Need advice on 1997 456, please !

Get a manual !!!!

 

Yes +1

 

I say get an M...

Looked at earlier models of the 456. Nothing really struck my comfort level. The extra money is best spent on a Modificata!!!

 

+1, if you're okay with the autobox (which is well-matched to the car). There are a fair number of MGTAs around and the later cars are, according to the consensus, better, all other things, e.g., maintenance, history, being equal.

 

There have been lots of fears voiced about the Ricardo custom-modified GM transmissions failing and being unfixable. However, in the seven years I've been on this board and owned a 456MGTA, I have not heard a single verified case of a catastrophic autobox failure or even a serious problem. There was a story about a failure in singapore, but we never got any details). I've got 58,000 miles on mine; I get the fluid and screens replaced and cleaned annually. No issues. The manuals are pretty sturdy units and I'll let others chime in about clutch life, throwout bearings, synchros and other expense-causing pieces.

 

By the way, there is a very nice one-owner 2000 456MGTA argento/nero on cars.com for less than $40K right now.
http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/607248633/overview/

 

Definitely get the M - don't worry about the autobox.. You will be fine. People love them. My 550 is great to drive, but I'd be lying if I told you it was anything less than a beast and animal.

Interested in trying out a 456M GTA to see what it is like. Another thing about the M - the valves are a lot less likely to need adjustments. Talk about a nightmare in the later models.

Plus the windows - geezz. One I looked had been replaced 4-5 times since 2008!

 

Sean- Later models have hydraulic lifters that require no adjustments. Including your 550. The 456M has exactly the same valve train as the 456. Only the tensioner bracket was updated during 456 production.

F1 Imports in Florida has a permanent fix for 456/456M windows.

 

Why does it have non-drilled brake rotors?

 

2000s didn't uniformly have them (mine didn't). I got a set of drilled and slotted rotors from Formula Dynamics that were less expensive, look great and work great, along with noiseless and dustless street pads.

http://www.formuladynamics.com/products/456_brake_rotor/456_brake_rotor.php

 

Here's a pic:
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Taz. I should come spend a long weekend with you to learn a few things and also have some fun talking aviation!

 

Sean- Any time.

 

My 456M '03 has factory drilled rotors that's why I asked. I thought that all 456 have em in OEM specification.

 

Here is a 1997 in very nice color combo:
1997 Ferrari 456 GTA - Factory Autorized New and Used Ferrari, Maserati, Aston Martin, Lotus and McLaren Dealer

 

Overpriced IMO, though the Novitec wheels are nice. A fairly nice M can be had for that price.

 

Agree. Lately Auto Gallery in Chicago had a nice black/tan 2000 GTAM with 17,000 miles on EBay and were asking $59,000 but the highest bid was $33,000.
This give you an indication of the actual market response and maybe if that specific car was on consignement you you could have it at a more realistic price (maybe something like $45,000).

 

If you look at the most recent Ferrari Market Letter it looks like prices are starting to stabilize in the mid $50 k range.

 

That car is baller; Get IT!!!

 

baller ?.

 

Apologies Daniel,

*Tits..

 

Now I get it, I'm from London originally we would say "its the dog's bollocks".

 

I like that one also..

That red, the shields and rims give it character! Price is awesome also..