Return from the dark side

[mikem]

Congrats on getting a trident back in your life. Funny that these unused argento luna cars are appearing without hitting the market. The wheels are very rare optional 18" trofeo split rims, similar in design to GS wheels.

I am glad you were able to recognise the wheels as I had never seen them before on any other Maserati and had my doubts as to wether they were some after market item or nothing to do with Maserati at all.

 

[safrane]

The wheels should be listed in the extras booklet with the rest of the handbooks...however if the last owner had mislaid the MOTs and History for a while its probably not there.

 

[mjheathcote]

You know, I don't think the 18" Trofeo wheels were optional when new, rather bought from the parts department being available for the Trofeo race boys at the time.

 

[miket]

You know, I don't think the 18" Trofeo wheels were optional when new, rather bought from the parts department being available for the Trofeo race boys at the time.

Eurospares had a set for sale a couple of years ago!

 

[GeoffCapes]

Congrats Mike. Very nice. I'll have to keep an eye out for you.

 

[StuartW]

Well done & welcome back, your new car looks a delight - enjoy

 

[Phil H]

What a lovely car, well done.

WRT the wheels, I found this on the web:



PH

 

[mikem]

Congrats Mike. Very nice. I'll have to keep an eye out for you.

Thanks Mark.

I have to go for regular check ups at the William Harvey. So you never know we might pass sometime.

 

[FIFTY]

Very nice Mike, how are you finding the transition from 6spd manual to CC?

 

[mikem]

Very nice Mike, how are you finding the transition from 6spd manual to CC?

I am not sure yet. My impression from reading the forum for the last few years was that the paddles would give me faster gear changes. They probably do in sport mode but at the loss of smoothness. Whereas in normal mode they are very smooth gear changes, however I am not so sure I could not have done it any quicker with a manual box.
The main aspect I like is in slow moving stop/start traffic it is a lot easier on my left leg. Also it generally makes driving much easier overall.

The downside with the CC box is that I do't feel as connected to the car as you do with the manual. But it is early days and I am waiting to get on some decent roads so I can put it through its paces.

 

[spkennyuk]

Drive it in sport mode but as you flip the paddle up or down to change gear then slightly back of the gas pedal. Gear changes are smoother. It takes a bit of getting used to but its worth it.

If you want the kick in the back gear changes then just keep your right foot planted as you go through the gears.

The only other thing to note is the gear changes can be a bit lumpy at below 3000 rpm if the fluids are not up to temp.

 

[mjheathcote]

Drive it in sport mode but as you flip the paddle up or down to change gear then slightly back of the gas pedal. Gear changes are smoother. It takes a bit of getting used to but its worth it.

Should not be necessary, extract from the handbook "Up-shifting "UP" Use the right-hand UP lever, without releasing the accelerator pedal"
Lifting the accelerator pedal when going up also sends an unwanted signal to the gearbox ecu and will change the gearbox shift speed to the slowest.
"Gear-shifting is faster if requested with the accelerator pressed down to the floor and with the engine exceeding 5,500 r.p.m.
In any case, it is best to:
– Shift gears without releasing the accelerator pedal if it is pressed"
Also when in sport mode "Gear-shifting is "faster" if requested with the accelerator pedal pressed down to the floor and when exceeding about 7.000 r.p.m"

I would say if you have to lift the accelerator pedal for a smoother change, you are masking a problem in the drivetrain, and certainly only experiencing the slowest gear change.

 

[CatmanV2]

My view is that by lifting, your're actually making things worse, because the TCU can't work out if you want to go faster, or slower.

Pretty sure I didn't lift.

C

 

[spkennyuk]

I said back off the gas slightly but what i really mean is hold briefly. The blip on changing up takes care of the rest.

Any gear changes above 5500 rpm then you get the kick in the back gear changes.

I cant comment on a pre facelift car but it certainly works on the later cars and there are many posts on the subject on here which concur.

Post 17 and some prior on here as an example.

http://www.sportsmaserati.co.uk/sho...bie-Gransport-around-town?p=483486#post483486

 

[Contigo]

I tend to keep the foot in but lifting a very small amount definitely makes the change smoother.

 

[BruceyBonus]

Well done Mike on your purchase, that was the colour I wanted when looking for mine. Lovely!

The downside with the CC box is that I do't feel as connected to the car as you do with the manual. But it is early days and I am waiting to get on some decent roads so I can put it through its paces.

I know exactly what you mean I was the same. Took me a while to get used to.

ATB
Bruce

 

[mikem]

Well done Mike on your purchase, that was the colour I wanted when looking for mine. Lovely!



I know exactly what you mean I was the same. Took me a while to get used to.

ATB
Bruce

Hi Bruce, Thanks for the kind comments. I hope your business is doing well. When the weather improves in the spring I will be in contact for a detailling. (if I can keep this in one piece).

Mike