything was to keep it reliable or even make it more so.

John

 

Thanks for all the comments here, I guess no one has upgraded the fuel njection to the newer factory OEM gear.

I heard that you would have to drill the 512TR injectors in, I was not sure if this was accurate or not.

I just wanted to keep the car 100% with Ferrari parts as I thought the upgrade would be more compatable.

Keep well

 

OK then - but the old original single mirror is still the best looking.

Just like that they never made a prettier Mustang than the 64 and 1/2.

 

Physically changing the injectors is really a more minor part of the change -- the bigger pieces are: 1) getting the fuel supply up to the injectors, and 2) getting the necessary sensors in place (airflow, rotational sensors, etc.).

For John's modifications, I'd say it's more like he replaced the 512TR long block with the TR long block and then put the whole 512TR engine in his TR

 

Yep Steve that is a good description. I have included some photos of the cover I made for the Motec brain. It is machined out of a solid block of aluminum and the horse was wire edm'd out of stainless plate that had been polished.

John
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Took the bad boy on a high speed run on some of the best twisties around here. The outside temp about mid 60's and it was running really strong. I have to say it is really running better than I've ever had it. Now to some of the next mods.

John