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My GranSport "Elaborata"

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9/3/2009 4:38:38  

Posts: 617
Since: 7/3/2009
Region: Milan
Status: offline 		Hi chaps,

I have spent quite a bit of time researching and then doing modifications on my GranSport and wanted to share my experience with you. I hope this is informative and an opportunity for all of us to share our viewpoints, thoughts and interests :)

I notice that I can only post one image per post, so bear with me if I have multiple posts with different photos, to show details of the work done.

I will post the various mods bit by bit, so to avoid having people read perhaps two pages worth of posts of mine and keep the discussions (if there will be any) flowing:


Background
I loved my GranSport but when I saw the GranTurismo and read about the then upcoming GranTurismo S, I decided to make the upgrade and put down a deposit with my local Maserati dealer. I was in line to get the first Japan-bound GT S when the economic crisis told me I should have known better and convinced me to rescind my contract.

Fortunately, I was still in time to get my deposit back and with that cash I decided to do some work on the GranSport and take its performance further. Now, I am not a track-driver, nor a particularly aggressive one (which is hard to be in Tokyo traffic anyway!), but I figured "what the hell" and started doing a lot of research, mostly online but also through other people here who've had some mods done to their Maseratis, regarding what to do on the car.

All the work was carried out by Miracolare, a Yokohama-based dealer/garage in Italian exotics and particularly Maseratis. They have an associated tuning company called Bertocchi, which makes exhausts and other parts for Italian cars. If you want things done to your Maserati, they simply are the shop to go to in Japan and I was very happy with the level of knowledge, service and know-how that I've been able to drawn upon to hopefully make the right upgrades to my car.

The image below shows that the car looked like pre-modifications.





Attachment (1)

< Message edited by BigFoot -- 9/3/2009 4:45:26 >

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1934 - 1938 - 1982 - 2006

BigFoot's YouTube Channel dedicated to Maserati
9/3/2009 4:51:10  

Posts: 617
Since: 7/3/2009
Region: Milan
Status: offline
EXHAUST
As you know, the GranSport's stock exhaust makes a lovely sound, with a valve that lets the system roar on start-up and past 3k RPMs in normal mode, or all the time if engaging the "sport" mode.

However, there are exhaust systems on the market that are much lighter and develop more power and performance and I decided to replace the whole stock system.


1. Front Pipes
To my surprise, the stock front pipe has a shockingly poor design, at least as far as air flow goes. I had no idea till I saw what it was like. I decided to replace the front pipes and catalytic converters with the high flow sport model made by Bertocchi, a Japanese tuning company associated to my garage Miracolare.
 
The picture of the two pipes compared to one another, the Maserati stock front pipe is at the top, whilst Bertocchi's pipe is at the bottom, tells you the whole story.
 
 

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1934 - 1938 - 1982 - 2006

BigFoot's YouTube Channel dedicated to Maserati
9/3/2009 4:52:38  

Posts: 617
Since: 7/3/2009
Region: Milan
Status: offline 		Here is what the new front pipes look like once installed:



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1934 - 1938 - 1982 - 2006

BigFoot's YouTube Channel dedicated to Maserati
9/3/2009 4:59:19  

Posts: 617
Since: 7/3/2009
Region: Milan
Status: offline 		2. X-pipe
The stock x-pipe (as per below) is quite heavy and not particularly free flowing. So instead, I chose to go with Larini Systems' sport x-pipe.




Here is the Larini x-pipe




And here it is installed:


< Message edited by BigFoot -- 10/3/2009 0:02:43 >

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1934 - 1938 - 1982 - 2006

BigFoot's YouTube Channel dedicated to Maserati
9/3/2009 5:09:23  

Posts: 617
Since: 7/3/2009
Region: Milan
Status: offline 		3. Mufflers
In terms of rear boxes, I went with the Larini's sport boxes as replacement for the stock mufflers. I wanted to keep at least two out of three parts as part of one supplier, and do really like the high pitch sound (or scream!) that the Larini's make. I know it's not the traditional Maserati sound but more Ferrari-like, but horses for course ;)

Larini rear boxes




Fitted on the car


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1934 - 1938 - 1982 - 2006

BigFoot's YouTube Channel dedicated to Maserati
9/3/2009 5:16:43  

Posts: 617
Since: 7/3/2009
Region: Milan
Status: offline 		Final considerations on the exhaust modifications

To say the car is loud is actually an understatement (you can check my YouTube channel to find out for yourself) but what is more important to me is that power and torque has been maximised. The car honestly feels much more rev-happy and powerful (partly thanks to the other mods too).

