Dock

I had a short pull with an F430 today (on a closed road of course). Both cars at about 60 mph, the 430 was in 3rd and I was in 4th. The Turbo was slightly faster.

Woodster

Nice job Doctor,
good to see you are holding up your end of the country...
I always forget, do you have ECU "enhanced" ??

Marty

Dock

Yes, the ECU is "enhanced" with the GIAC Stage 2 (Hammer) upgrade. The other upgrades are...

*GT3 clutch
*RS LWFW
*EVO V-Flow
*Bailey DVs
*B&M shifter
*X73
*Sunroof delete

Shark

Good job.......now who picked up the hotter chick

Woodster

Dock,
Your car sounds perfectly set up.
As for the scooping of chicks the F430 would be hands down the
best tool for that, but luckily I have a "hot one" of my own!

Marty K.

Toothzilla

at least we have room for 3 "hotter" chicks in our turbos.

Dock

Oh, there's no question that the F430 is one hot looking car! This one was red and it sounded as great as it looked.

We had been going back and forth... from beside, to in front of each other... for quite some time, with plenty of safe opportunities for either of us to initiate something. I had no intention of starting anything, and was hanging back 3-4 car lengths just listening to the great engine/exhaust sounds as he eased each gear to the upper rpm range. As a matter of fact I was in 4th gear just so I could get out of the heart of the envelope "sound" of my Europipe, allowing a quieter environment in my car for listening to the Ferrari. I wasn't concerned about any runs because after so many opportunities where he didn't press the issue I didn't expect him to make a move. I was in an obvious gearing disadvantage being in 4th (he was in 3rd), but he made his move so quickly that I didn't have time to downshift. I wasn't expecting to even stay with him, but it didn't turn out that way at all.

billythekid

That's pretty awesome I'll bet he was none too happy Whats a F430 go for these days, $225K?

Ruiner

Nice, Dock, nice! Where was this, anyway? I have yet to see an F430 in the ATL, but apparently there is a red one around...

Dock

We were running down GA Hwy 9 from just south of the Ferrari dealership (I think that's where he had been) to Hwy 120 West. He turned off towards the 'Hooch after 2-3 miles on 120. I believe he had an aftermarket exhaust.

This is the second 430 I've seen - the other was a dark blue one over in the Vinings area. I never got very close to that one, probably 3-5 cars behind him. He didn't sound nearly as good as the red 430.

John D II

Dock,

Not sure if you have driven one, but the 430 is a blast to drive. A really special experience. The combination of looks, sound and flat handling combined with F1 paddle shifters makes for one fantastic and entertaining ride. I test drove one recently and it was a very memorable experience - the car feels like it's attached to your body, all input is very direct and positive. I use my 996tt almost daily (barring winter) and the rear seats often enough that the 430 does not fit my current usage requirements. It would sit a lot. If that were not the case, I would probably buy one - it is a very involving and fun car.

I find it very interesting that your car was slightly faster. I have an FVD stage 2 with V-Flo and when I drove my car after the 430, I felt they were about the same in terms of acceleration - which seems to be your experience also.

Immediately after the 430 test drive, I started thinking the turbo was lacking, then I drove my car for a back to back impression. After just a minute or two I said to myself "the turbo is actually a great car, yes the Ferrari is great too and sounds better, but - I'm happy, no need to rush to change".

Good information.

Dock

I have not driven a 430 yet, but I'd love to. I really think it's a much better "presentation" than the Turbo - I expect driving one is like plugging your spinal cord directly into the engine and chassis. I also think the 430 looks much better than the Turbo. The Turbo is the better car for my needs right now.

I was surprised that I pulled him slightly, especially given the starting gear difference. Of course these runs are really very unscientific.

I can report that with my new LWFW (thanks Kevin) the car's acceleration is noticeably better now. The engine winds up MUCH quicker.

I'll also add that if I drop the hammer from a steady state 3000 rpm in 4th gear (zero boost), the boost is at 1.1 bar by 3700-3800 rpm.

John D II

Dock,

Your quote below pretty much sums it up.....


The LWF really helps acceleration. I did timed runs (30-80mph, etc.) before and after installing the RS clutch/flywheel on my 993TT and the times were dramatically improved with the LWF. The only problem was that I grew tired of the metallic sound at idle and take-off and actually went back to dual mass. I did however love the way the car revved, the improved throttle response, quicker acceleration, etc. - it reminded me of my earlier '72 911 with lightening quick throttle response (funny, I do not recall the noise on the '72).

I would like to do the LWF with the 996TT, but again do not want the noise. I have been waiting for a post about a LWF that does not make the clanging noise. Does one exist? What about the (carbon fiber?) tilton clutches?

tkerrmd

Something like that nearby I'm staying in 3rd!!! What do you think it would have looked like had you been up in rpms on boost?? Bet even better result!!
Careful in those Georgia hills!!!!

Dock

The only time I really hear any noise is when I have the windows up. With the windows down even a little bit, the outside noise drowns out the "can of marbles" sound at idle and during initial acceleration.

I don't know if there is a LWFW that sounds like a dual mass unit.