testarossa easy clutch available? power steering available? | FerrariChat

testarossa easy clutch available? power steering available?

Discussion in 'Boxers/TR/M' started by stevesharleys, Aug 11, 2010.

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  1. stevesharleys

    stevesharleys Rookie

    Aug 6, 2010
    10
    sf bay area
    Full Name:
    steve travis
    Ok guys,do they make an easy pull clutch or something for the testarossa.I dont know how bad it really is but my 79 308 pre easy clutch,{I heard 84 308 had a much easier clutch]79 308 clutch sucked in traffic and is unacceptable for me now.I could live with the steering on the 308..Now if the testarossa steering is similar to the 308 no problem but if it is worse I might want to go to that european manufacture power sterring unit that a thread talks about.So give me good steering and easy clutch and I will buy a testarossa.If not then a 308 with a easy clutch if available or just get a 360 but they are still dropping in resale value and i think they will go to the 40k range in time before they bottom.Those other cars are already there. Anybody with advice on the testarossa.How to fix these problems if possible.Thanks for any info.
     
  2. Spasso

    Spasso F1 World Champ

    Feb 16, 2003
    14,656
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    Han Solo
    #2 Spasso, Aug 11, 2010
    Last edited: Aug 11, 2010
    I had a '78 308 GTS with heavy clutch.
    The clutch in my TR is probably half as stiff.
    I don't even notice it until I get in my BMW and that one I can barely feel at all in comparison.

    The steering in the TR is lighter as well. It still drags a little in the parking lot but nothing compared to the heavy steering of the 308 at 2 MPH.
     
  3. Mr.Chairman

    Mr.Chairman F1 Rookie

    Mar 21, 2008
    2,987
    New Jersey
    Full Name:
    Robbie
    Power steering is available.. clutch?? I dont think there are any options but changing over to a 512 TR single disk clutch but the cost would be pretty hefty and I am not 100% sure if it would work. Others will chime in... Steering in the Testarossa is pretty heavy and the clutch is deep and tiring.. which in some crazy way I like.. You may be better off going with a 512TR and add power steering..

    R
     
  4. MOSS

    MOSS Formula 3

    Apr 28, 2004
    1,629
    Stiff clutch on a TR? You have got to be kidding. Its childs play
     
  5. Spasso

    Spasso F1 World Champ

    Feb 16, 2003
    14,656
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    Pretty much.
     
  6. stevesharleys

    stevesharleys Rookie

    Aug 6, 2010
    10
    sf bay area
    Full Name:
    steve travis
    Thanks for info.Now I will buy a testarossa with confidence and I will be happy with the steering and clutch.Another ferrari mechanic said if I buy a testa instead of a tr for less money the ride is smoother and I can throw 18 inchers on there for the tr look and save a lot of money to sink into a major service if need be..I like the buying options.I will probably buy one with higher mileage and not perfect because i will drive it to a mileage no one will ever buy it from me with and when they are not perfect I dont have to freak when a seagull gets near the car.Big deal if I have to sink 30k into the car and ten thousand a year in maintenance.The thrill is worth it.
     
  7. Philwozza

    Philwozza Formula 3

    Apr 23, 2009
    2,045
    Winchester UK
    Full Name:
    Phil Worrall
    You have an extremely good plan there Steve. Go for it and enjoy.

    Just dont try and park the thing :D

    Enjoy

    P
     
  8. James_Woods

    James_Woods F1 World Champ

    May 17, 2006
    12,755
    Dallas, Tx.
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    James K. Woods
    I repeat - seagull?
     
  9. stevesharleys

    stevesharleys Rookie

    Aug 6, 2010
    10
    sf bay area
    Full Name:
    steve travis
    If the car is perfect and a seagull uses the mirror for a crapping perch then my blood pressure starts to rise.The birds in front of my house like to use the extended mirrors on my cars as perches.So yes a seagull is a problem.Scratches and crap.At least they dont key the cars paint job.
     
  10. stevesharleys

    stevesharleys Rookie

    Aug 6, 2010
    10
    sf bay area
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    steve travis
    If parking is easier than my 79 308 I will be in heaven.
     