The only downside of this set-up is that there is no valve operated through the "sport" button, so the exhaust is always loud. I personally don't mind it but I can appreciate how a "quiet" mode may be helpful. As such, I can report that there is a tuner offering exhausts for the GranSport and other Maserati models that come with a remote control with three settings: off, normal and loud and that makes excellent products: Kreissieg. However, the cost of such exhausts is very high and chose to go the Larini route.

The reason why I chose not to have the full Bertocchi package, with an x-pipe with a silencer, rather than the open Larini pipe, is primarily cost (Larini was much cheaper, also thanks to me participating in a group buy) and the fact that the Bertocchi rear boxes have a more Tubi-like sound and preferred the Larini pitch.

At cruising speed, let's say around 2k RPMs in 6th gear, there is quite a bit of droning, which I am not too happy with as it's my sweet spot for highway cruising, but the moment you drop back to 1.7~1.8k RPMs or higher up to 2.5k RPMs or though, the droning disappears.

Finally, I was told that Bertocchi is working on their exhaust system to link it directly with the "sport" button. Bertocchi have not yet confirmed a delivery date for such set-up as they have not finished development work on it. Frankly, this exhaust system seems to have been in the works for a while so not sure it'll ever get done.

< Message edited by BigFoot -- 9/3/2009 5:17:19 >

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1934 - 1938 - 1982 - 2006

BigFoot's YouTube Channel dedicated to Maserati
9/3/2009 8:43:30  
 

Posts: 139
Since: 15/2/2009
Status: offline 		Very informative.
9/3/2009 13:13:35  

Posts: 705
Since: 16/3/2007
Region: Bristol
Status: offline 		Wow, really interesting - I would love to get mine done but only to reduce weight and add BHP, I don't really want any more noise.

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06 GranSport (FD ECM, DBW, springs, filter, ProSpeed pipes)
9/3/2009 13:17:34  

Posts: 1677
Since: 22/12/2006
Region: Chichester, West Sussex
Status: offline 		Can anyone explain the valve system in a bit more detail? Where are the valve, front or back. When open, does this them basically bypass the back boxes or does it just take a less restrictive route?

I loved my Larinis on my 3200, I am sure Larini would be interested in incorporating it somewhere, maybe take them from your existing, and put them in the new?
9/3/2009 13:21:12  

Posts: 617
Since: 7/3/2009
Region: Milan
Status: offline 		maser so: the "noise" (I'd rather say music ) is simply something you can't get away from if you want a freer flowing, hence more powerful, system. I think the Kreissieg's system is probably the most flexible in that respect as it allows you to turn it on, partially on or off.

I must say, each of the three sets of after market parts of the exhaust are substantially lighter than the stock parts.

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1934 - 1938 - 1982 - 2006

BigFoot's YouTube Channel dedicated to Maserati
9/3/2009 14:32:42  

Posts: 4164
Since: 5/6/2007
Status: offline 		I have already been down this route , there are several companies that will incorperate the valves into new purpose made back boxes   one being MIJ and there quality is excellent and good reports on here by a few who have had 3200 back boxes done as regards sound and quality of welding and polishing  , i have also been in contact with a few specialist exhaust makers the best in Buckingham  , stuff was a work of art but a little dearer than the usual, think MIJ will charge aound £650 to incorperate the valves, and matt you are correct in your thinhking that the valves just are at the back of the boxes and cause the exhaust to flow  a less restricted route

regards loz


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Old pompous spods current stable
52 plate 4200 cc Lowered Tubi's and full GS body kit,steering wheel and rack
55 plate 4200 cc Gransport Full Larini system,AP Racing big brake upgrade ,more stuff pending

9/3/2009 19:32:29  

Posts: 397
Since: 16/10/2008
Region: UAE/MiddleEast
Status: offline 		Hey BigFoot, I have moved your thread here to reach out to more owners, and to allow you to update us as you go along.  
9/3/2009 19:45:33  

Posts: 579
Since: 26/7/2008
Status: offline 		Hey BigFoot,

Interesting you mentioned the slight drone. I had a Larini centre box on my 3200, and had no drone issues with their de-cat pipes and rear mufflers. Intrerestingly, I noticed from the 2 Larini centre piece pictures you posted, the piece in the Larini shot has 2 mini mufflers in and a balance pipe whereas the picture of the one on your car is a pipe only x-pipe: is that a custom racing one they did for you? Go for the other one maybe to dial out that drone perhaps?
9/3/2009 23:07:47  

Posts: 617
Since: 7/3/2009
Region: Milan
Status: offline 		Hi tbody,

in effect the picture on Larini's website is somewhat different, so it's probably the wrong one . The one I got is their sport x-pipe so perhaps the photo is off another one...will need to double check with the email they sent me with the details before I bought the parts.

