The differences between the pre-2002 360 modenas with F1 and the 2002 and later modenas with F1 has been discussed on this board. Further, articles disussing the 612 scaglietti are mentioning how the F1 transmission will be more sophisticated, and will have a more reasonable automatic mode, etc. Now, I realize that as time goes by there must be some physical/mechanical differences, however I would guess the majority of the improvements made from 360->newer360, or from 360->612 are _software_. Especially the improvements in the automatic mode. So why doesn't ferrari make the new software available to older model owners ? I think it is absurd. If the ability to upgrade the onboard software without swapping physical computer/memory components is not in existence, that is even more absurd. No doubt F1 tranny software is a delicate art, and lives are literally on the line, so I am not asking ferrari to be like my computer manufacturer and release a new firmware every time they fix a little glitch, but a 1-2x per year software update would not be too much to ask - not only is distribution next to free, it would allow older model owners to keep up with the latest developments as they are worked into newer cars (a la the 612 scaglietti). Comments ?
If you have connections at a dealer, you may find someone to flash your tranny for you. However, I'm not sure what the exact changes are, but in terms of auto-mode functionality, I'm certain there are circuitry changes that have taken place as software mapping alone may not be the fix. More so, the newer software may be applicable only to newer hardware. A portion of the software changes may be applicable. As an example, we offer software to update the shift maps on the F1 for quicker, more firmer shifts (a la Stradale). This, the ECU does control entirely. I would need to research to see how the auto mode is controlled if not by the tranny ECU alone.
Wow - thanks for the good information. It would be fascinating to know the answer to that. Let us know if you find out.
I had an 01 F1 my dealer did upgrade the software for me. Never drove the car is auto mode so I can not comment about that.
It doesn't just have to be software. I have an 01 spider and have recently ugraded to a late 03 gearbox ECU amd there is a noticeable improvement in the smoothness of changes when using the paddles. Cost was in the order of $3k - speak to your dealer.
hmmm...what about creep mode - I wonder if that is purely software. Did you suddenly have creep mode after upgrading from a 01 to 03 ECU ? It is nice to know that this upgrade is so inexpensive...
For what it's worth, I have an early Mas Spyder and the dealer, via the factory have been very good about offering me all the incremental software changes for the transmission whenever they have become available. We have now found a version that works really well. Sport mode is exhilirating. It has very fast changes on upshifts and wonderful, rev-matching downshifts. The big plus is that the auto mode is almost flawless now. So it can be done and should be done. I suppose it depends on your dealer and their ability to cajole the factory rep into authorizing the necessary work.
My 2002 Maser Spyder goes in next month for a complimentary clutch replacement and software upgrade. They're quite cheerful in supplying the changes. Alex, a couple questions (sorry to hijack the thread!): - When did you last get an update? - The latest version of the software returns to throttle-blipping on downshifts (I heard it disappeared in earlier updates)? - Did your dealer talk about a creep mode?
You can up grade your TCU with the '02 version for approx. 1500 + 1hr. labor. With the newer unit fine tuning the transmission will be significantly easier and far more compaiable with the drive by wire accelerator = better shifting.
We last had ours redone about 3 months ago and I opted the version after the so called "go-fast" version, which is currently going into production cars. I found that version a little erratic in non-sport mode. Mine does not have a creep function. I had the clutch replacement done sometime last year. Maserati have been great - no charge for anything at all! You should call Jim Summers at Scottsdale Maserati (480-990-9000) and ask him what version is in my car. It may help you with your dealer.
~From Memory~ The EARLY cars had issues when we would go in with SD-2 to set the TCU parameters, aka Shift points. Sometimes the TCU would not communicate with the TCU, so they sent out an updated TCU. Install, and no problems. From there, they had other issues, such as sticky seals causing the TCU to show fault codes that were not related to the real issue. From there, another Smarter TCU. In other words, they are still working on the 360 In all, I belive there have been 4 TCU updates/part number changes. I am not 100% on that number, but, think that is where it is for 99-early '00 cars. 01-02 had 2 I belive.
I am now considering a 1999 360 F1 with 14k miles. Are there ECU updates avail. for this older model F1 trans. ?? What would be the approx. cost and could it be done by an independant shop ? Thanks