  11. James_Woods

    James_Woods F1 World Champ

    May 17, 2006
    12,755
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    OK
     
  12. stevesharleys

    stevesharleys Rookie

    Aug 6, 2010
    10
    sf bay area
    Full Name:
    steve travis
    I love perfect cars but I dont like driving around and having my day ruined because of a new nick or dent.I figure the car is going to get nicks and scratches so if its not perfect then I can relax and not flip out when sh-t happens.The front air dam will scrape sooner or later I gaurantee it speaking from prior experience especially if you have an option to continue foward and scrape or slam on the brakes and risk getting rear ended.
     
  13. James_Woods

    James_Woods F1 World Champ

    May 17, 2006
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    Yup
     
  14. johng

    johng Formula 3

    Oct 23, 2004
    2,298
    northern va
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    john g
    i don't think you'll sink 10k/yr in maintenance. unless you buy a really really bad example. 2k-ish is all you'll need.
     
  15. Spasso

    Spasso F1 World Champ

    Feb 16, 2003
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    The back end is 6 feet 6 inches wide and the front track is narrower than the rear. It's kind of deceptive when backing into a spot using your side view mirrors.
     
  16. Spasso

    Spasso F1 World Champ

    Feb 16, 2003
    14,656
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    Han Solo
    If you have the money to buy a mechanically well sorted 512TR that is less than perfect cosmetically, I strongly suggest you go that direction.
    The refinements of the 512TR are many, more horsepower, electronic fuel injection versus Bosh CIS, rigid frame, redesigned interior, redesigned suspension, better handling, better brakes, improved A/C, modern wheels and tires etc...................

    As somebody here once stated, the 512TR is 100% more car for 40% more money.

    If it was in my current budget I would do it myself.
     
  17. stevesharleys

    stevesharleys Rookie

    Aug 6, 2010
    10
    sf bay area
    Full Name:
    steve travis
    I have the money for a 512 but I heard from other testarossa owners that with a 512 I am getting a rougher ride with new interior and improvements.I think that if the improvements are important to me than I would have to go for the tr.But I like smoother rides.The brakes will hopefully be good enough and the steering will be fine in the regular testarossa.So am I really getting more improved options that dont make that much difference to me but are more important to other drivers.A set of 18 inch wheels will give it the look.I am unsure which I would like.I would hate to buy a testarossa and find out later that I wish I bought a tr.So whats a guy like me going to do.Call someone up and tell them I need to test drive there testarossa so I can compare it to another tr when I find one and if they still have the tesarossa when I find the tr and I dont like the 512 then I will give them a call.See my dilemma.I tried to rent one but no one I can find has those older cars to rent.Got any suggestions Like going to an event with a sign that says Need to test drive your ferrari.LOL The last ferrari I just bought and found out everything I did not like after I bought the car because I was going to live with it and be happy no matter what.But I am not 25 years old anymore and I make more well thought out decisions over a long period of time.Plus I have you guys to help me now.In the eighties there was no internet to find out these details.Who cares what Salesmen and wanna be buyers say.Now I get it straight from the owners mouth.
     
  18. Philwozza

    Philwozza Formula 3

    Apr 23, 2009
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    Winchester UK
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    Phil Worrall
    While more Testarossa were made than 512's, Testarossas are becoming more of the collectors item.

    After all, ONLY the Testarossa reached a market value of over £1M in the early days.

    I only wish mine was worth that now
    In my heart it is worth MANY times that...... :D

    P
     
  19. roalda

    roalda Formula Junior

    Oct 2, 2007
    593
    Wiltshire England
    Full Name:
    Roy
    Ahhh
     
  20. Philwozza

    Philwozza Formula 3

    Apr 23, 2009
    2,045
    Winchester UK
    Full Name:
    Phil Worrall
    I love you too Roy...

    :D
     
  21. Philwozza

    Philwozza Formula 3

    Apr 23, 2009
    2,045
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    And your good lady as well of course...

    :D
     
  22. Spasso

    Spasso F1 World Champ

    Feb 16, 2003
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    Join a local chapter of the FCA or FOC and get to know some of the members that share your interests. Usually you can get the inside scoop, a ride and often a test drive once they get to know you. That's how I got my first drive in a 308 and a TR.
     
  23. blown daytona

    blown daytona Formula 3

    Feb 6, 2008
    1,679
    maryland
    Easy Clutch & Power Steering??? These older cars require some effort. That is the joy of owning one of these. You have to drive it . Thats what gets me exicted :)
     
  24. Spasso

    Spasso F1 World Champ

    Feb 16, 2003
    14,656
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    That's what my nephew said after bringing my TR down out of the mountains. Not like his M3 at all.
     

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