to chip or not to chip....

[mr_tony]

Guys,

Having had my majory 3 year service my car leaves the protective fold of the MAranello warranty system. I'd dammned if I'm going to pay the spectacularly high warranty cost for the year (try nearly 3* the cost of a 360 warranty from the dealer!), so will be gettinga warranty thorugh an independent.

As such I've already decided to get a tubi fitted (Arriving on the car in time for VMAX6) and I'm umming and ahhing about getting a performance chip fitted to the ecu to liuberate an extra 50 horses.

Now I know one perons on here had a car with a similar upgrade previously and ran it for 2+ years without incident, indeed that car is as far as we know still going strong.

Has anyone else chipped their 3200GT, if so what kind of performance gain did you get? Has it been extra hassle in terms of maintenance?

Look forward to some responses, or at least some encouragement... After all what car you define as too much power ?

[maserati3200gt]

Hi Rich,

Your Crazy mate !

Ours Cars are mad enough with that chassis and the Turbo's !!

What Chip are you seeking ?

[mr_tony]

A well know local specialist is offering a chip that boots turbo pressure slightly to bring the car up to a (I think) reputed 420bhp. So thats a 50hp boost. Should be enough to crack the 170mph barrier at Brunters anyway!

Don't think that would be to Remember that as one of the last 3200s made mine has a pretty smooth throttle action compared to many earlier cars and is much more friendly to drive.... (Or at least thats what I reckon from the few I've driven )

Still not decided, might get the tubi on there and see how I feel about it...

[maserati3200gt]

I think your right about the later models.
My car is mental !! But I love it ! But the Chassis on my car quite clearly cant cope with the sudden power delivery but its a bloody good laugh when it kicks in!

Go for the Tubi though !

[chris_crossley]

Heared the Tubi on the 3200 on there website.

I'd go for the tubi, you might not crack the 170? but it'll sound ace trying too

[mr_tony]

v12v8 has the Scuderia Tubi on his 3200AC - sounds the dogs danglies, thats why I've ended up goign for it!!

Chipwise still not sure, not as if the car is particularly slow at this point, but it could probably handle the oomph on a good day with a nice dry road! And seeing as thats when I'm driving it these days it's rather tempting!!

[-DeaDLocK-]

Do it. Just ensure the chip is nicely tested and the increased boost pressure won't lead to other problems. Namely ensure your fuelling can cope (should be no trouble), your turbo is big enough to actually convert the extra pressure to sustained boost (otherwise it's fun for 500rpm but a waste of money ultimately) and your intercooler can cope with the increased charge temps under the worst scenarios (i.e. track days and the like). Ask about the overboost characteristics of the chip, else you may find yourself forking out for a new clutch sooner than expected.

Other than that, do it.

[mr_tony]

-DeaDLocK- said:

said lots of good stuff Other than that, do it.

Sounds like decent advice - I've requested the bhp / torque gains, and had a chat with the guys, they recommend the specific increase in this chip as it's relatively small, and should not lead to cooling / fuelling issues. As for the clutch I guess that comes down to driving style as much still...