[MikeA]

I am wondering about the advertising banner on this website from Beverly Hills Auto Design that claims +80 HP Level 3 performance upgrade! Is this for real? They show the Powerchip engine controller upgrade that gets us less than 20HP here in California. Is there something I am missing? 80HP is huge, but I don't see how to get it. I, for one, would seriously consider a 20% performance increase.

Also, their site is a bit disappointing. Lots of the text seems like bad, computer generated translation (the Leo Nardo stuff), and clicking on pictures to get a bigger picture actually gets a slightly smaller picture!

Not impressed yet.

Thanks.
Mike

 

[BHAD]

Hi Mike,

First of all, we would like to thank you for the constructive criticism regarding the online catalog, which is still - very much so - a work in progress.

Regarding our stated 80HP increase, this is entirely possible via the following ("Level 3") modifications/upgrades to your 3200 Coupe: Reprogrammed ECU; Sport Exhaust; Sport Air Filters; Revised Drive By Wire; Optimized Intercooling; Larger Induction Manifolds in Stainless; and Modified Valve Timing from Camshaft. Similarly, a 50HP increase is obtainable from our "Level 2" upgrade for the 4200 Coupe/Spyder: Reprogrammed ECU; Sport Exhaust; Sport Air Filters; and Modified Valve Timing from Camshaft. All parts are made in Germany.

Please let us know if you have any further questions.

>> >BHAD

 

[MikeA]

Quote?

OK, you can see from my post that I have a 2003 Spyder, and therefore the 4200 cc engine, not the 3200. Can you please post a price quotation for the various modifications to achieve the 50hp increase, and how much increase is derived from each modification. Right now I have 'straight pipes', meaning my mufflers have been replaced with straight pipes and all muffling comes from the catalytic converter. Would your sport exhaust provide a hp improvement over this setup?
Also, can the full 50hp be achieved in California with our normally available 91 octance gasoline?
Finally, which, if any, of these modifications have an impact on the 4 year Maserati warranty?
Thanks.
Mike

 

[Andrew]

Mike,

How loud is your car without an exhuast? Has anyone complained. I'm guessing it is very loud. Well if you are allowing more air to exit the car you should increase the air going into the car as well.

Also there is a 76 station between you and Palo Alto that has high octane fuel (108 I believe). The exact location I do not know right now but I can find out if you'd like.

 

[MikeA]

It's loud, but...

Well, of course, my wife thinks it is too loud, and the neighbors have
commented they know when I come and go, but none have
complained. It isn't as loud as those Harley's that rumble
by at times, and I assume it is on the borderline of legal.

The modification was done by the dealership, and actually
advocated by their sales guy. We probably have the same
dealership - Ferrari/Maserati of SF.

As for the gas, I know of a station in Los Gatos, where I live,
that sells higher octane, as you point out, primarily for hot
rodders. I use my car as a daily driver, however, sometimes
travelling beyond a gastank range, so I need to be able to
get gas anywhere, so I can't count on that.

Thanks for the thoughts.
Mike