Bradan 575 project The following project is based on a 2002 575 in preparation for the Hamptons Rally. It consists of service, performance upgrades, and detailing. All three aspects will be documented in this thread. We have slightly longer than a week to complete this project and deliver the car for Saturday, August 28th. We hope you enjoy following the process. Stage 1 The car was delivered to us last night. Here are some before images of the vehicle. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Stage 2 The car was shifting into neutral during acceleration which we diagnosed as a worn clutch. We contacted our favorite parts supplier, Ricambi, to overnight us a complete clutch kit. Daniel and Mike came through as always and we had a complete clutch first thing in the morning. Alex started the process by removing the exhaust system and bumper. By lunch time, the transaxle was removed as well as the old clutch. A close inspection showed heavy wear and glazing. The gearbox oil was changed and a new clutch was installed. Our goal was to have the car on the dyno before the end of the day. By 3 pm, the car was back together and ready for a road test to confirm perfect running order. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Stage 3 The vehicle was moved to our dyno test cell. Strapped down and ready for testing, we brought the engine up to temperature and calibrated the machine. Each power pull was done in 5th gear, the strongest of the 575, because of it's 94:1 ratio. The run started at 45 mph and peaked at 145 mph. Each test was done with the hood closed for induction purposes. Between each run, the hood was left open for 20 minutes to remove heat soak. The 3rd and final run produced a staggering 442 hp and 379 tq. Our pre-test estimates were 400-420 whp. This is a strong motor for sure. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Nice. You might want to look into some more cooling though, that's a tiny fan for a dyno...but if you're just doing a couple peak number pulls it's not a big deal. Is this an eddy current dyno, or are you just doing peak number testing on cars physical modifications done (intakes, exhausts, etc)?
That is a 3 phase Dayton air canon with a fresh cold air intake that puts out 16,000 cfm. The dyno is a Mustang MD-250 with eddy current.
Stage 4 Given the very limited amount of time for this project, the most extensive upgrades we could offer consist of minor intake and exhaust work. So, the vehicle was taken to service once again to have Alex remove the complete exhaust system. After close inspection, it was clear that the exhaust is a major limiting factor in the vehicle's power output. Stage 5 will be posted Monday afternoon. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
one of my fav. F-Cars....this...a 550 and the 355 GTB... how many miles were on this car to have the clutch so glazed and shot???
See post 7: 20K miles. Sounds as though the owner is pretty hard on the clutch or is that a normal lifespan for clutches on a 550?
I was told the normal life of the clutch on a 575, which is what this car is, is normallu 15-20k miles.
while I understand that many F-cars do not see huge mileage....20k for a clutch seems poor...unless of course like the previous poster suggested that the owner drove the car very hard.
Stage 6 The mufflers were engineered and constructed this past weekend. The muffler starts out as perforated tubing, sheet metal, and stainless muffler packing. It takes thirteen hours to make a pair from start to finish. Our master fabricator and welder, Ross, starts by bending all the sheet metal to form the case. Then, he assembles the internal chambers. Once fully assembled, the chambers are pressure tested with compressed air to verify there aren't any leaks. Exhaust tip diameter is increased to 3" with a staggered setup. Updates later today... Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Stage 7 With tubing diameter increased to 3", we fabricated the complete center section. Resonators have been removed and catalytic converters have been replaced with a two hundred cell metallic race cats. The entire system from the mufflers to the exhaust manifolds are now complete and ready for installation. Tonight and tomorrow will be spent fabricating the exhaust manifolds. All mounting bungs and flanges are being machined overnight. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
in post 8, is that the 355 from the englishtown thread? i love the way that car looks with the black rims. are they painted ferrari rims or something aftermarket?
Yes. They are OEM wheels powder coated black. You can view the process in the following thread. http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.phpt=284038&highlight=f355+paint+correction
Stage 8 The exhaust manifolds have been sent out for ceramic coated heat insulation. Lead times are not allowing us to have this system mounted for Saturday. Once they return, it will be installed and dyno tested. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Stage 9 To keep peddle feeling consistent and solid, the rubber brake lines were replaced with our stainless steel braided brake line kit and flushed with Motul 600 brake fluid. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Stage 10 Wheels were upgraded to a 19" forged OZ wheel set with Pirelli P zero tires. Tires were filled with nitrogen and OEM TPS sensors were transferred. To prep the wheels for installation, they were cleaned and waxed for easy clean up and finish protection. OEM centercaps were adapted by machining an aluminum adapter ring. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Stage 11 With the maintenance and upgrades finished, the vehicle was handed over to our detailing department. John will now complete our full detail service. This is offered as in individual service and complimentary with all major services.
Stage 12 The vehicle was hand washed and clay barred to remove all surface contamination. It is then transfered to our detail bay to be blown dry with compressed air at 120 psi. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Stage 13 Wheels were removed. All badges, taillights, mesh inserts, and seats are taped in preperation for the paint correction process. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Stage 14 The first stage is a heavy compounding treatment that removes all surface imperfections such as deep scratches and swirl marks. Florescent lighting, halogen bulbs, and a 3M sun gun are used during the process to find all scratches that might not be visible under certain lighting. Stage 15 After compounding, the paint is cleaned with an alcohol/water mixture to remove all compound residue. The vehicle is then inspected to verify all imperfections are removed. With this now complete, the finish is polished back to a bright reflective shine. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
