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Sleeper Sy's Gran Turismo Upgrades

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6/1/2010 17:46:16  

Posts: 21
Since: 15/12/2009
Status: offline 		Hi All,

I though I would share my Gran Turismo jouney with you as it starts.

Not sure if this post is in the correct section (Mods let me know).

I recenly purchased a Red 08 Gran Turismo and although I am delighted with the car, I plan a few minor upgrades.

1) Wheel Spacers - I love the shape of the car but the wheels look lost in the rear arches and a little too far in at the front. I plan to fit 25mm spacers at the front and 35mm at the rear. I did consider larger wheels, but I like look of the originals and the aftermarket ones are not much bigger. I have never really considered wheel spacers on my previous cars as it seems bad engineering to me, and I am worried about upsetting the geometry or gettting bumpsteer etc. But time will tell. I can always take them back off!! Im currently in the process of getting quotes for theses and will get post some before and after pics once they are delivered. FYI the specs for the Gran Turismo wheel mounting are: PCD 114.3 x 5, Centre Bore 67.1, Wheel bolts M14, Thread 1.5mm.

2) Exhaust - I love that V8 sound but like most modern cars its a bit too muted for my tastes. Loz reffered me to David at Larini, and today I ordered some Larini rear silencers, which will be modified with a valve fitted to enable two stages. [A] Full Larini sound. [B] Quite Larini sound for motorways. Although Larini will fit the valves in the silencers, my standard Gran Turismo does not have any hardware fitted as standard to operate the valves. I will engineer this myself, using the vacuum of the inlet manifold as the means to operate the valves. I will also engineer it so that its easy to remove and revert the car back to standard, should I wish to sell the car.

3) Sealing the paintwork - Although my car only covered 1400 miles when I bought it 2 weeks ago, there are some minor swirl marks in the paint. Dont get me wrong, the spakling red paintwork impresses all that see her, but under indoor light, I can see some minor swirl marks. I have quite a bit of my own valeting equipment, including a dual action polish machine, so I plan to carefully remove theses and then seal the paint with quite a few layers of Canuba wax. Again I will post before and after pics.


Regards

SleeperSy



< Message edited by SleeperSy -- 6/1/2010 17:47:35 >
6/1/2010 17:55:22  

Posts: 1112
Since: 11/5/2005
Region: Thames Valley
Status: offline 		Just to say that a) lovely car and b) I've found finish kare 1000P about as good as it gets for hardness and protecting paint from just about anything.

_____________________________

Rich
Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG Estate
BMW 335d MSport Touring
Maserati Ghibli "Taylor/Hawksworth Trofeo edition"
6/1/2010 18:56:52  

Posts: 4164
Since: 5/6/2007
Status: offline 		She looks an absolute  beaut Simon,    look forward to following the thread  as it progresses, be sure to follow it with some pics  and possibly a sound track once the weather does us all a  favour  as we go into the spring

warm regards loz


_____________________________

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

7/1/2010 10:59:30  

Posts: 21
Since: 15/12/2009
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: chad5k1

Just to say that a) lovely car and b) I've found finish kare 1000P about as good as it gets for hardness and protecting paint from just about anything.


Thanks Chad,

I googled this product and its won many awards from the car detailing fraternity, It won product of the year 2009, so it must be good.

Sy

7/1/2010 11:02:05  

Posts: 21
Since: 15/12/2009
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: lozcb

She looks an absolute  beaut Simon,    look forward to following the thread  as it progresses, be sure to follow it with some pics  and possibly a sound track once the weather does us all a  favour as we go into the spring

warm regards loz



Thanks Loz,

Spoke with Jeff at FD about wheel spacers - according to Jeff 30mm on the rear is about as far as you should go without getting any fouling, so have those ordered with FD.

Sy.
7/1/2010 16:53:26  

Posts: 4164
Since: 5/6/2007
Status: offline 		When fitting the spacers Simon be sure to fit a good  coverage of permaguard/ ventureshield  around  the rear of each  wheel arch   , stone chips are common with the standard   let alone with spacers

regards loz


_____________________________

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

8/1/2010 16:08:32  

Posts: 21
Since: 15/12/2009
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: lozcb

When fitting the spacers Simon be sure to fit a good  coverage of permaguard/ ventureshield  around  the rear of each  wheel arch   , stone chips are common with the standard   let alone with spacers

regards loz




Good point - but I never go over 30, honest

Sy

_____________________________

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08 Gran Turismo Rosso with Rosso
1974 Peugeot 304 S Cariolet
1998 Subaru GL Auto (750BHP)
10/1/2010 16:09:05  
 

Posts: 7
Since: 9/1/2010
Status: offline 		What do they say about standard bolts will these be ok to use with spacers you don't want to be doing 70+ and have a wheel overtake you.

< Message edited by N871989 -- 10/1/2010 16:10:03 >
12/1/2010 17:35:15  

Posts: 21
Since: 15/12/2009
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: N871989

What do they say about standard bolts will these be ok to use with spacers you don't want to be doing 70+ and have a wheel overtake you.



Hi N871....

Good point.

There are several types of spacers, the two main types are:
Thinner type - say between 3 and 25mm - you fit longer bolts.
Thicker type which go betwween 20mm and 50mm+ bolt to the hub, and then use the standard bolts then bolt the wheel to the spacer. There are overlaps between the types, i.e you can get a 25mm in both types.

I have ordered 25mm fronts and 30mm rears from Formula Dynamics. They are the bolt on thicker type. See pics on their website.

