Every day tips for living with a 599
Discussion
cake eater said:
White-Noise said:
I've got a bit of a thing for the numbers as well. In primary school we used to say our favourite time was 11.11. Years later turns out its actually a thing called Angel time. Not sure what your 5 version is but let's go with v12 599 time 
You know looking at this thread made me think if I ever picked up a ferrari what would I want the colour to be. I've been a bit of a red stalwart in the past but in reality I would have something much more under the radar like yours. I wouldn't want too much fuss. Love the reds too.
Had to GoogleYou know looking at this thread made me think if I ever picked up a ferrari what would I want the colour to be. I've been a bit of a red stalwart in the past but in reality I would have something much more under the radar like yours. I wouldn't want too much fuss. Love the reds too.
Edited by White-Noise on Saturday 13th April 18:20
In numerology, the number 1 is a symbol for the unity of all things. It is the ultimate angel number because it is the beginning of everything
https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/horoscopes/a457791...
So did the same for 599
https://www.astrology.com/numerology/angel-numbers...
599, this number signifies a time of change, growth, and harnessing your personal power to create the life you desire.
Thank you White-Noise
The weekend has been spent drift training with
https://www.drift.de/
At
https://www.fahrtraining.de/standorte/hessen/fahrs...
The Germans really do these things very well. Not as good as Colin at CAT driver training but much easier to access and availability all over the country.
ADAC also provide advance driver training including skid pan etc.
First day spent on basic exercises, refreshing skills learnt with Colin on the low grip surfaces
https://www.drift.de/
At
https://www.fahrtraining.de/standorte/hessen/fahrs...
The Germans really do these things very well. Not as good as Colin at CAT driver training but much easier to access and availability all over the country.
ADAC also provide advance driver training including skid pan etc.
First day spent on basic exercises, refreshing skills learnt with Colin on the low grip surfaces
The second day spent on wetted normal tarmac doing full circle and transitions
I noticed some strange things with the car.
So drift mode is CST off, gearbox in manual.
On the low grip surface the car didn't like it and the throttle would hang, making rev control difficult. I was a little worried about this and called MDL who suggested a reset. Next day car was okay but I think it's the surface change more than the reset.
On the normal tarmac when the car spun hard the CST intervention light would come on the dash and the radio would switch on.
In first gear, trying to get the weight to transition to the front from lift off didn't work as the car would coast with the clutch in, if the speed was 'low'.
Second gear was probably easiest for me to initiate (first too aggressive and the car putting the clutch in) but third gear was the smoothest once you had everything settled in the drift.
Between the two days, did about 80 miles of trying to go sideways stuff and used 60 litres
I noticed some strange things with the car.
So drift mode is CST off, gearbox in manual.
On the low grip surface the car didn't like it and the throttle would hang, making rev control difficult. I was a little worried about this and called MDL who suggested a reset. Next day car was okay but I think it's the surface change more than the reset.
On the normal tarmac when the car spun hard the CST intervention light would come on the dash and the radio would switch on.
In first gear, trying to get the weight to transition to the front from lift off didn't work as the car would coast with the clutch in, if the speed was 'low'.
Second gear was probably easiest for me to initiate (first too aggressive and the car putting the clutch in) but third gear was the smoothest once you had everything settled in the drift.
Between the two days, did about 80 miles of trying to go sideways stuff and used 60 litres
Met some really great people at the drift school. I don't speak German and they made sure I was included.
I was a little wary of asking which autobahn was best for 'fun' as I know it can be a touchy subject 'speed tourism'. But the group were generally of a like mind.
Everyone had their favourite sections, too many to remember but the general consensus was 3 lane, early morning (4-6am just as it's getting light), preferably on a Sunday (no trucks)
I was a little wary of asking which autobahn was best for 'fun' as I know it can be a touchy subject 'speed tourism'. But the group were generally of a like mind.
Everyone had their favourite sections, too many to remember but the general consensus was 3 lane, early morning (4-6am just as it's getting light), preferably on a Sunday (no trucks)
Today is going to be very busy. I'm back at Stratstone Ferrari Manchester (despite saying I never would) because MDL can get very good prices on OEM parts through them, so I've a bunch of bits to collect.
As well as the HGTE suspension and gearbox ECUs to get installed.
