[maseratisportgts]

Originally Posted by flashgordon

Fair enough Infidel. If I had followed your credo, I would be a lot better off financially right now.

That said, some of us never keep wanting to release the hidden sports car (Mr. Hyde) in the Gran Tourismo (Dr. Jecyll). Personally, I think I am only about $10 grand away....

This is how I feel.. I felt like that 10K ago, and looking at another 10K I still think so, LOL..

[MamoVaka]

Guys, you are comparing apples to oranges..

the G35 and the Maserati Gransport are in totally difference class brackets..

the G35 is a (50k?) car and the Gransport is a 115k car.. the gransport's competition is the Vantage V8 and Porsche Carrera S.. not the G35

[Island Maser]

Hi Flash,

You did touch a nerve with your G35 comment. I owned one but it was my wifes car and she didn't even like it. We drove a 350Z first and it was tighter but the ride and noise was to much to take. Asian cars are just plan numb.
You have no idea what the car is doing until it breaks loose. As for your 911,
bring your 911 and your pink slip and we will see how good you do the track.
I am not scared of a stock 911(Non-Turbo) even in my wifes car a Mini Cooper S. I ran on track less then a week ago in a MINI and passed 3 911's that day in a MINI. They had more straight away speed but it was not even fair in the corners. 911 are a classic design for sure but not the easist car to drive fast on a track. They take lots of skill to drive fast. The older the model the more skill you will need to be fast in a 911. Press too hard and the motor
will pass you conming out of the corner. I honestly thought you had and issue with your car and now it looks like it was a bitch session. Sorry you feel your Maser was a waste of your money. Sell it to a good home and move on.
You and your Maser will both be better off. At first I wanted to help you sort your car out. It is now evident that was not your intention. Go wow em in you G35 Sedan sounds like a perfect match for you.

PS. There is nothing wrong with the brakes on this car either. Yes a pad change make a big differnce and big brakes help on the track. But to say the brakes suck I just do not see it. I thnik my Z06 had better brakes but it was also a lot lighter car. I am waiting for the it has steel brakes so they are no good line. Steel brakes will stop just as fast as Carbon or Ceramic in a panic stop provided they are the same size. It just in repeated laps they get hot and fade. C/C heat up and cool down was faster so you get the track performance. I heard a guy on the street the other day say he didn't want that Ferrari with Steel brakes following him in a cruise because he didn't have
c/c brakes and couldn't stop as fast. Way to many bench racers with out a clue that thinks everything the salemen told them is true. Have to justify the 15K they paid for brakes and have seen zero miles on a track.

[Infidel]

Originally Posted by flashgordon

Fair enough Infidel. If I had followed your credo, I would be a lot better off financially right now.

That said, some of us never keep wanting to release the hidden sports car (Mr. Hyde) in the Gran Tourismo (Dr. Jecyll). Personally, I think I am only about $10 grand away....

... I really do, and have traveled the road you are on more times than I care to recall. I spent years of my life and untold thousands chasing my car dreams.

And if I could have back all the money and time I spent, and the emotional highs and lows that came with it... I don't think I would.

So, if tossing another $10 or $20k towards your dream of "unleashing the beast" makes you happy, go for it!

[flashgordon]

Originally Posted by Island Maser

Hi Flash,

You did touch a nerve with your G35 comment. I owned one but it was my wifes car and she didn't even like it. We drove a 350Z first and it was tighter but the ride and noise was to much to take. Asian cars are just plan numb.
You have no idea what the car is doing until it breaks loose. As for your 911,
bring your 911 and your pink slip and we will see how good you do the track.
I am not scared of a stock 911(Non-Turbo) even in my wifes car a Mini Cooper S. I ran on track less then a week ago in a MINI and passed 3 911's that day in a MINI. They had more straight away speed but it was not even fair in the corners. 911 are a classic design for sure but not the easist car to drive fast on a track. They take lots of skill to drive fast. The older the model the more skill you will need to be fast in a 911. Press too hard and the motor
will pass you conming out of the corner. I honestly thought you had and issue with your car and now it looks like it was a bitch session. Sorry you feel your Maser was a waste of your money. Sell it to a good home and move on.
You and your Maser will both be better off. At first I wanted to help you sort your car out. It is now evident that was not your intention. Go wow em in you G35 Sedan sounds like a perfect match for you.

