Will I be happy with a GranSport?? | Page 6 | FerrariChat

Will I be happy with a GranSport??

Discussion in 'Maserati' started by rzundel, Feb 7, 2011.

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  1. djempire

    djempire Formula Junior

    Apr 30, 2012
    613
    Toronto
    Full Name:
    Serf
    The granturismo S exhaust is simply divine in sport mode.
     
  2. redcaruser

    redcaruser Formula 3
    Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 8, 2012
    2,419
    switzerland
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    daniel
    I totally agree!
    With regard to the V8 exhaust sound Ferrari can still learn from Maserati. ;)
     
  3. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator
    Staff Member Admin Miami 2018 Owner

    Dec 1, 2000
    59,673
    Southlake, TX
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    Rob Lay
    I do agree. Sad thing is my wife's Abarth sounds best of all my cars stock. :eek:
     
  4. DodgeViper01

    DodgeViper01 F1 Veteran

    Oct 1, 2003
    6,866
    Thank you for the info Rob. 55k carefree miles sounds like a win!
     
  5. CFCARRIAGE

    CFCARRIAGE Formula Junior

    Jun 9, 2006
    598
    Missouri
    Full Name:
    Dave
    Guys
    Im looking at an 04 Spyder GT with the manual stick shift trans. Anyone have any experiences with them? Any input? Will be driven by wife mostly but by me as well occasionally.
     
  6. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator
    Staff Member Admin Miami 2018 Owner

    Dec 1, 2000
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    It wouldn't be a GranSport. I don't think the manual would have any of the similar F1 clutch problems of earlier cars.
     
  7. Maserati Blue

    Maserati Blue Formula Junior

    Dec 13, 2010
    947
    Europe
    #132 Maserati Blue, May 18, 2014
    Last edited: May 18, 2014
    Being a manual, it means its a regular 4200 Spyder. Nice car and without too many problems, its actually quite reliable (4200 engine and manual).

    The usual known issues are mostly related to the soft hood. Half the time it won't work right. Either won't go down completely, or won't "lock" when going up. It will also rub against various parts of the electrical mechanism and create holes. A new soft hood, from a dealer, will cost a bit more than the whole car is worth. But there are cheaper alternatives, like having someone stitch a new one.

    Another issue, is the interior plastics, which will get "sticky". One solution is to buy new parts (4k for the entire interior plastics), or buy carbon fibre alternatives.

    Since the car is "old-ish", the navigation is outdated, so an aftermarket gadget is more usable, if you need navigation.

    Make sure the interior is impeccable, its really hard to recover them. Deferred maintenance will make the car more expensive in the long run, so buy a car that has been loved by the previous owner. Usually people who have no idea what Maserati is all about, are a dead giveaway to walk away. Many good cars are owned by people who are also members of some kind of car club.

    Good luck :)


    PS:
    In case you get confused about the dash/console buttons. Early models (around <=2004) did not have MSP (Maserati Stability Program) but only ASR. Thus, those models have an "ASR" button instead of an "MSP" button. Also, the optional electronic Skyhook suspension is fitted in most models, in that case you'll see a "Sport" button and the suspension dampers will have some extra electrical wiring. Cars without Skyhook have a "Power" button instead.
     
  8. arizonaitalian

    arizonaitalian F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Oct 29, 2010
    19,999
    Wyoming
    What does the FD DBW do exactly?

    And how much is it and installation?

    Also, is there an ECU change that improves the clutch engagement and life?

    Finally, anyone know of a product that will modify the sport button function such that the clutch is quickened but the shocks stay soft and the exhaust stay quiet? (I'd like better shifting but not the boomy exhaust nor the firmer suspension sometimes).

    thanks for all the great info in this tread.

    The only very small contribution I can add is that I switched to Michelin pilot super sport tires and they are amazing on the GS...better traction, quiet and smoother ride.



    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  9. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator
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    Dec 1, 2000
    59,673
    Southlake, TX
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    DBW tricks the ECU into thinking the throttle postion is more than it is, so everything engages quicker and more aggressively. Simple concept once you hear the engineering, but worth every cent. Car launches much better. To answer your other question in theory and many say practice, the clutch will last longer with DBW. I don't know yet, my stock clutch went 45k miles and still wasn't too bad.
     
  10. WJGESQ

    WJGESQ Formula 3

    Dec 30, 2004
    1,477

    They are fun cars. Especially the F1 version. High build quality.
     
  11. Lotusesprit

    Lotusesprit Rookie

    Nov 18, 2014
    1
    Ohio
    Hey all, first post to Fchat, long time reader. I am not a huge forum contributor as I own cars from many different brands and the time required to really dedicate to a forum is pretty huge. However, Fchat and this thread in particular have just been spectacular. I picked up a 2005 26k miles GranSport about a month ago now and I could not be more pleased. The value is absolutely immense . The engine, steering , and shockingly... Build quality are all outstanding and really has the feel of a modern exotic for half or LESS than what you would spend for say a 550 or Db9. If you haven't driven one or are on the fence and have been casually perusing threads as I had been ... Stop looking and just buy one. They are fantastic cars. Anyway. Really just wanted to say thanks to all the Fchaters who have put in all the time on this thread. Cheers!
     