It should be a plug and play job, both ECUs are in the boot behind a trim panel on the left. Sometimes the gearbox ECU is in dealer mode and needs to be unlocked.
Unfortunately, I think the 599 is giving the Tech a hard time as I can see a lot of shaking of head and hands on hips
As well as the HGTE suspension and gearbox ECUs to get installed.
It should be a plug and play job, both ECUs are in the boot behind a trim panel on the left. Sometimes the gearbox ECU is in dealer mode and needs to be unlocked.
Unfortunately, I think the 599 is giving the Tech a hard time as I can see a lot of shaking of head and hands on hips
cake eater said:
Hmm, I'm wondering if the expensive donkey is eating the Tech and all that will be left in the boot, is a boot.
Two hours in and I'm learning it's not just plug and play. They have to pull data off the old ECUs, like clutch positions and the old ECUs have been grumpy, computer says no!Anyway, they're 'in' now
Still lots of frustrated
looks from the tech though Hughesie said:
Epic updates again Cake, loving the trips !
Re paint bubbling, mine went in for a front ed respray, and ended up having the whole car done.
Despite it looking ok on the surface, they found corrosion in quite a few places: Buttresses, Rear Boot, Rear brake duct/side skirts so went the whole hog, looks and drives like new now !
Hi Hughesie,Re paint bubbling, mine went in for a front ed respray, and ended up having the whole car done.
Despite it looking ok on the surface, they found corrosion in quite a few places: Buttresses, Rear Boot, Rear brake duct/side skirts so went the whole hog, looks and drives like new now !
I don't think I've done enough overtime for a paint job
But you're right, there's more work that needs to be done in this area.
All done finally at Stratstone. It's taken 3.5 hrs so I'm late for MDL
https://mdlsupercarsltd.co.uk/
Luckily Lee and Ryan have agreed to work late as I'm back to work tomorrow.
The passenger footwell is full of parts
I set off and the car immediately feels different. I was concerned I wouldn't be able to tell the difference but the change in the attitude of the car is communicated so directly in the steering and from the seat.
I generally drive in sport / auto and let the car do it's thing, trying to anticipate the car and smooth the gear change through throttle sensitivity. But no need. The gear changes are much better.
The suspension is a revelation, the 599 is so much flatter in the corner, I'm immediately more confident in loading the front. She doesn't ride the sharp ridges as well but the low speed compression is just so good.
I'm grinning ear to ear.
My expensive donkey had a softness and curvature to her handling. Now she's harder, all angles and directness. There's still some curves to predict the limit but she's so much more pointy.
I want to head straight to a track and find this new limit
https://mdlsupercarsltd.co.uk/
Luckily Lee and Ryan have agreed to work late as I'm back to work tomorrow.
The passenger footwell is full of parts
I set off and the car immediately feels different. I was concerned I wouldn't be able to tell the difference but the change in the attitude of the car is communicated so directly in the steering and from the seat.
I generally drive in sport / auto and let the car do it's thing, trying to anticipate the car and smooth the gear change through throttle sensitivity. But no need. The gear changes are much better.
The suspension is a revelation, the 599 is so much flatter in the corner, I'm immediately more confident in loading the front. She doesn't ride the sharp ridges as well but the low speed compression is just so good.
I'm grinning ear to ear.
My expensive donkey had a softness and curvature to her handling. Now she's harder, all angles and directness. There's still some curves to predict the limit but she's so much more pointy.
I want to head straight to a track and find this new limit
Car is up on the ramp at MDL and I can't wait to tell Mark Lee and Ryan how much better the car is.
It's just software but there is a new car under the skin because of the HGTE suspension and gearbox ECUs.
Mark explained that the rev matching in the HGTE programme is much better and hence why the gearbox is so much smoother
New oil, filter, bushes, spark plugs, parking sensor, mirror gasket and headlight washer cover.
It's just software but there is a new car under the skin because of the HGTE suspension and gearbox ECUs.
Mark explained that the rev matching in the HGTE programme is much better and hence why the gearbox is so much smoother
New oil, filter, bushes, spark plugs, parking sensor, mirror gasket and headlight washer cover.
Under trays come off along with the wheels.
New upper bushes and track rod ends installed. Lee has recommended that we go back to OEM as the Hills Engineering and Superformance haven't lasted. Ryan installing the OEM bushes and track rod ends.
