Differences between Euro and US Gransport? | FerrariChat
Buy

Differences between Euro and US Gransport?

Discussion in 'Maserati' started by maranello71, Dec 16, 2008.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. maranello71

    maranello71 Formula 3

    Jan 23, 2004
    1,221
    Chicagoland
    Full Name:
    Andre
    #1 maranello71, Dec 16, 2008
    Can someone tell me if there are any differences between the Euro-spec and US-spec Gransport? Someone told me that the US version has a central muffler while the Euro version has a clean X-pipe. Is this true? Should I replace it with an x-pipe? (And no, I cannot go under my car and check it - it's parked in my Chicago garage for winter hibernation :) ).
     
  2. GregD

    GregD Formula Junior

    Nov 3, 2003
    885
    California
    Full Name:
    Greg
    #2 GregD, Dec 22, 2008
    Last edited: Dec 22, 2008
    I had an x pipe from a gransport. It is a straight pipe with no resonator. I think the lack of resonator is addressed with the specific muffler that is standard on the gransport.

    The euro verision may not have the 2nd set of cats whereas the US version has both.
     
  3. maranello71

    maranello71 Formula 3

    Jan 23, 2004
    1,221
    Chicagoland
    Full Name:
    Andre
    #3 maranello71, Dec 22, 2008
    Would it improve performance if I got rid of the 2nd set of cats? Would it cause legal problems?

    Also, Formula Dynamics advertise the Larini exhaust system. While this sounds great, I'm also very happy with the stock Tubi of my GS. Would the Larini bring any performance improvement?

    I'll explain: I'm trying to configure all the right options for extracting the maximum engine power and torque out of my GS. I will get the switchable chip with the 100-octane fuel option and the BMC air filters, but I am not sure whether the GS needs any work done on the exhaust.
     
  4. GregD

    GregD Formula Junior

    Nov 3, 2003
    885
    California
    Full Name:
    Greg
    #4 GregD, Dec 22, 2008
    Last edited: Dec 22, 2008
    Andre,

    I've spent more money on the exhaust upgrades/combinations than I care to think about. From what I can tell, if you remove the 2nd set of cats, the increase in performance will be at the higher rpm range. The car "feels" faster, especially when I was accelerating on the freeway, but I think its a very marginal improvement. It will be louder, especially at idle and will loose some of the distinctive characteristics quality at higher speeds/rpms. Also, If you remove the standard Muffler from the Gransport, you are also removing any resonator built in. This will substantially increase the noise on the inside of your car but will enhance a "camero style sound" on the outside. This has been my experience with one particular aftermarket co. There are others now, but I doubt they sound much different.

    I think there are other better ways to improve engine performance. I'm not a mechanic so I can't comment but it's obvious the engine was modified so it would not be competitive. This would be an expensive option though.

    If your interest is to soley increase performance and are willing to sacrifice ride quality, I would concentrate on the suspension. There is a lot of room for improvement and it would not be that expensive.

    I was talking to one of the Drivers for Maserati and he summed it up for me by responding to a similar question you have asked:
    "If you can take a turn faster than the other guy, the few extra hp isn't going to make a difference".
     
  5. maranello71

    maranello71 Formula 3

    Jan 23, 2004
    1,221
    Chicagoland
    Full Name:
    Andre
    #5 maranello71, Dec 23, 2008
    Greg

    thanks for the info! Conclusion: I will leave the exhaust as it is. The GS makes a wonderful noise anyway.

    As for the rest, I have so far planned to do the following mods:

    1) Modified sway bars for reduced roll and reduced understeer
    2) Drive-by-wire modified chip for faster throttle response and clutch engagement
    3) Engine chip (+20 HP at the dyno) switchable for high octane fuel (additional +10/20 HP??)
    4) BMC low restriction air filter (+ 4/5 HP at high rpm).

    Without any invasive modifications I would get a better handling car with 430/440 HP and perhaps a little more.

    I am not sure whether to also add the lowered springs, as the GS is already considerably improved from the Coupe, and my car has virtually no miles on it.
     
  6. GregD

    GregD Formula Junior

    Nov 3, 2003
    885
    California
    Full Name:
    Greg
    #6 GregD, Dec 23, 2008
    I'd say try one modification at a time so you can concentrate on the differences each modification does on its own.
    I did the air filter but didn't notice any difference. I will be curious to hear your impressions of the sway bars.
     

Share This Page