Gallardo pre-lp new owner, modding and other queries

[madmedman]

Dear all,

Starting another thread to speak about my experience and to ask for help modding (tastefully if possible) my 2008 coupe.

I will try to make it short.

First my gripes with the car. (and please excuse me as its my first supercar).

First off, the steering, man I didn't know I needed herculean strength to turn it. Is it supposed to be powered? I am not sure whether I need to investigate it or its the character of the car? Lambo Tunbridge wells is closest to me. Anyone has any experience with them? But should I bleed and change the power steering fluid first? Do you think shedding some weight and converting to RWD help? This conversion, cats and exhaust replacement plus antigravity battery should help shed close to 100kg.

Second, the breaking. The therapeutic index is very narrow. Its a term we use for medication where the dosage range is narrow between the effective dose and the toxic dose. I mean I have very little margin of error from lightly pressing to doing an emergency stop. I hope I am making sense.

Third, pressing the accelerator (and brake pedal), you need to really step on it to start seeing results. There is a big throttle delay. It has to be revved to start moving and I have a brand new oem clutch. But I have already ordered the sprint booster and hope that would fix it.

I am an old grandpa and although i have been driving since I was 13, I still cant reverse properly for the life of me. I need a clear view or I may backup onto a kerb or a person. The car has the RNS-E navigation system but no TV. I am guessing I need a separate AV in module to be able to attach a reversing camera? Is this what I am looking for?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265146476323?

I know carnaviplayer is a good option but that's close to £600 and I have already spent a lot on cats and exhaust.

I have already bought the Larini club sport catalysts and cannot wait to install them myself. I have also brought this exhaust:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/234739170643

The design is almost similar to the LOC, LNB. I wanted to go for Kline but man at 3500 its just too far out of my reach.

And I have to get into my garage a couple of times a day just to lay my eyes on her.

[madmedman]

markiii said:

first jobs I'd do

Power Steering fluid. Often doesn't get done
Brake Fluid
Check you don't have a vacuum leak on the brake booster (looks like 3 blue tennis balls glued together somewhere in the engine bay)

if the brakes still aren't up to scratch i reccomend Girodisc Discs and there magic (low dust) pads

Just checked the power steering fluid level and the dipstick shows just above the max. I guess that's ok? I will change it. I havent found the brake booster yet but I guess i have to climb onto the engine bay
From inspection, the disc seem great. But I will bleed the system next and report back.
Thinking about it now, whenever I brake, I feel as if I have a big dog on a leash who is pulling away and i am trying to restrain him. I guess i didn't do a good enough test drive

m4tti said:

I wouldn’t mess about with shedding weight, rwd conversions etc. I’d focus on getting the standard car in top notch mechanical condition, in the first instance, and go from there.

Check your tyre pressure first, and make sure they’re not under inflated. If it is genuinely heavier than normal then you may have a leak somewhere. Check the fluid level and if it looks on the low side, start inspecting the rack, peel the rack boots back and look at the unions between the rack and the pump.. and check the pump is actually doing anything.

From memory when ever I have driven one of these it felt like normal car steering

Edited by m4tti on Sunday 17th September 17:51

For me, the steering is noticeably heavy, like driving the older cars with no power steering heavy. The tyre pressure apart from one of the rear tyes was all front 2.5 and rear 2. One of the rears was 2.5 which i have just corrected. The power steering level was just above the max mark. The colour of the fluid looks okay but my next job is to bleed and replace. How do I check that the pump is working. I am guessing I need to start the car and get underneath it?

markiii said:

stock Gallardo pressures are higher at the front than at the back (from memory 35PSI and 32PSI)

first car I've ever found to do that. Be worth checking if yours are the right way around

I checked these with my own compressor and fixed them but will check at a proper machine as well.

Thanks both for the helpful advice.

Edited by madmedman on Sunday 17th September 19:40

[madmedman]

m4tti said:

This will give you some insight into the pump

https://youtu.be/9FtMiAs75sc?si=BxcEvaSDR6OSVFYl

Thats brilliant. Saw the video. Will get underneath the car tomorrow and hopefully diagnose the issue. If its the pump spline, that would be great as it will save me some quid. I am guessing, since the fluid level is fine, there is no leak in the system?

[madmedman]

70proof said:

last sentence, thats what it is all about... magic

when was the car last serviced. did you get a PPI?

the steering shoudnt be that heavy, the braking window so narrow or the throttle respose that slow... slow movement should occur from low revs... maybe the clutch hasnt been fitted right?

get your local dealer to do a road test drive for peace of mind.