PS. There is nothing wrong with the brakes on this car either. Yes a pad change make a big differnce and big brakes help on the track. But to say the brakes suck I just do not see it. I thnik my Z06 had better brakes but it was also a lot lighter car. I am waiting for the it has steel brakes so they are no good line. Steel brakes will stop just as fast as Carbon or Ceramic in a panic stop provided they are the same size. It just in repeated laps they get hot and fade. C/C heat up and cool down was faster so you get the track performance. I heard a guy on the street the other day say he didn't want that Ferrari with Steel brakes following him in a cruise because he didn't have
c/c brakes and couldn't stop as fast. Way to many bench racers with out a clue that thinks everything the salemen told them is true. Have to justify the 15K they paid for brakes and have seen zero miles on a track.

Island - you really need to get some help . If you get this worked up over someone questioning your car, I would hate to see what happens if someone said your TV has a poor picture!.

Sorry to get you foaming at the mouth some more, but I was actually being charitable comparing my Spyder to my daily driver (the G35) That is car is nothing special whatsoever - it is simply a very ordinary, mid level Japanese sport sedan. I hardly love the thing, or even feel any emotions for it at all, as it simply gets me from Point A to B (by way of example, I feel it is far inferior to a BMW 335). It is nonetheless, my best point of reference, as I have recently owned two of them.(and spent two full days on the track with the current one in May). The fact that the Maser comes up short in two key areas (handling and braking) against this pretty mediocre reference is a real problem in my mind. That is why I am working to simply get the problems fixed (not going in to denial and then ranting about the car having human attributes and ultimately getting even for my disrespect - whoa! - that is pretty weird, man).

On a more serious note, you go on (and on and on) about what a great driver you are, how much track experience you have, and your vast experience with all different kinds of cars - yet you thought your RWD drive Infiniti had FWD - and this after you owned it for a year? Sorry bud - something doesn't add up.

P.S. TravisJ (a very knowledgeable member on this forum) was in the passenger seat with me for a few hot laps on one of the fastest tracks in North America (RCS in Calgary) this summer. If you think that I can't drive, and therefore my views are worthless, why don't you ask his opinion of my driving skills?

[maseratisportgts]

Okay guys, so I picked up my car today... Got my baby detailed too...

I had the FD Sway Bars, FD Spacers, and the Carbon fiber paddles from Valence installed at Universal Autosport in Long Island by Kent Woodworth.

Great job Kent! Anthony Simone as always arranged everything very professionally. The detailing was done in house by Jason parga hes the best!

Let me start off by saying that the spacers are a must!

They dramatically improve the look of the car, it looks like the way it should have been..

The wheels now fill in the wheel wells, and it looks amazing! I'm so glad I did it, because I feel that it really finishes the look of the car, just my 2 cents.

For spacers I have the 25mm in the rears, and the 15mm in the front.
Sorry for the crappy pics, I just took these tonight I had to do it in the garage.

I went for the smaller 17mm bolts instead of the OEM size 22mm bolts, because the OEM ones were a lot more expensive just because. 17mm is the standard size for lots or euro cars so I thought it should be okay if I ever have an issue. They look just fine on the wheels.

Also- I put on the venturesheild clearbra on the rocker panels and around the back side panel and I just had the lower spoiler and some of the rear bumper done at the same time, so I'm fully protected now. That was my choice, you don't have to do it if you don't want to.

The sway bars- Wow. It's not even a harsh ride at all, to tell you the truth, I couldn't tell the difference from before I put them on regarding harshness.

ButI could feel the difference, like it was tighter handling and I could just point the car easier in the direction that I wanted it to and the car would just follow, felt much more nimble, enough for me to really notice-

Me and Kent went for a drive on a backroad by the shop, and there were some twisties there. I wasn't driving fast rather just trying to stay with the curves and whereas previously I felt the weight of the car going side to side, it felt like the tires had more bite, and the car was just plain FLAT on the twisties, NO ROLL, NO BOUNCE. I also felt with the wider track, that you could actually feel the wider stance, more planted. I could still feel the weight of the car, given that its only 400 lbs lighter than my QP!

