Double clutch wear

We are told that it is a sealed unit, good for the life of the car. I was originally looking for a 360 or 430 before getting introduced to the California. I have heard (may be just internet crap?) that their clutches were really touchy and was afraid of that. The Cali is supposed to have temperature sensors built in so if you beat it too much and it gets too hot it will back down the power. And it runs in oil as well. And the fast shift makes it seem like there is a torque converter, no stupid head bobbing with the Cali.

Although I have not tried the PS yet (power start) I take folks out for a 'spin' a couple times a week since the beginning of December, usually starting from zero and simply flooring it up to 110 or so then standing very hard on the brakes. 3,800 miles now and no problems. And the brakes seem to not have any wear either, with almost no brake dust.

This car simply is the best car made ... now I have not driven them all but the only thing better might be a 599 ... and you can't put the top down on that. I'm already getting a tan line here in northwest Ohio!

 

Rick: What a great write up. It's thirlling when someone really loves there car!

 

I live for posts by Rick!!!!
I can't wait to get my Cali!
Shhhh. I think it is better than the 599.
Please don't crucify me!

 

sealed unit? good for life of car?

are you saying the california never needs a clutch change? how is that possible?

 

I've never taken apart a double clutch (though I've done more than my share of normal ones) and when I went to a Porsche dealer to look at the latest 911 turbo, the sales guy told me the same thing about the Porshce double clutch system.

Unfortunately, that appeared to be the extent of his mechanical knowledge so he couldn't provide further details. It must be something about the way the system is designed.

 

Same thing on the double-clutch BMW M3. I highly doubt any of these will last 100K miles, but even if they last 50K, that's more miles than I've ever put on any car I've owned (2 year limit ), so good enough for me...

 

There was a thread here awhile back about the California clutch life. Apparently, the factory representatives say that the clutch lasts "forever." We will see, won't we!

 

I used to have an Audi TT with Audi's twin clutch DSG system. The clutches on that were also said be good for the life of the car. What they are less keen to mention is the oil change required for the DSG system every 40,000ish miles which was Audi quoted me £200 to do (£105 for the oil alone).

One would assume that if the California or 458 (also with twin clutches) requires a similar change Ferrari won't be cheaper than Audi.

 

I hope to be lucky enough some day to drive a 599 or at least go for a spin in one. Business was simply tremendous last year putting me in the position to buy the California. If it is as good this year then I may look for a used 599 ... or order a new one but we will see. The only thing missing in a California though is 4 more cylinders! I may have to wait for a 599 spider.

One word of advice on the California, drive the crap out of it! Do not save it for the next guy. I am almost at 3,800 miles. One side benefit for me ... I look for ANY excuse to drive it. My business is only about 3 miles away so to & from work does not really get it, it barely reaches proper oil temp when I turn down the road leading to my house, and I stand on it every time there. My wife says sitting in her sun room she hears me when I jump on it 1.25 miles away. Anyway, since I do not have a front license plate on it (required in Ohio) and it gives the police an excuse to pull you over I have decided not to have ANY alcohol when I drive it. So, just in case I come up with a driving excuse I have pretty much quit drinking.

At this stage I am really starting to get used to the power and when and how much to keep the RPM up to have even more fun. What to shock the crap out of someone, slow down to about 3,000 RPM in first, stand on it up to about 100 mph then slam on the brakes. The acceleration will impress the hell out of them (slamming them in the seat) but the braking power really blows them away.

Thanks guys for the nice comments about my posts. They are no BS, this car is the greatest! Do NOT buy a California if you do not like attention!

 

That's SO Funny AND Awesome!!!!!!

I totally agree!

 

Yes, it will never need a change. It's part of the entire gearbox.

The clutches are two set of wet pack drums. Not clutches as everyone thinks of.
each one of the drums controls even or odd gears.

 

Glad you are having an awesome time with your California!

Just out of curiosity, why have you chosen not to put a front licence plate on if it is required by law? And also, do the police give you a lot of grief for not having it in place?

 

The reason Ohio requires it is two fold. It makes a good target for the laser and radar, and when you rear end someone your plate will fall off so when you flee the scene the police know who you are. Well, if I rear end someone I will throw my plate on the ground while I cry. It is a stupid law and the California looks like crap with the front plate. The laws say not to drive over 55 either ... guess I break that one every day ... over 100 at least every three days.

So far I have not been stopped for the plate. I had an old friend many years ago that was an Ohio Highway Patrolman and owned a Corvette. Since he had his front plate on he would pull every other vett without a plate over and give them a ticket. He is retired now so I don't need to worry about him.

 

It is indeed a ridiculous law. All you need on your car in NC is a confederate flag!

 

i also love rick's posts! the california has surpassed all my expectations. it runs like a bat out of hell and stops like an enzo. no brake dust either!

the cali has NO body flex either even though it's a convertible.

cornering is also excellent with no abrupt transitions.

i don't lust for a 599. it's F1 transmission cant hold a candle to our double clutches.

i have 1100 mi on my cali. i'll be going to sebring thia weekend to see if i learn a bit more about the car's limits. no real racing just touring group action with the s. fl. ferrari group. i'll report back on sunday or monday.

 

Rick, having read all you posts and seen your obvious enthusiasm - have test driven and taken the plunge on a Cali here in Australia - we probably pay almost twice the price you do in the USA but I have to say love the car and look forward to driving it hard.

Have really enjoyed your posts with their detail and your obvious enjoyment of life and your cars - if you are ever down in Perth, you're welcome to join for a good drive - the only downside here is speed cameras!!

 

Next time I drive through the south, I'll have to stick one on the front of my car. The New Jersey plate that is there now, just seems to be a ticket magnet.

 

Speed cameras here too but the Escort radar detector warns you when you are near one.

Thanks for the kind comments!

 

Rick,

Hmm not convinced about radar detectors - a year or so ago in an SL55 I was on the limiter at about 7am on a Sunday morning on dual carriageway back to Perth - no traffic at all so ok to put my foot down. Slowed down to about 180kph in an area I had seen cameras before when the radar went off - slammed on the brakes - but was still doing around 140kph when I went past the camera!! Fortunately no damage done as the system was being set-up!!

What I learnt from that is if you are really gunning it the radars don't give enough warning. I can't remember what brand my detector was but it was meant to be a good one. I think if the police use laser - you're pretty much toast - is that right?

Some more pics of my car - picking-up May 6 when I'm back in Perth.

David
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Rick - forgot to say - haven't told my wife I've bought the car yet - so I may be toast anyway!!

By the way have a factory visit April 22nd - let me know if there is any info you would like me to ask about.

 

Oh, boy. Ask them is they can throw in some free furniture, because that is what you'll be in the market for when your wife finds out!!!

 

That is why I tend to pick side roads with no houses and no traffic. If on a main road, the less traffic, the closer to the speed limit I keep it. No traffic means no warning from them shooting a car ahead of you.

 

A visit to the factory ... I am jealous! It would be great if they had a technical breakdown of the car. We only get bits and pieces here. What things are made of, what all the noises are. (pumps, etc.) Enjoy the tour!

 

Is the increased durability of the double clutch package affected at all by reversing? Reversing in my Gallardo with e-gear used to really tear the clutch up (though maybe this just means I should be reversing slower).