'The Ratarossa': The Testarossa Spider Rebuild Project

that would be amazing if you could. Theres no rush as its just a finishing touch for the car

 

Have been working on a couple of my other cars the past few weeks, while I wait for a few of bits to materialise.

Ive just taken delivery of the custom built springs. Gazmatic have done a superb job with the newly made front set, it took them a little extra time as the original Testarossa springs where made from a size they didn't have readily available.

This next fitment part is a bit of a 'fingers crossed' job, I spoke with the Gazmatic guys at length to try and determine the size of the springs to build. You will notice from the pictures they have kindly sent me two sets of springs at different lengths. It basically boiled down to a bit of guess work because of all the variables involved: My car was way off stock height at the front, the new coilover shocks and the extra drop I wanted to add.

Remember my aim here with the springs was not only to level out the front end of the car but alongside it to add a slight drop from factory US ride height. My car all measured up as far as I could see and determine using the Coupe I had, there were no differences in any measurements. I believe that with the mass of added strengthening bars and material in the centre to rear section of the car to compensate for the lack of roof structure, this had a knock on effect with the front ride height. Not only that I could see a visible difference between left and right front height.

Im hoping with the coilover system and shorter uprated springs:
1) I can get the stance lower just slightly from Euro spec. I did this on my Stradale with just a little drop, not over the top drop and it gave the car a meaner stance than many would not notice unless sat next to another CS. I intend for this to look the same on the TR.
2) Get the front ends (left and right) the same height. Eventually If needs be do the back 4 springs and finally corner weight the car.
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With every turn of the nut I fear for my life

I hate these spring compressors !!
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Spring installed

Time to see if this now works on the car.
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Installed on the car and dropped it off the jack before buttoning everything up to see where we are at.

I know it would need to settle a bit with the cars movement but personally I think it needs more, the problem being is the spring perches are right to the bottom, there about 1 turn left. The RHS suspension height was always a tad higher than the left so my concern is I won't have the travel on the other side it wind it down that little bit further. Think im going to get some shorter ones made to give me more play in the travel.
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They are in the post !! Tomorrow I should finally get the 3rd attempt at custom springs delivered .... cant wait

 

They have arrived !!!

The final version of front springs are much lower, this should give me plenty of adjustment upwards, the low setting will have the front end slammed down into the tyres, so I think with these springs Ill be winding the coils up not down

Will take a pic of the final spring next to the original factory, it must be half the length.

The Ratarossa is a weight saving Testarossa project, No roof and half the spring weight
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I like the look, its not to much lower than stock but just a little
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Thats one side done, I now need to get the car out to access the passenger side. Fortunately my none running 456GTA purchase is now purring like a kitten and can be moved off the driveway.

 

Still need to refit that front wheel arch but I will do some suspension testing and tweeks first, with the arch removed it gives me ample access to get to everything easily.

 

Moved the ‘Rat’ around in the garage today. The suspension settled

Now it’s one slammed Testarossa !!!

I’ll be winding them up a bit once the passenger side is done.


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Can’t wait till Spring/Summer
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I will measure up and check TJ, will report back findings

Yes I plan to clear coat the finish and protect the car at some point.

Its wayyyyyy to cold here in the UK to use the Ratarossa right now, so I'm aiming to have it to a point where I can drive and enjoy it starting spring time. Want to get the car mechanically sound by that point. Ive a few other of my F cars that have been taking up time this past few weeks with winter repairs, fortunately I haven't had much choice anyway due to waiting on the suspension springs to be manufactured.

 

Quick video of the car started and running

 

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TJ = Turbo-Joe