Reliability of the 512 TR | FerrariChat
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Reliability of the 512 TR

Discussion in 'Boxers/TR/M' started by silvergts1998, Oct 1, 2006.

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  1. silvergts1998

    silvergts1998 Formula 3

    Apr 10, 2005
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    #1 silvergts1998, Oct 1, 2006
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I maybe looking to add a 512 TR 1992 on up to my garage down the road. I have a Lamborghini Diablo and I plan on keeping that, just crashed a 900 hp Viper that I built...(ooops!). I just pulled my engine out of my Diablo to redo clutch, seals and etc. So I am pretty good in the shop but not an expert either. I will attempt anything since I have a lot of tools.

    So my question is...how maintanence intense are these cars? The 512 TR has been one of my all time favorite cars. I love the Diablo, but to be honest with you it has seen more time on my lift than me driving it. That won't be an issue after I am done with it. If I buy a 512 TR, I would want that car driven as much as possible. The Diablo is a heavy car and feels like driving a big truck at times, but that has to do with a heavy clutch and no power steering which will be fixed when I have the car down all winter. Does the 512 share the same issues? How many people in here have pulled their own engine out to do their own service? Hopefully many...The F-car side of this site is alot more technical that the L-car part of it. You guys seems to know more mechanical stuff verses the type of thread of I see on the Lambo side...such as "I hate this color", "look at my wheels" and so on...you get the idea..not looking for a Ferrari-Lambo war because both cars are awesome in my book.

    Any advice? I if I get one, you can count on me to be a DIYer and post many upgrades and pictures of work done like I have in the Lambo-forums.

    Here's an example of how I dig in....and share

    http://www.midwestlambos.com/forum/showthread.php?t=227
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  2. tbakowsky

    tbakowsky F1 World Champ
    Consultant Professional Ferrari Technician

    Sep 18, 2002
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    #2 tbakowsky, Oct 1, 2006
    Good job on the Lambo project!!

    The 512TR is a great machine. Infact I would go asfar to say that your Diablo may get less road time if you take the plunge. They are both fast machines, but I give the edge to the Ferrari for comfort and practicality.

    The 512 is a reliable machine aswell. Its all bosch EFI, and most components for the system are available cheaply through the after market. Major service is and engine out job, but the 512TR engine comes out the top, rather then dropping the entire rear section out of the car. Its a peice of cake to remove and install BTW.

    The 512TR does not have power steering either, but it is lighter the the Diablo. The clutch is also much lighter aswell, a big plus if you do much drivng in the city.

    Buy it and enjoy it. Put a tubi or anyother exhaust you like on it, and you will find it sounds much better then the Lambo, aswell.

    I love Diablos (in fact I was driving an SV for a week) but the 512tr is just one step ahead in almost every area (accept outright brutal power, and of course looks)
     
  3. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #3 WILLIAM H, Oct 1, 2006
    Once you master it the 512TR can be nimble although it will never be as tossable as a 308 is, you can still toss it around though :)

    As far as reliablity it sounds like it will be far more reliable than your Diablo

    I drove mine from FL to CT w no issues, then I did the 1,000 mile Forza Mille rally again w no issues

    The problem areas are the starter motor, ignition switch,

    watch for rust around the windshield

    You need to be nice to the Trans or it will fail, so no burnouts
     
  4. Shamile

    Shamile F1 Veteran

    Dec 31, 2002
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    #4 Shamile, Oct 1, 2006
    Dear Ferraristi,

    I'm doing the exact opposite. I drive a 91 TR and I'm in the process of buying a Diablo. (When our transaction is complete I will post which Diablo) I think both cars are more similar than different. I don't think you will go wrong on a 512. Both a 512 and Testarossa are very reliable.


    Shamile

    Freeze...Miami Vice!
     
  5. silvergts1998

    silvergts1998 Formula 3

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    #5 silvergts1998, Oct 1, 2006

    If I am not mistaken, I think the later model 512 TR have a lot more reliability upgrades? Not sure. Diablo's can be reliable and very fast...I love the lines of the Diablo and the 512 TR..but hey I grew up in the 80's. I not too big of a fan of the newer F-car design...but I'm getting old I guess (36).

    Transmission on the 512 TR weak? Doing burn outs to me is silly and stupid. So no burn outs for me. But what I have found out about the Diablo is that the clutch is not something that will last long, but it's also suppose to slip a little to help reduce the impact on the transmission...is that the same with the 512TR? What is average life on the clutch? Not hammering on it..just driving? I think a lot of Diablo owners have gotten around 10-15K miles on their clutch. I am getting a Kevlar clutch which will grip real good...but like the 512 TR..no burnouts. You can punch it from a roll with no issues, but burning it out will damage or break something.

    Also is there one year better than the next on the 512TR?
     
  6. WILLIAM H

    WILLIAM H Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #6 WILLIAM H, Oct 2, 2006
    My clutch lasted well over 25,000 miles w no problems

    dont slip the clutch just put it in gear, get to 5 mph then punch it
     
  7. Mark Moon

    Mark Moon Rookie

    Apr 26, 2006
    33
    #7 Mark Moon, Oct 2, 2006
    GET THE 512M....VERY RARE, COLLECTIBLE, APPRECIATING IN VALUE AND THE BEST OF THE BREED. GOOD LUCK IN YOUR SEARCH.
     

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