The drone is a bit odd, in the sense that happens only at a very specific RPM level (about 2k) in 6th, otherwise it's pure rumble or scream. I don't mind, I've learned how to deal with it, but it is there.

_____________________________

1934 - 1938 - 1982 - 2006

BigFoot's YouTube Channel dedicated to Maserati
10/3/2009 0:03:30  

Posts: 617
Since: 7/3/2009
Region: Milan
Status: offline 		I've just checked and I had the wrong photo of the x-pipe! Apologies.

I've amended the photo in the post now

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1934 - 1938 - 1982 - 2006

BigFoot's YouTube Channel dedicated to Maserati
10/3/2009 1:59:15  

Posts: 617
Since: 7/3/2009
Region: Milan
Status: offline 		Let's move on to the next few bits of work done on the car.

ECUs
I did not want to touch the stock ECU (which would have been impossible anyway as I am in Japan and there is no way I am shipping the car's ECU to anywhere to get it chipped), but I did want more power out of the 4.2 unit so I didn't really know how to go about it until I came across and got to know Formula Dynamics, a US-based tuner that specialises in Maserati and other premium brands. They make two "add on" ECUs that greatly improve the car's performance.

Both of these additional ECUs get spliced and wired so to be able to receive, send and override information to the car's ECU, the install is very straightforward and they are supplied with by-pass plugs. So in case you want to shut off the modules, you can do that yourself without having to go to a mechanic. Quite handy if you want to really feel how the car changes with each of the two modules and also handy for when you need to take the car in for servicing, etc.


1. Drive by Wire Enhancement
This module improves the way the clutch behaves and transforms the cambiocorsa gearbox into a completely different animal.

Before installing it, it was quite normal to depress the throttle till halfway before getting any traction from the wheels and gear changes were often jerky. Whereas now the car drives instantaneously upon touching the throttle. Gear changes are much faster and as a result, clutch life (a sore point for cambiocorsa Maseratis) is expected to be extended.

I just cannot stress enough how good this is. Beside the high-speed performance improvement, it's made the GS a much easier car to drive in traffic as gear changes are smoother and the car moves right away after depressing the throttle.

The module comes with two settings: one standard and one aggressive (which is my favourite one, of course).

Full product information is here: http://www.formuladynamics.com/products/4200_dbwem/4200_dbwem.php.


2. ECM Module
This module gives 20-30hp more and another 10-30lbs of torque. It kicks in after 4k RPMs, when pushing, so to avoid using up too much fuel when not needed and as such, fuel economy is expected not to vary much from stock (though we all know we don't buy Maseratis for their fuel economy ).

Formula Dynamics optimised my ECM based on the fuel type used in Japan and my new exhaust/air filter set-up. It comes with two settings as well, optimised to work slightly differently with the fuel available over here.

Full product info: http://www.formuladynamics.com/products/4200_ecm/4200_ecm.php

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1934 - 1938 - 1982 - 2006

BigFoot's YouTube Channel dedicated to Maserati
10/3/2009 2:24:44  

Posts: 617
Since: 7/3/2009
Region: Milan
Status: offline 		Sport Springs
Formula Dynamics also sells sport springs, for either Skyhook and non-Skyhook cars, which reduce body roll and plant the car firmer on the pavement.

I have to say I never felt the GranSport to be a slouch around corners but it now feels like it is on rails in fast corners.

Upon the installation of the sport springs, the car was lowered by 1cm. I could have lowered it more but living in a big city, full of manholes and whatnot, I decided to avoid pushing it down to the limit.

Stock springs (right) vs sport springs (left)



Sport springs installed






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1934 - 1938 - 1982 - 2006

BigFoot's YouTube Channel dedicated to Maserati
10/3/2009 2:28:30  

Posts: 617
Since: 7/3/2009
Region: Milan
Status: offline 		Front Spoiler
I have also added a two-parts carbon fibre front undersweep spoiler to enhance high speed downforce and because ... it looks cool !

I sources this from Bertocchi here in Japan.

Here are the spoilers



And here a couple of close ups of the spoilers on my car




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1934 - 1938 - 1982 - 2006

BigFoot's YouTube Channel dedicated to Maserati
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