Thanks mate.
The car was serviced just before I took delivery, along with a new oem clutch. I took the car out again today, still steering heavy, but I also notice that at times its light. But I know that if I do some spirited driving, i will find it difficult to play with the car as the steering is not uniformly heavy or light. And i do have to push down on the accelerator quite a bit before the car will start to move. I have not checked exactly at what rpm it starts moving. But from memory, its revved more than i am used to. Maybe thats the car, but i cant tell if its the clutch. Is there another test I could do to verify the clutch has been fitted properly?

I have a Lamborghini dealer nearby. But I have almost dried my finances getting this car, so would like to avoid or plan better for any dealer type work. I am guessing they would also do diagnosis for a fee? Unfortunately, I did not do PPI. It was love at first sight. There are no spots on the paint at all, nothing. The engine bay and rest of the car are immaculate. I guessed its very well looked after. The place that did the clutch install also did a pre delivery inspection, not sure how independent that was. I will accept her for her flaws for the joy she brings to me

markiii said:

i think the throttle depends on what your used to, I found mine a little lethargic, pepped up a huge amount by the addition of a sprint booster. But unless the OP has driven other Gallardos for comparison it's somewhat subjective.

The trying to run away with you under braking I totally get. It crept up on me until one day I thought hang on this isn't right. I mentioned it to Ricky at RE when is was in for a service and he diagnosed it as a vacuum leak. Once fixed its been totally normal

I am a super car virgin Never had a gallardo or any other high maintenance mistress. Whilst I took her out again today, I also noticed that the window where you shift down and the gear is not selected yet, its at that time that the car is free and needs a bit more braking to be restrained. Its a bit hard to explain. When I "plan" the downshifts and brake whilst in gear, its a bit better. Hence i feel different braking strategies are required and i am still getting used to it. Only my third time driving the car. I am going to attempt to check the vacuum leak but i am sure I will need to take it in. I hope that should fix it.

I have also noticed, significant wheel juddering when at full lock and trying to move forward after reversing out of the garage. I am guessing normal for AWD or need suspension looked at?

My fluids order to be delivered tomorrow and will hopefully get at least the power steering done tomorrow. Cheers again for your time and help.

Edited by madmedman on Monday 18th September 20:38

[madmedman]

70proof said:

Judder at full lock is totally normal...

Is there a local owner that can test this chaps car for him...

Engine has loads of torque, with the manual they say simply lift the clutch with no revs to move, my pre lp didn't need many revs to park

Was recent service by lambo Manchester, if so give em a call

Cheers mate.

If anyone around Maidstone Kent area could test, that would be great. I can travel a bit as well.

The service was done by supercar clinic bolton, who did the clutch as well. They seemed quite good and knowledgeable, im sure and have good reviews. And I thought a clutch job would be simple for anyone.

Slow manoeuvring does need revvs and is quite loud Sometimes the car stops when I am reversing as I try to maintain a balance between moving and not being too loud in my neighbourhood.

I guess a phone call to lambo tunbridge wells is in order or a good indy e.g autofficina. RE is too far away in swindon.

[madmedman]

markiii said:

AV Engineering is prett near you. Aldous know his stuff and I believe Ed Blasi is still working with him. Ed knows his stuff and has serviced mine. I'd get them to give it the once over for you

That's brilliant. Thanks. They are quite near me and I will give them a call. Cheers mate.

[madmedman]

70proof said:

Fitting the clutch should be easy but setting the actuator for the egear is maybe tricky... When sat in 1st in traffic the clutch is slipping, that's why you should select neutral, else wear is high, an dwhy people say to move go with intent as then the clutch fully engages

There was some trouble with the potentiometer which needed to be replaced. But there were no problems with the actuator from what i have been told. Thinking about it now, I do select neutral but also, if i am completely stopped, N is engaged automatically after a few seconds.

m4tti said:

The lag on pulling away could well be linked to the Clutch set up.

The Ferrari f1 and Lamborghini e-gear follow the same set up principles. Here’s a link https://craig-waterman.com/why-do-i-need-a-scan-to...

If this isn’t set properly the clutch will slip when pulling away.

