Who is swapping their 550/575 for a 599?

I wouldn't trade my 550 for a 599 even if they gave me a 599 and a $50,000 cash bonus

 

I bought a 599 4 yrs ago and still kept my 575 for that time. It just felt like a big heavy fast car. 575 feels special when I get in it, even now. Have had it for 6 yrs now The 599 had a great grunt, tons of power and torque but a bit unruly. Sold the 599 for a CS. I should have done it instead of getting the 599 but live and learn

 

I think those of us who are boomers or older prefer the older analog cars without all the high tech stuff. 599's and later are for rich millenials.

And by & large I think most of us (boomers and older) believe that the only proper colors for wheels are silver and "maybe" gold, and a car's finish should be bright & shiny, not a dull matte.

 

Several years ago I sold my 550 to buy a stunning 599. My disappointment with my decision was nearly immediate -- the 599 felt big and disconnected relative to the 550. The 550 is one sweet car. I now have a 488GTB, which I will keep.

 

550 tube chassis and manual transmission means that I would not trade. Also digital screens when new are cool, but date cars fast. I've driven bot and find the 550 a more satisfying drive

 

Not long ago, I was seriously thinking about selling the 550 for a 599. After checking with Daniel (DZ) for some helpful insights, I decided not to do it. For me, looking at the car, I think it's too bulky for my taste, although it is a very very fast machine. I used to get frustrated with my dreadful slowdown issue, but now it has been fixed, I am more happy to stay with the 550. I prefer retro and the old-fashioned dash instruments.

 

To directly answer the topic....

CRAZY PEOPLE.

No offence to 599 owners but the 599 is IMO not a manly Ferrari. It looks twice the size of a marrenello.

The F12 and up are better, but I still would not trade. 550 with an exhaust is too special.

 

From 2004 to 2010 I went through 550, 575 and 599. I thought (and I still think) at these times it made some sense, because I intended to use the cars as "modern" cars and each change provided some noticeable technical improvements.
However it's almost 2020, and all these models are (although to different extents) outdated, so they should not be considered in the same way now.
So if I had a 550 today, I would definitely keep it - and even more than that, if I would buy today one of the 550, 575 and 599, it would be a 550 - as a "classic" car it's the best of the three.
Today the really different proposition for a "modern" car comes from the F12 and 812, not anymore from the 599.

 

Hello together

As many know, I added a 599 GTB to my 550.
I own the 550 since 2010, it was my 1st Ferrari.
2015 I decided to get a 599 GTB in addition, after thinking about changing the 550 to a 599.
And i have to say that I'm really happy not to sell the 550.

Both cars are great
You could believe that there is no reason to have both, 2x V12 front engine, so both are the same.
It isn't.

The 550 is a relaxing car, still very fast, nice to drive, and with Michelin Pilot SS, John's steering relay and Fabio's 6-1 exhaust system the best thing to drive. The car is just perfect in this spec.

The 599 GTB is damn fast, with the wider Michelin Pilot SS (255 + 315) very direct and makes a lot of fun.
The 599 is felt, less relaxing to drive, but in reality it isn't.
I was on a 800 Km 1 day Swiss alps and North Italy trip in Oktober, about 9-10 hours pure pass driving.
At the evening when i came home, I got out of the car as I was driving 30 Km.

When I have to decide what car I would hold, it would be the 550 (the 6-1 exhaust system makes this decision very clear).
So the next thing is to get the 6-1 system for the 599 GTB, and then it would be not as clear what car would be the keeper.

Lucky to know, that there is no reason to sell one.


Drove the F12, really fine car, goes like hell in higher revs, but I like more the 599.

Daniel


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Hi Daniel, how much are Fabio's 6-1 headers and where to buy?

 

These cars are not utility vehicles, they're not even particularly practical. Parking can be a problem because of the easily dented aluminum body work. Some insurance policies preclude trips like going shopping. They attract attention from the police. Fuel economy is not very good. I could go on and on.

They are an indulgence, something that makes us feel "good" when we use it.

That said it's all about what is it about a car that makes us feel "good"? The looks, how it drives, but I think most of all how you fit and feel inside. After all that's where you spend most of the time ............hopefully.

I just happen to really like the cabin of the 550, it just fits, I like every thing about it except for the rear mirror vision is blocked a bit by the center brake light housing. One item that would be a deal breaker for me with a 599 is the hand brake location. I love where it is on the 550/575 as opposed to having it on the tunnel.

It's all about feeling comfortable and I'm supremely comfortable in my 550.

 

I agree! Perhaps an MSW delete kit or reposition it high like on the mustang GT. Speaking of mustangs the 350GTR vs the 350GT biggest difference is the carbon fiber wheels. Our 550 can easily shed the weight at the wheels and with girodisc floating rotors. You can get instant performance. Those stock wheels weigh a ton!

 

I noticed that too, Dave, when I first got my 550. I raised the driver's seat to help minimize the obstruction.

Barry

 

I've managed to get the mirror a bit higher which helps. I have an auto dimming mirror, same as the 599 optional rear view mirror. Since the swivel pin is off center I was able to turn the mirror itself around so the control button is on top. I picked up a bit of height which helps .

 

Good solution, Dave, with your auto-dimming mirror and its placement. My view out the rear window with the rear view mirror is satisfactory. It hasn't posed a problem on the track or on the streets.

 

Daniel,

Does John's Steering Relay makes the steering tighter at high speed? My steering feels light at high speed, something to consider.

Regards

 

I have John and Dave's Maranello Skunk Works Switchable FHP Steering ECU (switched via SPORT MODE switch). The stock 550 steering ECU tightens the steering as speed increases. You should be able to notice the difference in your 550. The FHP steering ECU makes the steering tighter than stock at low speeds and progressively tighter as the car picks up speed. Steering is noticeably tighter at speed compared to the stock steering ECU. It's easy for me to compare both ECUs' effect on steering at any speed as I can switch between the stock and FHP ECUs on the fly. With FHP selected, my steering is almost as tight as my Porsche 944 turbo.

As my FHP steering ECU is switched on along with SPORT MODE, there are several other parameters that come into play.

 

Hi Barry,

Thanks very much for the very helpful insights. I need to experiment it next time. Apparently, my car was installed with dealer's FHP.

Best regards

 

@LjT
Barry wrote all details.
Contact John, he can give you more information believe the switchable is not available anymore.
Sure that you have the FHP relay ?
Perhaps the 1st owner changed it to standard - FHP is much much stiffer than standard.

@FrankieFourEyes
Please use google, there you find all informations about his website incl. prices.

Daniel

 

I hope I helped.

Barry

That's possible, Daniel.

See this thread for a discussion and pictures of the stock and FHP ECUs: 550 Steering ECU


Stock Steering ECU...

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FHP Steering ECU...

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Barry & Daniel,

You guys are great! Thanks a lot. Will definitely give me some directions to rectify the issue.

With best regards

 

Anyone know if you can modify the steering to have zero boost ? I do not like power steering. Manual has the best feel.

 

Good luck parking it. Have you ever driven a Daytona? The Maranello would be much, much worse. If you really want to do that, Maranello Skunkworks can set up a hydraulic steering ECU for you pretty easily, but I can guarantee you will not like it.

 

Just pull the ECU