But a huge improvement overall, confidence inspiring handling upgrade for sure. I am glad I went for the spacers and sway bars since I already had the springs, it feels really tight to me. I love it! Although I haven't had a chance to try it out at speed.

I also attached pics of the Valence paddles. They look Amazing! The funny thing is, the carbon weave and size of the weave and color in the paddles matches the carbon on the steering wheel! As if it were made for it..

It looks OEM to me, I'm glad I went with the MC Victory paddles, they are the perfect size for me, the stock ones were kinda small, I have actual paddles I can flap and slap up and down as I please without ever having to feel for them. They really compliment the interior, and look just beautiful.

I have to say that the Valance carbon paddles are the best quality I have ever seen, they truly look fantastic, I was a little skeptical by pictures but when I saw them installed, they look great! Enjoy the pics-



George

[maseratisportgts]

[QUOTE=Infidel;72540

So, if tossing another $10 or $20k towards your dream of "unleashing the beast" makes you happy, go for it![/QUOTE]

I'm happy...

[Vincenzo]

Man - those paddles look amazing installed! Like you said, as if they came factory. I'd like to see a pic of your car head-on, to the side slightly, so I can get a good full view of how much the spacers set the wheels out. Sway bars sound like a must if you're tracking the car.

[jpmondalek]

Originally Posted by maseratisportgts

I also attached pics of the Valence paddles. They look Amazing! The funny thing is, the carbon weave and size of the weave and color in the paddles matches the carbon on the steering wheel! As if it were made for it..

It looks OEM to me, I'm glad I went with the MC Victory paddles, they are the perfect size for me, the stock ones were kinda small, I have actual paddles I can flap and slap up and down as I please without ever having to feel for them. They really compliment the interior, and look just beautiful.

I have to say that the Valance carbon paddles are the best quality I have ever seen, they truly look fantastic, I was a little skeptical by pictures but when I saw them installed, they look great! Enjoy the pics-



George

George, thanks for posting. They look perfect!

I am dying to go home for the holidays and drive my car and try the paddles on for the first time! (they are being installed this week)...December 19th couldn't come sooner!

Also, I am glad you approve of the product and that many other forum members are pleased. The Valence guys really came through for us!

JP

[flashgordon]

That looks great George. I went with 15mm spacers all around but I really like the look of your 25's. How much did you lower with the springs and do you think there may be any rubbing issues now in the rear as it looks like the rubber actually extends beyond the outer fender edge?

I am glad you like the sway bar/ spacer combo - I can't imagine driving without it now. I think most of the difference that you feel is from the bars actually as I had my bars installed first with the spacers afterwards. The spacers did make a difference but not nearly as huge as the bars.

Just wait until your try this set up on the track! The difference between the OEM car and a full FD set up (springs/ bars/ spacers) is so profound it is like driving a different car altogether - no more wallow, pitch and roll.

[Vincenzo]

Has anyone upgraded from the FD springs to include the swaybars? I'd like to know the incremental handling improvements that the bars provide over & above just the springs.

[flashgordon]

Originally Posted by Vincenzo

Has anyone upgraded from the FD springs to include the swaybars? I'd like to know the incremental handling improvements that the bars provide over & above just the springs.

Vincenzo - I did as did MaseratiGTS I believe.

The difference is significant - not quite as profound as the spring upgrade but pretty close IMO.

The stock handling is bad. The springs alone bring it up to good. The springs plus sway bars bring it up to very good. Maybe not F430 territory but pretty close (other than the cowl shake on the Spyder which is actually aggravated by the upgrades).

If you track the car - the upgrade is a must. No discernable body roll, no more dive/ planing, greatly reduced understeer, and very crisp turn in are the general results. The car is more agile and at the same time far more stable in very high speed corners (120MPH+). I did notice a slightly stiffer ride but it is not a huge difference.