If you had a Ferrari I’d say pop over and we can get the car out on the road and see what it’s doing, however the software for the pre LP Lamborghini is expensive (one of the reasons why I went Ferrari) from memory you’ll need LaRa or Texa… both were into four figures purchase price (unless that situation has changed)

Thanks for the offer mate. Yea, i fully knew that with the pre-lp this proprietary lambo software is extremely expensive and so are the other options. Some people on the Lambo talk forums have been able to get their own lara software installed and cable bought for a few hundred but its increasingly difficult now.

I am hoping to get a good shop to check the clutch setting for me. But I also think that, although i need to use the accelerator more than I like, the car still takes off rapidly, if i floor it. But could still be clutch slipping and will have it checked out. I am guessing, PIS setting appropriately will help? But I assumed the previously shop would have done this as a part of clutch install. I need to go through the receipts whether it mentions that.

markiii said:

pretty sure your right on TEXA and LARA

it does also sound like clutch slip to me, but I have a manual, never driven an egear so my experience is limited on this one

I still love the explosions on downshifts. I am 100% i can never rev match on a manual.

Thanks again guys. Where will I be without your help. I have got an appointment with Lambo Tunbridge wells but its two weeks later. They ask for £210 plus Vat per hour for the fault diagnosis. I am trying to get a hold of someone at AV engineering. They work mostly on ferraris so I am not sure if they will have all the equipment for Lambo, but possibly as a part of Texa.

[madmedman]

markiii said:

not that watching Jayemss disaster of a Gallardo videos will make you feel better but he took his to AV and they did a lot on it

Haha, i have watched that one already. He got the car for 40k or something and that too on installments I didnt realise the video was at AV.

markiii said:

at Lambo Tunbridge rates it would be cheaper to use the fuel to drive to RE at Swindon. And teh results would be better

Most main dealer techs are too young these days to have seen Pre - LP Gallardos unless you drop lucky and find some one like David at Pangbourne

Whats funny is that that was my exact thought process when I checked their facebook page just to check their team. I have a bit of OCD. I thought how would this guy, who seem younger than my car work on it. I guess my mind would only be at ease when i go to Ricky. Have to take a day off work, which is next to impossible these days.

[madmedman]

jeremyc said:

If you are prepared to travel then also consider Autofficina who have great Lamborghini experience.

They are in Epsom, Surrey.

Cheers. I am prepared to travel as I need to get the car sorted properly. Between autofficina and RE, who would be better recommended?

[madmedman]

I am just going to go for RE. Called him on the phone and sent him an email of the problems. Awaiting an appointment now.
Also should receive my fluids from opieoils and will change power steering and brake ones in the next few days and will feedback.

[madmedman]

TBCTBC said:

Ricky’s great. You’re in safe hands.

Cheers mate. I thought so as well. Going to be a good drive to Swindon I think.

David_T said:

Ricky really knows his stuff on V10s, whether Lambo or Audi. There are loads of videos to view.

He's done the Larini cats in place of the original Lambo version if you can't face doing that. If you still want to do it yourself you may need replacement clamps if these are still the originals.

His workshop is within walking distance of Swindon station which will at least get you into London.

There used to be a detailer who worked in part of the workshop. He may be able to strip the ppf off to get the Lambo sticker off the front wings whilst the car is there. He may be able to replace with new ppf. Ask Ricky if he's still there.

On keeping back money for possible expenditure, have you got receipts for replacement throttle bodies in the history file. These could be a big hit at some stage if the car is still on the originals.

Thanks. I have ordered the larini cats as well as an X-pipe exhaust. The exhaust is going to be delivered in two days but the cats are a few weeks away as they are being built. Oh yes, the nightmare clamps, the reason my clutch job took ages was because one broke and had to be ordered from lambo despite the more reliable ones available from hills engineering. I agree i need to have a couple of these with me as the ones on the engine side are not touched. The car is still on original CATs. I am not pushing it as I need to change these as soon as possible. Dont want any engine rebuilds

Thats a great idea mate. I will ask them if they could remove the side stickers. They look tacky just like my brother walking around with his new ray bans with the tag hanging off them.

I dont think the throttle bodies have been replaced. Are they a potential issue? I thought the 2008 bosch ones were a bit better?

[madmedman]

markiii said:

The Bosch ones are fine if that's what you have

Yea, they are the Bosch ones.

[madmedman]

On a much needed positive note, the exhaust arrived. Order was placed on 14th September. £1200 all in, including taxes and shipping. Not bad. Now have to strategically dismantle the car over the next few days to install this. The larini cats are a few weeks out and I am sure I wouldn't need to remove the rear bumper again for them.