Oil is also changed.
The engine oil is black and viscous like it's contaminated.
Lee and Mark removed the oil cooler to make sure all the old oil is out. Normally there is 2-3 litres of oil left in the cooler after draining the oil. Filling is generally 9-10 litres with a book capacity of 12
Diff/gearbox is drained.
The oil is thin and lost it's properties. There's a little swarf on the drain plug and traces of copper in the bottom of the catch can
I've changed oil from Shell to Motul 300 and 300V based on the recommendation of Tim at Opie Oils.
New upper bushes and track rod ends installed. Lee has recommended that we go back to OEM as the Hills Engineering and Superformance haven't lasted. Ryan installing the OEM bushes and track rod ends.
Oil is also changed.
The engine oil is black and viscous like it's contaminated.
Lee and Mark removed the oil cooler to make sure all the old oil is out. Normally there is 2-3 litres of oil left in the cooler after draining the oil. Filling is generally 9-10 litres with a book capacity of 12
Diff/gearbox is drained.
The oil is thin and lost it's properties. There's a little swarf on the drain plug and traces of copper in the bottom of the catch can
I've changed oil from Shell to Motul 300 and 300V based on the recommendation of Tim at Opie Oils.
Spark plugs are changed
The passenger side, rear most plug is wet, so there's a leak in the rocker cover. All other plugs are dry but obviously needed changing
Brakes are bled. Recovered fluid on the left
Front pads will also need replacing
The passenger side, rear most plug is wet, so there's a leak in the rocker cover. All other plugs are dry but obviously needed changing
Brakes are bled. Recovered fluid on the left
Front pads will also need replacing
Edited by cake eater on Monday 15th April 22:48
A general check over is also done.
Stratstone queried the ECU for faults. No electrical system failure recorded and the alternator tested good.
Only two faults came up, parking sensor and suspension fluid temperature.
New inner right parking sensor is installed as well as the headlight washer cover. While the bumper is off Lee and Ryan adjust the panel gaps
Passenger side
Drivers side
After adjustments
The reason for the miss alignment is immediately obvious with the bumper removed. There's been a previous fender bender. The removable crash structure is bent on the drivers side
Passenger side
Drivers side
The hand brake cables also need to go on the list
New headlight washer cover
It's a surprise to me to find lots of things have additional non OEM sickafelx type stuff holding it on. I guess the clips are old and generally flimsy so have previously broken and been bonded for repair
Stratstone queried the ECU for faults. No electrical system failure recorded and the alternator tested good.
Only two faults came up, parking sensor and suspension fluid temperature.
New inner right parking sensor is installed as well as the headlight washer cover. While the bumper is off Lee and Ryan adjust the panel gaps
Passenger side
Drivers side
After adjustments
The reason for the miss alignment is immediately obvious with the bumper removed. There's been a previous fender bender. The removable crash structure is bent on the drivers side
Passenger side
Drivers side
The hand brake cables also need to go on the list
New headlight washer cover
It's a surprise to me to find lots of things have additional non OEM sickafelx type stuff holding it on. I guess the clips are old and generally flimsy so have previously broken and been bonded for repair
Edited by cake eater on Monday 15th April 22:36
F12 wheels are on with new MPS cup 2 rubber on the rear.
Passenger wing mirror gasket is changed. No more putting my little finger in the hole.
Engine Oil is filled, car run up to temp, it takes all 12 litres and the level checked, it's perfect, 10mm above minimum.
There's some more stuff to do but will have to wait till I'm back from work.
Passenger wing mirror gasket is changed. No more putting my little finger in the hole.
Engine Oil is filled, car run up to temp, it takes all 12 litres and the level checked, it's perfect, 10mm above minimum.
There's some more stuff to do but will have to wait till I'm back from work.
Edited by cake eater on Monday 15th April 22:46
Purso said:
Respect to you op for your commitment to the car!! she is lucky to have you, your investment must be pretty substantial now.
Yeah, there's no denying the cost of the maintenance. Major items like the clutch, brakes, diff and F1 system are a large % of the total 'investment'. Oils are probably the next biggest bill for maintaining not counting labour.
MDL are significant saving over Ferrari labour costs and I think Mark has more in-depth knowledge of the car and Ferraris in general
Upgrades are a minor % of the investment in comparison.