Highly recommended overall.

[maseratisportgts]

Originally Posted by flashgordon

That looks great George. I went with 15mm spacers all around but I really like the look of your 25's. How much did you lower with the springs and do you think there may be any rubbing issues now in the rear as it looks like the rubber actually extends beyond the outer fender edge?

I am glad you like the sway bar/ spacer combo - I can't imagine driving without it now. I think most of the difference that you feel is from the bars actually as I had my bars installed first with the spacers afterwards. The spacers did make a difference but not nearly as huge as the bars.

Just wait until your try this set up on the track! The difference between the OEM car and a full FD set up (springs/ bars/ spacers) is so profound it is like driving a different car altogether - no more wallow, pitch and roll.

Thanks Flash!

I agree that the car feels different, for the better of course!

I really like the 25mm spacers in the rear. I was thinking I should have done 20mm in the front, but I went with Jeff's suggestion.

Because if I'm gonna do it, I'm gonna do it right. But I've very happy with the way they look. As far as rubbing issues, I haven't had any. If I'm rubbing, that means I hit a huge pothole, and the rubbing will be the least of my worries!

My car was dropped exactly an inch initially when I just had the springs. But Kent from Universal Autosports raised just the rear by 5mm slightly just to keep the nose at a slight angle for more of a "wedge" effect at speed he explained, as I felt that the front bottom was rising slightly the faster I went.

If I lower it anymore, it will be tough for city driving. I can pretty much still get around no problem as I avoid the potholes and keep my speed down. For highway the ride quality has been great so far. Of course I take it out of sport when hitting a crappy patch of highway.

I can very slightly notice that the rear is higher, it doesn't feel like the front is lower really, which I like. It felt slightly more focused in the front, but I'm not sure if its raising the rear or the sway bars. I guess I will find out with some spirited driving in the near future.

Also when you drop it too much, I think it possibly makes the ride even harsher IMO from my past experiences.

Expecially with the sway bars. I have to say, I can feel the difference from both upgrades separately.

The spacers feel like a wider stance than before I can feel it when I'm straight line driving, more planted for sure, and obviously slightly wider.

And even in the turns slightly, it helps keep the car feeling more planted. I like it very much!

The sway bars I can definitely feel in the twisties and turns because I feel the car lay "flatter" when I maneuver around left and right, more grip.

Instead of leaning towards the "heavy" side at the moment. Because before, when I had swerve at speed, that was the most when I felt that the sides were kind of heavy and starting to float but this improves that a lot, pretty much eliminated that so far. I need to do some more "test" driving.

I don't think the handling was terrible before, it was just more cushy and not as focused. I think more luxury feeling as opposed to sporty. When I put the sport button on before, it would tighten it up some, but wasn't as smooth as I had liked.

With the suspension mods I put in, the springs definitely helped me enjoy the ride quality more, and the spacers and anti sway bars further improved the ride quality for me and made it feel more focused which is what I wanted to acheive. And I think I have accomplished that. My car feels very tight now.

Thank you Jeff, for your formula dynamics products!

I feel very satisfied with my upgrades, and genuinely feel that they improved my car to the way I wanted it to be.

And Thanks Kent, for doing a super job on my Maserati!

[Vincenzo]

Thanks Flash....So I think I'm going to add spacers and the swaybars as my spring projects (or perhaps mid-winter blues project )

[flashgordon]

Originally Posted by Vincenzo

Thanks Flash....So I think I'm going to add spacers and the swaybars as my spring projects (or perhaps mid-winter blues project )

Go for it - you won't regret it.

My winter project is chassis stiffening to get rid of the cowl shake. I found a shop locally that has a pretty solid plan for adding Cro Moly frame rail bracing and shock tower struts that I am going to try. They recently did the same work successfully to a BMW Z8.

If that project works, then I will probably go to the Brembo big brake kit from FD and add Sparco Milano Prestige seats with Schroth black magic autocontrol harnesses.

The result: 450HP, custom stiffened chassis with full FD suspension mods, and a track ready seating set up. That should be it (finally).