Does anyone have an idea of how much it would cost to convert a 599 into a manual car? Can it be done? Any idea of which shops in Europe that would be best suited?
If you are looking to do it with OEM parts, they are very, very hard to find. I tried, then decided to use non-OEM fabricated items, and had quite a few reliability issues (probably as a result). Eventually gave up. Plus, they are horrible to drive - the 599 drivetrain is meant for an F1.
Ferrari of Dallas/Boardwalk have already done one. No idea on a European shop that has. 599 3 pedal owners are happy with their Ferraris and enjoy driving them.
The very last of the practical front engined manual shift V-12 Ferraris. IMO non-expert opinion 600HP / 450 torque (for the weight) is the limit of what a human can possibly get the best out of at normal street speeds even then giving up tenths. When you get to 700 plus a computer is better able to handle the shifting. The gaps in shift times become overly obvious.
I know of one done in 2010-2011 at Motor Service Modena in Italy. As for the driving experience, the need to double declutch until warm for smooth shifts, and the need to change the shift technique depending on the manettino position (sport vs CST-off) got tiresome pretty quickly in what is a GT car. I know of two other owners who feel the same, but I can imagine some people might enjoy that. Interestingly, I thought the 430 manual from the same period was exceptionally good, so perhaps Ferrari designed the 599 to be F1 from the start.
Unfortunately not "American" or unfortunately not manual ?? And for me I got ZFFFC60A270151849 which sounds more American than Swiss. Any clue ?
Even better this post here on f-chat, with parts list : Ferrari 599 F1 to MT Conversion Personally I will not modify any car...
I was replying to you earlier question asking if the s/n was the one you stated. I don't know the s/n I am afraid, but the car I mentioned was originally delivered to Italy.