[madmedman]

markiii said:

if you can do the cats with the exhaust and bumper still in place your a better man than me fella

whilst your'e in worth a check of the rear bumper skeleton, hopefully not too bad but if iits the usual; falling apart from heat, now is the time to do it

Haha, that doesn't fill me with confidence. I am only going by a few youtube videos where some removed the cats via the wheel arch and some without removing the exhaust but had to loosen the oil pan and side metal bar things. If only I could remove the bumper without removing the wheels. My garage is very narrow and and then my driveway is uneven and at an incline and same for the road outside. So have to sort something out. I heard of people cracking their windscreen by jacking up the car unevenly or on one side. Good thing is I have already cracked the rear clamps. But the front clamps behind the CATs, I havent touched and I cant see them. I guess I need the wheels off for them. I hope I will be able to install the exhaust in the next few days. The stock one doesn't do the V10 justice.

I noticed a few screws missing from the grilles. I am fully expecting some form of heat damage to the bumper skeleton. I think now they can be bought without the bumper if i am not mistaken. That will be another 500 or so.

And the way my luck goes, I am sure the exhaust would not line up properly and will require some twisting or turning of the cats. But I hope not.

[madmedman]

Hoofy said:

Sorry to hear you're having these problems. That exhaust sounds awesome, though!

Cheers mate. I hope the niggles will be sorted. Yea, the seller sent me quite a few videos. This one is a bit quieter than their other x-pipe version and hence I went with it. Just waiting on the 200 cell cats now. The combo will be great i hope.

[madmedman]

@Hoofy

Videos incoming

@markiii
THanks mate. I think I am goind to back the car out of the garage enough to use the centre brace to lift and use jackstands. I have 4, so should be enough to keep the rear up.

I saw a video of someone taking the left one through the wheel well. As far as I remember it was a coupe. From what i can see, looking at the engine bay, I think it would be really tight and the cats are just too big for the wheel well, unless I move the suspension out of the way, which is not happening.

I have a electric ratchet so will at least reduce the time needed to remove all the fasteners. I will still try to break free those rear clamps when I do the exhaust, will inspire some confidence when the cats arrive.

Oh yea, thanks, I will get the O2 sensors as well. I think they were last change a few years ago.

[madmedman]

markiii said:

rear bumper skeleton part number is

400807311

get here

https://www.eurospares.co.uk/Parts/400807311/Lambo...

jacking points are attached

Thats brilliant mate. i was looking for the part number. Its actually quite cheap being a lambo part.

I am hopefully going to finish the task tomorrow. Now I have a plan how to jack up the car and remove wheels. THanks again.

[madmedman]

m4tti said:

Not sure the engine bay will be the problem, it’ll be the rearward travel of the exhaust on its mounts. It’ll depend where the xpipe exhaust sits in relation to that rear cross member, to get enough clearance to clear the neck of the cats.

Oh I see. I guess i will know tomorrow when I install the exhaust. But if there is not much space to move the exhaust back away from the cats, it will be another bumper removal. Its such a long process, too many bolts. I found one that was stripped completely. Hope i will be able to get it off or drill it out tomorrow. Thanks i will keep an eye on the clearance.

markiii said:

The donut gaskets are some kind of ceramic, if you intend to reuse dont let them fall out, they will explode when they hit the floor

Thanks for the heads-up. I am hoping to reuse the exhaust side ones but will change the ones on the engine side. I heard they disintegrate as well. But the larini cats eta is 11th november

[madmedman]

Job done but had one issue. Couldn't keep the oem tips as the xpipe was in the way. See pic. I want to cut a bit of the aftermarket exhaust so I can keep the oem tips. They look better. Should I give it a go with a dremel or will need something more heavy duty? Also I think if I don't do that, the exhaust will melt the grille.

[madmedman]

Took me three hours just to remove the bumper. There were so many screws, stripped screws, different sizes in the same location, what a nightmare




The exhaust fitment is great but the tips are too far out to interfere with the oem. So had to remove them as above.

I had a look at the engine side clamps on the cats and wanted to loosen them. But man the angle on the clamps is such that I could get a good grip on the bolts with my long extension. This will be a project.

There is enough gap to move the aftermarket exhaust towards the back to let me pull out the cats from above, provided I can get the stubborn bolts out. Guess that will be another day off from work.

Edited by madmedman on Friday 22 September 15:14