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Diablo

Discussion in 'LamborghiniChat.com' started by brettb, Mar 17, 2014.

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  1. brettb

    brettb Karting

    Jan 13, 2011
    57
    #1 brettb, Mar 17, 2014
    Took a 5.7 standard 93 2wd Diablo for a test drive the other day and while the car was nice, there were 2 things that stood out that I would like a bit of advice on.

    Firstly, the engine seemed down on power compared to where the Diablo 5.7 should be. Acceleration should be in the early 4's but this was slower than my Ferarri 355, it seemed in the early/mid 6's, is that right? Felt like it was 100kw down from were it should be, do these engines suffer serious power losses over time??

    I also noticed power would taper off around 5300 rpm's, is this right? Surely it should rev into the 7's with power all the way up? While the lamborghini's engine is obviously much rougher than a Ferraris, there is a lot of shudder and the odd backfiring every 10 secs or so...is this right?

    Secondly, the clutch also seemed to have a problem (they need to fix it). You couldn't pull off whith out riding it, so as not to prevent stall. Even while doing this it would still sometimes go into a shudder and jerk forward.

    Wont you guys give me some honest feedback here, as this is a great car and I want it. But before I send it for a PPI, I would just like to know what is normal and what is not on these early Diablos (93).

    What else should I look for when I go for my next test drive?

    Thanks in advance.
     
  2. DiabloTerr

    DiabloTerr Formula Junior

    Aug 3, 2010
    473
    Michigan
    Full Name:
    Terrance Findley
    #2 DiabloTerr, Mar 17, 2014
    Something's definetly wrong with the car. Acceleration should be on f430 level.... What diablo where you looking at, it's a very small market so if you post info about the specific car someone can probably give you most of the cars back story?
     
  3. brettb

    brettb Karting

    Jan 13, 2011
    57
    #3 brettb, Mar 17, 2014
    Im not in the states, but I agree that performance should be up there with a F430.

    Thanks DiabloTerr, anything else I should look out for?
     
  4. vaholtorf

    vaholtorf Formula 3
    BANNED

    Jul 7, 2006
    1,077
    Colorado
    Full Name:
    Victor Holtorf
    #4 vaholtorf, Mar 17, 2014


    If you aren't a do-it-yourselfer, or own a shop, don't buy any Diablo that doesn't blow you away after a test drive. If you have concerns about how the car runs or how the clutch is behaving, skip this car and find another! The engine should accelerate so hard and smoothly (without any backfiring, (except on the overrun - with aftermarket exhaust)) that is scares you. The clutch should work in the traditional sense, just like a clutch on a Mustang or any other stick-shift car. You could spend a fortune repairing the clutch on a Diablo, and another fortune getting it to run right! Just my opinion....
     
  5. ralfabco

    ralfabco Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Mar 1, 2002
    28,029
    Dixie
    Full Name:
    Itamar Ben-Gvir
    #5 ralfabco, Mar 17, 2014
    When purchasing an older car, a detailed PPI from a qualified mechanic is your best friend.

    Good luck with the search.
     
  6. EMILIO

    EMILIO F1 Veteran

    Feb 23, 2006
    6,854
    Italia
    #6 EMILIO, Mar 17, 2014
    car should run to 7000 rpm and be much faster than a 355
    the one you tested is not running right
     
  7. falconsprint

    falconsprint Rookie

    Jun 13, 2013
    48
    SF Bay Area
    Full Name:
    Dave
    #7 falconsprint, Mar 17, 2014
    Power should kick in, not taper off, around 4500rpm. To get the most out of the car you need to keep the rpms high, which is difficult to do since the drive-train is geared so tall. 7000rpm in 2nd gear is beyond the speed limit anywhere in the USA.
     
