vtgts300kw

i wouldnt mind learning to drive in a 77 ferrari! especially when i kno the prospect of driving a carrera GT or F40 is present!

BC

Isn't the 308 a dogleg first? Then you can buy him a 928 and he'll feel at home.

I've always thought about getting an F car JUST for that reason.

alexpapas

He'll be starting in 2nd.........for a while anyway!

DMin

Alex

How are you liking your Z8? I had the Alpina version of the car (the 03 model put out by BMW) before I traded it in for the GT3. I really liked the Z8, but it was lacking a little something. Maybe it was the tiptronic transmission in the 03 model... I never had a chance to drive the 01 or 02 models.

D.Min
Tulsa, OK
04 Porsche 911 GT3
04 Maserati Spyder CC
05 Hummer H2 (supercharged!)

alexpapas

I really enjoy the Z8 which has had a Dinan Chip upgrade to move the rev limiter up a few 100 revs in 1st and 2nd and to remove the top speed limiter, as wel as one very small, but very significant modification .
Most BMW's ( M3's and M5's excepted) have a little gizmo called CDV. It a Clutch Delay Valve, which controls the amount of transmission fluid that is moved when you change gear. It essentially smooths out the clutch movement, eliminating violent, dropped clutch acceleration runs. It works fine for most drivers, but is wholly innaprpriate in the Z8, because it doesn't allow the car to achieve its full potential in standing starts.
Anyway, you can have it removed without impacting the car in any way other than to void the BMW warranty. Or you can replace it with a bored out CDV which has the same effect.
Now it is a performance car and I love to drive it. It still gets an inordinate amount of attention and comments, as it is really a very good looking car.

DMin

Dinan never made upgrades for the 03 Alpina models. That's a shame, because I might have kept mine longer. It's good to hear you talk about the Z8 in such positives, Alex. I loved the styling of the car as well, and it got more attention than probably any other car I've owned thus far.

Maybe if they drop significantly below $100K I'll pick up a used 02 model and Dinan it up.

Greg A

Alex,

I know at least the M3 has a CDV, I'm not sure about the M5.

Greg A

CP

M5 does not have CDV. That's interesting because the M5 and the Z8 have almost identical drive-trains. Except for the CDV thingy.....

CP

alexpapas

I read on a BMW forum that Euro M3's did not have CDV's, but I know for certain that M5's never had them anywhere. It's a "nanny'device, protecting drivers from themselves.
It's almost like launch control which is standard on Euro 575M's but not available on US cars. Once again, blame the trial lawyers for spooking the manufacturers.

csertich

Alex,
Thank you for sharing the pictures and your write up with us. You're a true enthusiast.
chuck

fer2367

Alex,

Good for you if you have the means to enjoy such wonderful cars...and thanks for sharing with us their beauty and the insight about driving them. I feel that's quite generous...

pole position

You are right about the launch control being disabled for US cars , but any dealer can easily program it back in. You just have to convince them . The early cars came with it until a service bulletin came out.
Using the launch control the first time is a rush until you get used to it and your tire guy is gonna love you.

Scouser

What a fantastic thread. Really enjoying it....and drooling too. They will never be within my reach but it's nice to know the dream is a realaty for some.

I found a great pic that I am sure you will all drool over as I do I can't imagine
how much this lot would would be worth!

GoFastKindaGuy

Looks like about US$25M, but imagine the sound!