Spyder first impressions

[Rex B]

Thanks for the info, what I’m trying to ascertain is there anything that can be retrofitted to bring a 2002 up to 2003 spec? Other than the Arb’s and cross brace that I have bought

If you look at the eurospares parts diagram it shows that the centre structure of car is a different part number on later cars so presumable Maserati made a number of structural changes to increase rigidity.

 

[DLax69]

...something else to check! Have only had my 03 Spyder 6spd MT for a month now...but only got around to titling her last week. I knew there were gonna be issues...window regulators, some minor cosmetics (Trident busted off grille), and tires out of round from being stored. But also finding that either the top won't lower, or I am an idiot, or both; cracked fuel flange (mmmm...love that smell); couple of other non-life-threatening issues. Am very excited to compare with my Coupe GT once these things are rectified. The Coupe is a 2004 "stripper"...the Spyder has every available bell and whistle. And while I started out seeking a Spyder, I have absolutely zero qualms about buying the Coupe.

Love these notes...gonna go look for some cross bracing, er, as soon as the sun comes up...!

 

[3hcp]

You are lucky to find a manual convertible where did you find it, being an 03 had the better chassis.
Any photos?

 

[DLax69]

You are lucky to find a manual convertible where did you find it, being an 03 had the better chassis.
Any photos?

Thanks...a gent in Texas had it and let it go for a relatively small figure, recognizing the issues. Totally consider myself fortunate!

 

[3hcp]

Lovely colour enjoy giving it some tlc

 

[DLax69]

Lovely colour enjoy giving it some tlc

Thanks...! Trust you are enjoying yours?

 

[3hcp]

Update.
So this winter I have replaced the roll bars with later (2004) ones which are thicker front and rear, reducing the ride height and toe in to suit. Seems less wallowy and more pointy.
Then I put on the Larini sports cats which made the engine more responsive but louder, too loud with the straight through rear exhaust. So acquired some standard rear boxes but was disappointed with how they sounded, then moved to plan c, adding some 6 inch inline mufflers to the straight through rears. Perfect and no drone.
One thing I do like compared to the 2003 coupe I had is the ASR compared to MSP, which is just traction control whereas MSP puts the brakes on as well which makes you feel stupid if you pull out of a junction too quickly bringing everything to a stop as opposed to a dab of opposite lock and away you go.
Next is the tyres which still have 5mm left but are dated 2011 ! although I’m enjoying the lack of traction on the old ones.

 

[DLax69]

Update.
So this winter I have replaced the roll bars with later (2004) ones which are thicker front and rear, reducing the ride height and toe in to suit. Seems less wallowy and more pointy.
Then I put on the Larini sports cats which made the engine more responsive but louder, too loud with the straight through rear exhaust. So acquired some standard rear boxes but was disappointed with how they sounded, then moved to plan c, adding some 6 inch inline mufflers to the straight through rears. Perfect and no drone.
One thing I do like compared to the 2003 coupe I had is the ASR compared to MSP, which is just traction control whereas MSP puts the brakes on as well which makes you feel stupid if you pull out of a junction too quickly bringing everything to a stop as opposed to a dab of opposite lock and away you go.
Next is the tyres which still have 5mm left but are dated 2011 ! although I’m enjoying the lack of traction on the old ones.

Still sorting mine. Got top operational and patched the rips, which works for the moment; have replaced fuel pumps and left window regulator; have replaced the latch assembly on the rear center console; reformed the grille and installed the trident, which had been ripped off by some derelict prior to my taking possession; completed a tune-up; moved the 18" wheels and good Michelins from the Coupe when I installed the 19" GS repro wheels and tyres on it. It's at least driveable. Am in the process of replacing the air intake as the box and lower shield were both missing, so the air filter is just hanging off the bottom of the car; replacing clutch pump and bleeding; resplining the rear windscreens; replacing passenger air bag as it got taken out in previous owner's custody due to heater core leak; valve cover gaskets; and installing headlight washer cover and many other little trim bits and bobs...