  12. Duber

    Duber Rookie

    Jan 18, 2015
    3
    Kiev, Ukraine
  13. ebersoldt

    ebersoldt Rookie

    Nov 27, 2013
    7
    Germany
    Full Name:
    Florian Ebersoldt
    There is no special kit available. Only the clutch discs is one complete part with the clutch pressure plate.

    But release bearing, flywheel and F1/position sensor are separate parts.

    What you need depends on the condition of these parts or how much your price per hour is.

    Often the release bearing will crack before your second clutch kit is worn. Then you have to do the same work again. In my opinion not worth the money.

    Best Florian
     
  14. trustno1

    trustno1 Formula Junior

    Aug 4, 2011
    338
    nth boring
    Full Name:
    IN COGNITO
    One common point of failure is the pressure plate - the "fingers" have a tendency to collapse - not necessarily mileage related.

    Alternate part is the pressure plate from the F430 which although a slightly different finger pattern but still compatible - currently installed in a vehicle and is performing well
     
  15. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator
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    Dec 1, 2000
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    welcome.
     
  16. JF308

    JF308 Formula 3

    Jan 17, 2007
    1,263
    Boulder, CO
    Full Name:
    John Feeney
    Just purchased a low mile 2006 GranSport LE .... I am hoping that my experience will be consistent with the great reviews in this thread. Can't wait for it to arrive.

    Since it seems to be so closely related to the F430, I want to share drives with a friend who has a very nice Ferrari F430...just to see "how" closely related.

    :)

    John
     
  17. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator
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    Dec 1, 2000
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    The GranSport pushes like a pig stock, but with FD springs and sway bars it is now stiffer and handles better than my 355 Challenge. I would have preferred something more in-between for the street though. :)
     
  18. intrepidcva11

    intrepidcva11 F1 Rookie
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    Jan 12, 2009
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    Seth
    Oh puleeze, Rob!
     
  19. sammyf

    sammyf Karting

    Aug 13, 2004
    211
    John, any impressions to share yet?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  20. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator
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    Dec 1, 2000
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    that's true, the GranSport now oversteers, the Challenge is setup perfect. If I had the time I would play with alignment and other settings to neutralize the GranSport, but honestly it will scare the **** out of anyone that doesn't know better or maybe I should say knows better.
     
  21. MaseratiCorse

    MaseratiCorse Formula Junior

    Nov 13, 2014
    472
    Melbourne, Australia
    Full Name:
    Nicholas
    The GranSport is an amazing car. Definitively the last 'true' sports car produced by Maserati.

    Also, I have a couple of questions to ask about the Formula Dynamics springs and sway bars:

    I believe the sway bars come with two settings (one more aggressive & one less so?). If so, which is better?
    What ride height does FD recommended for lowering with the springs?

    Many thanks :)
     
  22. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator
    Staff Member Admin Miami 2018 Owner

    Dec 1, 2000
    59,673
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    I like my new ride height, it is about perfect. Like I said the car is too stiff unless just doing track events. I would have to go back and look what I got, you can ask Formula Dynamics what they did for my car. FYI Formula Dynamics is no longer a FerrariChat sponsor.
     
  23. ges11t

    ges11t Rookie

    Jul 2, 2015
    13
    Sydney, Australia
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    Oscar W
    #148 ges11t, Jul 5, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Hi Maser fans,

    Introduction: my name is Oscar and I live in Sydney Australia. I'm new to this forum and this is my first post. As a result of reading this forum (specifically this thread) plus other due diligence, I've pulled the trigger in getting myself a maser.

    The details are as follows and some pics as well. Some constructive comments are all welcome. Condition IMO is very good considering its age, no mods all stock, owned by an elderly gentlemen who takes good care of it. I had the option of getting the black but decided on the blue. As there are too many black maseratis on the road, where this blue is rare and it's just stunning plus I love the colour of the interior. The car is being fully inspected as we speak, if it passes then we'll do the settlement. Trying to hold back the excitement while at work :)

    2007 Maserati Gransport LE
    Exterior Blue with Light Grey Interior
    46,800 km (29 080 miles)
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
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  24. thecarnut

    thecarnut F1 Rookie
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    Apr 22, 2006
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    The Car Nut
    Looks really nice!! Don't hold back on the excitement ! Blue is the new black.

    Ivan
     
  25. ges11t

    ges11t Rookie

    Jul 2, 2015
    13
    Sydney, Australia
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    Oscar W
    #150 ges11t, Jul 5, 2015
    Last edited: Jul 5, 2015
    Thanks Ivan, yeah I don't usually like blue cars but it was love at first sight :). Apparently it's one of maserati's traditional colours. The other one is red but that's now taken by ferrari. Thank God, no sticky buttons and only done 9000 km (5500 miles) since last clutch replacement.
     

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