  8. Champboat/Champcar

    Champboat/Champcar Formula Junior

    Jan 29, 2007
    885
    Freeport NY
    Full Name:
    Eric T
    #8 Champboat/Champcar, Mar 17, 2014
    I agree there is something wrong with that car , Diablos are beasts,powerful and rev-happy,they are powerful from 1000 to 8,000 rpm , smooth and powerfull. if the car was not then stay away, ( especially if its being sold for top dollar)
     
  9. topcarbon

    topcarbon F1 Rookie

    Nov 3, 2006
    2,605
    #9 topcarbon, Mar 17, 2014
    no cels?
    Down on power sounds like it should have cel illuminated
     
  10. gday

    gday Formula 3

    Sep 10, 2004
    1,086
    CA, USA - NSW, AUS
    Full Name:
    Mick
    #10 gday, Mar 17, 2014
    Assuming the wires aren't cut.

    -mick
     
  11. brettb

    brettb Karting

    Jan 13, 2011
    57
    #11 brettb, Mar 18, 2014
    yes, no cells.

    Found out that the clutch is a kevlar racing clutch...so that explains the lack of ease of use..lol

    Ive just asked the main lamborghini guy to do a full PPI.

    Thanks for the advice guys...nothing like getting confirmation and advice from other owners to tell you exactly what should happen with a car, rather than the excuses of the sales-staff before a purchase.
     
  12. topcarbon

    topcarbon F1 Rookie

    Nov 3, 2006
    2,605
    #12 topcarbon, Mar 18, 2014
    i actually purchased a diablo where the car was sold with ppi and paid for fixes with the right cel light disconnected.
    turns out i needed a coolant sensor which was hard to diagnose without the cel.
    same symptoms as ops
     
  13. andecorp

    andecorp Formula 3

    Jun 5, 2005
    1,104
    Melb
    #13 andecorp, Mar 19, 2014
    The Kevlar clutch makes the clutch easier to use. I love it in mine.
     
  14. ScuderiaWithStickPlease

    ScuderiaWithStickPlease F1 World Champ

    Dec 17, 2007
    10,263
    NY Metro
    #14 ScuderiaWithStickPlease, May 5, 2014
    [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyAUxLFR04Q&list=PLcAFCEDZU39xYLamb1NBGW_14DrieamN2]1991 Lamborghini Diablo - Jay Leno's Garage - YouTube[/ame]
     
  15. LNtoast

    LNtoast Karting

    Jul 11, 2013
    229
    #15 LNtoast, Sep 3, 2014
    Two 1991 Diablos sold at no reserve for identical$101,750 so I guess that is the current market price. With the recent run up in Countach prices, maybe I should consider a Diablo?

    Auctions America - Auburn Fall
     
  16. alexkam

    alexkam Formula 3

    Mar 14, 2007
    1,116
    Sunny CA
    Full Name:
    Alex
    #16 alexkam, Sep 4, 2014
    Great time to buy, enjoy, and hold. I doubt they will get any cheaper than what your seeing now. JMO
     
  17. key03

    key03 Karting

    Jun 20, 2011
    186
    Chicago
    #17 key03, Sep 4, 2014
    Those hammered at $92,500, so the $101,750 is the full price with the buyer's premium.
     
  18. Lars_vet

    Lars_vet Formula Junior

    Feb 25, 2007
    603
    On the open road
    Full Name:
    Lars
    #18 Lars_vet, Sep 5, 2014
    The car is not running right for sure. These engines are rather rev happy, compared to other engines in the same ccm category. At 5000-7000 the engine really come alive. Rev limit is at 7550rpms, where the engine cuts out.

    Of throttle spitting and burbling is normal on these cars, and sounds cool :) On throttle it should be very smooth.

    If you really want to make sure the car you are testing is performing and running right, you could do a simple accleration/G measurement. An early Diablo should be able to do 0-100mph at around 9sec, AND pull absolutly clean without any stubling and missing from 45mph i 5th gear with WOT.

    Also make sure both L an R check engine lights come on with the ignition on.
     
  19. LNtoast

    LNtoast Karting

    Jul 11, 2013
    229
    #19 LNtoast, Sep 5, 2014
    Anyone know the yellow 91 on ebay?

    1991 Lamborghini Diablo Base Coupe 2-Door 5.7L NO RESERVE

    $86k
     
  20. key03

    key03 Karting

    Jun 20, 2011
    186
    Chicago
    #20 key03, Sep 5, 2014
    That car has been for sale for over a year.
    You will need a thorough PPI, before handing over any money
     

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