First drive and question

Spring has arrived, probably briefly, here in England, and I had to drive one of the kids to a sports event out of town. Out came the 575, for the first time since November. Here she is at the event, and back home about to be put away.

It was a memorable drive, as they always are. I have to admit that I have been review driving a few new super GTs (Bentleys, Rolls, S-AMGs, Astons, etc) and at first the 575 was a bit of a shock. Slower, more brittle, less smooooth. I spent the first 20 minutes like you might at a reunion with an old friend who'd moved continents, wondering what all the fuss was about.

By the end of the day, it was glorious. Maranellos are good at doing the laid-back cruiser thing, much more than the cars that preceded and succeeded them, so I find myself having to remind myself that they are in fact Ferraris and need to be properly driven. With a bit of enthusiasm, she really came alive, the brittleness turning to suppleness and that wonderful feel through everything. More than anything, it's that wonderful engine and that clank-clank gearchange. My offspring shifted gear for me a few times and pronounced it "very satisfying".

You remember every inch of a journey in this car.

A question: where should the oil pressure gauge be at idle? Mine is around a quarter of the way from L to R, rising smoothly as soon as the throttle is prodded.
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Darius, envy you for your first drive during this year. Have to wait until may for hopefully an equal expirience…(without the background of having driven the latest sportscars).

Hope, you'll have some more happy miles in your Maranellos - and please, don't forget the 550, it's worth to be driven as well....

Unfortunately, no substaintial information available from my side regarding the oil pressure



Saluti,

 

Thank you Juergen!

I am planning to drive the 550 in a couple of weeks, weather permitting. Look forward to hearing of your experiences with yours soon.

 

From very distant memories I feel it's closer to medium position; but you better check with knowledge confirmed more recently...
Very nice car by the way.

 

Thank you..I am sure some of the gurus here must know the answer..

 

The oil pressure in my 550 is at idle around 5 bar, twelve o´clock. Approximately the same in my 360 which I took out today for the first run since september last year. (And yes, I had to replace the battery despite the trickle charger...). I had almost forgot how fun it is. Tomorrow it will be the 550, I can´t wait...

 

My 550 settles around 45-50 Lbs at tickover and after a spirited drive, double that during driving. I recently noticed a very high reading on my F355, took the advice from another post and cleaned the connections - all good now.

Hope this helps.
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Daniel sells this really cool boot that fits onto the oil pressure sender and keeps those connections from accumulating road crud and producing wonky readings: https://www.ricambiamerica.com/13594...der-cover.html

 

Darius- My 575 shows 35 psi at warm idle.

 

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/456-550-575-sponsored-bradan/427134-575-oil-pressure.html

 

You're being modest, John.

I've had these boots on both my 550 and F355 Challenge for several years now with perfect results.

 

Took my 550 out at 6am this morning for a 150 mile drive. Epic doesn't begin to describe it!
As has been mentioned, they feel better and better the harder they are driven. But are happy cruise along also.

 

Thank you, everyone. Will check when I am back in the country this weekend. Easter holidays coming up which could herald rare mix of driving opportunities and good weather. Or not.

 

Agree!! These cars have the DNA of Formula 1. No it has a rev counter to 10.000 rpm.! )

 

That's just where mine sits. Been using the 550 as a daily driver as of late, rain or shine, and surprised to see it doesn't melt! . What a great car, keeps delivering endless power.

 

Differences in oil pressure at idle from 550 to 575M are partially due to idle speed. 550 1000-1100 rpm, 575M 800 rpm.

 

Took the 575 out again yesterday and the gauge has fixed itself, which is good, for the moment. Thanks again everyone.

 

Darius- The oil pressure senders on Maranellos are pretty exposed down below and MSW's John Cribb developed a cover/boot that helps considerably, especially in a damp climate like the UK. Horrendously expensive at $15, though.

https://www.ricambiamerica.com/135940-b-oil-pressure-sender-cover.html

 

Just ordered it, thank you. Will get it fitted next week.

$15 for the part, $69 for the DHL! John should get a slice of that.