Maserati Grand Sport question.

The GS has no horror stories. You should be aware that it comes only with a Cambiocorsa (F1) gearbox, so that implies a few things on how you drive the car and how often it needs a clutch change. Other than that, the GS is a great GT car.

Just remember that it has the same high maintenance costs as any other high-end car, and one of the most important facts is the previous ownership. If the previous owner didn't have the budget to main the car, then YOU will end up with a junk car that will cost a fortune to fix.

I'll send you a PM with the maserati site, since the admins here don't like it advertised for some reason.

 

The big ticket maintenance item is the clutch that should run about $5k.

Do a google search for the Maserati forum.

 

Cool. I would like to read about your experiences with it as well, as owning one is still on my list.

 

I have a 2005 GranSport and use it as my daily driver, it runs great, no issues.

 

I have a 2001 Maserati Cambiocorsa spider. Bought it new. Never had anything bad happen with it. Still runs great, looks great, sounds great.

 

That is correct, the entire engine is made by Ferrari and the block is the same, but with several differences in other to make it a bit less powerful (due to politics Maserati is not allowed to offer similar performance to Ferrari).

There is no special maintenance, only the clutch is tricky because it requires a special device to calibrate it (which means you can't do it yourself, you have to go to a dealer or Maserati specialist).

The Cambiocorsa gearbox in the GS is better than the early version offered in the early 4200 and has some software updates. It is NOT as fast as the Ferrari equivalent, but then again that is not important to most people because the GS is not a track car, but a GT car!

In addition, you can make the gearbox a lot faster by adding the FD DBW module, which essentially forces the changes to happen at the maximum speed possible that the gearbox can handle.



A few more things about the GS:

1) It comes with the Infotainment stereo system which is an OEM version of the Becker unit found in Ferrari as well. This is better than the 4200 because its swappable with newer Becker units, while the 4200's stereo isn't changable without major reconstruction.

2) The GS comes with the really cool bucket seats, much better than the "soft" seats in the 4200.

3) The GS also has a better setup, especially if you have the Skyhook suspension in Sport mode. This is great fun for me, but some people may prefer the softer ride of the 4200.

4) The GS has the same problem like the 4200 and many Ferraris with sticky plastic buttons. This can be expensive to fix because you have to buy new buttons for the console. Not a major issue with the GS because it doesn't have the big LCD screen with the embedded buttons of the 4200. Still, you might want to make sure the car you buy doesn't have sticky buttons.

 

One further point to MB's comments above, the OEM exhaust system on these cars is very restrictive (performance). HP gains are attainable but at a price by switching to lighter SS variants, particulalry with the secondary cats. There are a number of 3p suppliers who a good job in this regard, fitment is dead easy as sections are bolted not welded.

 

Two other issues that are not uncommon and very expensive are:
Heater core
Pre-cat failures
Be sure whomever does your PPI checks those out (to the extent possible)
2-year service runs $1500-2000

 

The GS comes with a very nice Tubi exhaust, which has electronic flaps to open and close when you switch from Sport to Normal mode.

The only restriction is at the front, beneath the steering rack, the tubes are rather squished beneath the rack. Easily amended by switching those tubes with Larini pipes.

 

I've been considering one for a while, too, for use as a daily driver... but don't they get 11 MPG?

 

I don't think they add anything, at least not noticeable. I've got the Larini de-cats and the Larini h-pipes, they produce more sound like the Ferrari scream, but nothing excessive. I never noticed any power difference.

 

Rob,

In my case there was noticeable difference in hp but cannot quote figures as yet. When I get a chance will dyno & post values. (Have read that it s/b 10-18bhp)

Also depending on the final market, various "parts bins" seem to have been used on the GS's. For the US market, centre section was a true x pipe, for the OZ market, xpipe with resonator used (as per the 4200 coupes ?). Odd US cars also had these centre pieces from what I have been told.

Apart from provided the xtra hp, weight saving on the 2nd cats amounted to 20lb (55vs 25) with a further saving (in my case) on the centre Larini X pipe. A side benefit was the almost elimination of droning @ 2500rpm

OEM GS back boxes were manufactured by Zeuna Starker and will retain these

Bottom line is check what is fitted to the vehicle

Few owners have removed the 2nd cats and replaced with SS pipe - the squishy bit under the steering rack remains but the restrictive ceramic inserts eliminated. Cheap alternative, achieves hp gain with slight improvement in sound (EPA considerations)

Primary cats remain a bug bear (restriction) but there is good possibility of relief from a 3rd party redesign

(pic Larini sports cats vs OEMs)
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Someone said the GS has a timing chain rather than a belt. That true? Makes the car that much more a bargain.

 

I would budget for a heater core at about 50k miles. If you catch it early, first sign of smell) it can save other costly damage to electrical parts. Suspension work at that time as well. That would be a good time to change out springs add a sway bar etc. Makes a huge difference in handling.

Other things to note are window controls, clutch, F-1 relay. If they have not been replaced I would deduct those costs from your bid price. On a positive side the replacement parts are all upgraded and will make the car shift better than the original equipment/last longer too.

Also, from an unpleasant experience of mine, check radiator hoses, as it stinks up the car if one bursts on you. Look under the car and see if the cats are scratched up or dented. I've been told that is what really reduces their lifespan. If they do need replacement, go with an aftermarket..cheaper and less restrictive.

I personally think if you change any part on the exhaust that increases flow, the car should be re-tuned by a performance shop to adjust for this less restrictive airflow.

 

Thats correct - chain

 

May I just add a few things based on my experience:

The heater core problem can be easily avoided. First of all, the car must not sit outside in hot climates, that causes the heater core to deteriorate.

Second, every 10k miles or so, you have to ask your mechanic to blow compressed air through the tubing that removes condensation from the header code. Why? Because that is how the heater cores die, the tubes that remove condensation are plugged by dirt, water gathers in the area of the core, which eventually starts to over-spill in the passengers side, underneath the dashboard, causing all sorts of electrical problems.

So, just make sure you don't let the car bake in the sun and every 10k miles you ask your mechanic to blow compressed air in the heater core condensation tubes!

 

Yes, with the Ferrari you lay awake thinking about belts; now you can lay awake thinking about clutches. Simple trade off.

 

To be totally honest, the Cambiocorsa clutch is what Ferrari calls F1. Its the same one used in the F360 and other cars. So the same clutch issues always existed in the Ferrari world.

Should I also mention the Alfa Romeo Selespeed clutch?

The clutch problem was never a Maserati-only thing...

 

Thats good to know. I will have them blow air into the tube at service.

I've always kept it covered and out of the sun as I usually drive it at night, but who know, LA is a dirty place..some say its a cesspool.

 

LOL

I understand its still an Italian sports car and will not be a Toyota, I just think its nice to have a chain.