And then the milage and type of miles. Today I passed 29k miles in the car since purchase. At this age of car, plus the miles if I could discount the majority replacement items then probably the major cost would be fuel and normal service.
Anyway, this is more man maths justification
White-Noise said:
Really interesting to read cake eater. Given your comment about the engine oil do you know when it was last changed and would you consider (or did they say) to change it more frequently? Did they comment on the wear of the box/diff given the little fragments?
It's lovely having fresh work done on the car. I get nervous with folks touching the cars if I am present. I'd rather not see what they do in some ways, I'd be wanting to say please be careful, why are you doing that and generally being a pain as id want it done perfectly
Gets my inner mechanic itch going seeing this. Mine have fsh so I get all the work done at a garage but I feel like I need to buy something I can tinker with more!
Hi White-Noise,It's lovely having fresh work done on the car. I get nervous with folks touching the cars if I am present. I'd rather not see what they do in some ways, I'd be wanting to say please be careful, why are you doing that and generally being a pain as id want it done perfectly
Gets my inner mechanic itch going seeing this. Mine have fsh so I get all the work done at a garage but I feel like I need to buy something I can tinker with more!
Engine Oil was last done at the Nurburgring in October. So since last change it's done: one day at Nurburgring, trip to Scotland, FOC at Donington and trip to Croatia.
Gearbox oil was quite a bit longer ago (poor English, sorry)
I change the engine oil based on use as well as time / milage. My normal rule is two / three trackdays plus annual but probably the long high speed running means I need to do it more often. Drift is probably quite hard on the car too.
Gearbox oil has probably suffered from more heat as MDL set the diff to lock up a little more than standard (recommendation for track / hard use)
Lee at MDL said the copper is the syncos but there's just a tiny trace so something to monitor. The swarf on the plugs was minimal so not something to worry about yet.
Hopefully with the HGTE gearbox ECU better rev matching it will help address any early wear.
Actually I like to get my hands dirty. MDL have said I need to bring my own pair of coveralls but rubber gloves are free. I learn a lot more about the car, I like to be there when stuff is checked so I can see for myself, probably this comes from my work also.
And I really enjoy spending time with Mark, Lee and Ryan while working on my 599. They don't mind my questions, general chit chat. I trust them and I get to see.
What did Ronald Regan say? "Trust but verify"
Lee and Mark are always available. They give follow up calls after services and helped out with video calls late in the evening when I'm struggling to get something fixed when I've been in Europe at another garage.
I like the look of the 599 with the F12 rims on. The weight difference is quite significant compared to the challenge rims. There's also a lot more clearance for the doughnuts.
But I'm nervous of the pot holes driving with these rims on Cup 2 tyres. I feel like I'm weaving all over the road and I still can't avoid all the pot holes
Last night driving back in the rain and dark the lack of softness in the car is much more noticeable. Probably because of the tyres she's tramlining a lot more and it's a little difficult to relax.
This morning the roads are dry and I'm over the cat and fiddle to suspension secrets. The HGTE upgrade much enjoyed and the cornering compared to previous a revelation.
https://suspensionsecrets.co.uk/
After all the bushing and track rod ends being replaced the geometry will need doing again.
I have given suspension secrets the GTO geometry that MDL put into the car as a starting guide.
Matt and Jack are going to corner weight the car. I have asked not to run any lower and for a geo that will allow me to drive to the Nurburgring, blast around the circuit and drive home.
Something neutral but with a nice pointy front end.
But I'm nervous of the pot holes driving with these rims on Cup 2 tyres. I feel like I'm weaving all over the road and I still can't avoid all the pot holes
Last night driving back in the rain and dark the lack of softness in the car is much more noticeable. Probably because of the tyres she's tramlining a lot more and it's a little difficult to relax.
This morning the roads are dry and I'm over the cat and fiddle to suspension secrets. The HGTE upgrade much enjoyed and the cornering compared to previous a revelation.
https://suspensionsecrets.co.uk/
After all the bushing and track rod ends being replaced the geometry will need doing again.
I have given suspension secrets the GTO geometry that MDL put into the car as a starting guide.
Matt and Jack are going to corner weight the car. I have asked not to run any lower and for a geo that will allow me to drive to the Nurburgring, blast around the circuit and drive home.
Something neutral but with a nice pointy front end.
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