My Coupe doesn't have Skyhook, but the Spyder does. They aren't even close to being the same car(s)...on many levels.

 

[3hcp]

Sounds like you’ve been busy.
How do the 2 differ?

 

[DLax69]

Sounds like you’ve been busy.
How do the 2 differ?

Obviously, some of it is owing to wheelbase/size/factory installed suspension. The Coupe has no bells and whistles; the Spyder has them all. But (and I know this sounds crazy)...once you get to the doors, they are almost two entirely different cars. The front end and engine bay are the same, but...

My Spyder is an 03 and the Coupe an 04, so there may be other model year differences...but even the seat position and base height (as in, when both are dropped as far as allowed) differ. This also changes sight lines, feel on the throw of the manual, etc. The Spyder appears to have an F-car evap and fuel filler system, down to the aluminum gas cap.

Stances were different when both were stock and had 18" wheels and tyres, as well. And the boot lid itself is the same...but not much else. I swear that they feel like they were made in two different factories to two different specs...

 

[3hcp]

So which do you prefer and why?

 

[DLax69]

So which do you prefer and why?

OOOO....good question. Have to think about that for a moment. Maybe longer.

The Spyder is what pulled me into the 4200 world. Have had convertibles with manuals, and wanted another. But my wife said we needed a car with a backseat, so I located and bought the Coupe GT first; a manual transmission remained a requirement for me, even after driving a GT S. Then a "bargain" Spyder popped up for sale on ML, and I jumped on it. The Spyder had/has issues the Coupe hasn't...but the roof stows away!

I had lined up parts to mod the Coupe before I got the Spyder. It came with the Tubi back boxes, so sounds very aggressive...but I got the Larini sport cats, Larini headers, and springs and sway bar from Formula Dynamics, as well as the ECU reprogram and the Brassworks heater core. Haven't actually installed any, because I wanted to get the Spyder driveable if/when I took the Coupe offline to work on it.

When the sun is out, there is no beating a topless car (as far as I'm concerned). But I will be driving the Coupe today, just because I like the snarl...! The Spyder actually feels to me like more of a touring car, while the Coupe has the makings of an actual sports car (I know). It's rawer, and angrier, and just more aggressive. Or maybe that's just me when I'm behind the wheel.

 

[3hcp]

I agree with you about the Spyder feeling more “touring” although the noise has a lot to do with it, I bet you change the back boxes on it eventually.
The coupe is going to be a beast and I understand why you didn’t go down the Granturismo route.

 

[3hcp]

 

[DLax69]

I agree with you about the Spyder feeling more “touring” although the noise has a lot to do with it, I bet you change the back boxes on it eventually.
The coupe is going to be a beast and I understand why you didn’t go down the Granturismo route.

Yeah...I think the Tubis are mandatory for these cars! Yours sounds SWEET...!!!

 

[3hcp]

My latest procurement, really difficult to source at a reasonable price these came from Germany with winter tyres on so won’t get much use until I can get some Michelin ps4s which are another challenge.

 

[philw696]

My latest procurement, really difficult to source at a reasonable price these came from Germany with winter tyres on so won’t get much use until View attachment 117228I can get some Michelin ps4s which are another challenge.

Lovely wheels to clean compared with the Classico ones which were my favourite.

 

[Nibby]

Lovely wheels to clean compared with the Classico ones which were my favourite.

That is true Phil although the dust and dirt soon comes visible on them which I’m guessing the spokes on the Classico wheels would hide.

 

[DLax69]

That is true Phil although the dust and dirt soon comes visible on them which I’m guessing the spokes on the Classico wheels would hide.

Spyder has those, Coupe has the Classico...both look like I have been off-road

 

[philw696]

Spyder has those, Coupe has the Classico...both look like I have been off-road

You probably have