They were shipped today, so ill post up some install guides with pics when they arrive and are fitted. My switchable Larinis should be here soon too

Sy



< Message edited by SleeperSy -- 12/1/2010 17:37:43 >

_____________________________

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08 Gran Turismo Rosso with Rosso
1974 Peugeot 304 S Cariolet
1998 Subaru GL Auto (750BHP)
30/1/2010 7:04:32  

Posts: 1155
Since: 12/1/2007
Region: Chepstow
Status: offline 		Lovely car you have there....must say I agree with you about the wheels they def need spacers....They always seem like they are pushed to far under the arches....How about some pics of before and after if you have any.
7/2/2010 21:03:25  

Posts: 21
Since: 15/12/2009
Status: offline 		Time for an update – apologies for the delay – had to work a few weekends- anyhow back to the upgrades.

WHEEL SPACERS.
Wheel Spacers - I love the shape of the car but the wheels look lost in the rear arches and a little too far in at the front. I have purchased a set from http://www.formuladynamics.com 25mm spacers at the front and 30mm at the rear. I did consider larger wheels, but I like look of the originals and the aftermarket ones are not much bigger if at all and are deep dished so look smaller. I have never really considered wheel spacers on my previous cars as it seems bad engineering to me, and I am worried about upsetting the geometry or getting bump steer etc. But time will tell. I can always take them back off!! FYI the specs for the Gran Turismo wheel mounting are: PCD 114.3 x 5, Centre Bore 67.1, Wheel bolts M14, Thread 1.5mm.
[image][/image]

WHY FIT WHEEL SPACERS

If you look at this concept pic from Pininfarina, it shows the beauty of the Gran Turismo with its aggressive styling and arches filled out with fat wheels and rubber – yes I know this is a concept pic, but it’s an Italian super car and should look aggressive.
[image][/image]


Here is official wallpaper from Maserati – The wheels look fine in this pic, filling out the arches nicely.









If you look at this pic of the Gran Turismo cousin the Ferrari California, It has similar size wheels, and they are flush with the bodywork unlike the Gran Turismo





If you view a Gran Turismo side on, it looks fine. The wheel and tyre is central and the gap all around is equal.







But I am not sure if Maserati or Speedline got the numbers wrong because if you look at an angle, you will see how pronounced the wheels are inset.








On the rear, when looking at an angle, the gap between the tyre and the bodywork looks lop sided, because of the inset.

[image][/image]

< Message edited by SleeperSy -- 7/2/2010 21:08:11 >

_____________________________

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08 Gran Turismo Rosso with Rosso
1974 Peugeot 304 S Cariolet
1998 Subaru GL Auto (750BHP)
7/2/2010 21:06:26  

Posts: 21
Since: 15/12/2009
Status: offline 		WHERE TO GET WHEEL SPACERS

A few places in Europe sell wheel spacers, on the face of it they seem like a simple large washer, but there is a lot to consider. Obviously if you get it wrong then the wheel will come off!

1. Are they the bolt on type?
This will mean you can use your existing wheel bolts to bolt the wheels to the spacers. If you buy the spacers which you bolt through using longer bolts, this will mean you will not be able to use Maserati bolts, and you will need different lengths front to rear. This will mean you will lose the nice look of the large headed Maserati bolts, as aftermarket bolts have a smaller head, and when your car is serviced or has tyres fitted you need to make sure they don’t mix up the bolts. So bolt on spacers are preferred.

2. Is the diameter of the spacer the same as the alloy wheel boss?
By this I mean it’s the same size in diameter as the part of the wheel that meets the brake disc. If it’s the same size, this means it will not be obvious that you have fitted spacers, as it will look like part of the wheel. I forgot to take a pic of this. I will in the next few days.

3. Are there steel inserts in the spacers to bolt to?
Spacers are generally Aluminium. Some manufactures state that this is okay just to drill and tap holes in. With others they are fitted with steel threaded inserts. I prefer my wheels to secure by steel!!!!

4. Do the bolts supplied with the spacers have the same thread length as the standard bolt?
By this I mean that the small bolts that are supplied to bolt the spacer to the hub must not protrude anymore than the standard bolt as it will interfere with the hub.


I searched high and low for spacers, and found Formula Dynamics in the US the only ones to meet all of theses criteria. There is a Germany company which comes close, but they only sell though a UK distributor, and when I called them, they said “we will call you back” several times but they never did. After seeing the quality of the Formula Dynamics product, I am glad I bought them.

Anyway, onto fitting

It helps if you have one of theses :-)

[image]

[/image]




Wheel off – spacers will bolt to this rusty looking area. First I will clean it up and give it a smear of white grease.


First I measured how far the standard bolt thread protrudes though the wheel into the hub – it’s just over 20mm.




I then make sure the small bolts that come with the spacer will protruded the same amount – I measure them at just over 20mm – so perfect.





Here are the spacers with steel inserts.



The spacers are 30mm rear – 25mm front.




So I fit the wheel spacers using my trusty Norbar Click Stop torque wrench. First to 50ib/ft, then to 80 lb/ft.






Whilst the wheels were off – I gave the callipers a couple of coats of polish and I cleaned and polished the insides of the wheels to make them easier to keep clean ongoing.




I also decided to give the bolts a polish.



I also got a set of McGard looking wheel nuts – the head is obviously different, but don’t look too bad once fitted. Part number is: McGard 27208




So spacers fitted and torqued, wheels fitted and torqued, polished inside and out, tyres dressed, lock bolts fitted.



The finished article:







I will get some out door pics soon, as the cars blocked in the warehouse at the moment.

At first it looked a bit too aggressive, but its growing on me and the gap from the tyres appears less, so the car looks a tad lower.

I am pleased with the results thanks Jeff from http://www.formuladynamics.com for the fast shipping and a product that fits straight on!!!



< Message edited by SleeperSy -- 7/2/2010 21:34:48 >

_____________________________

----------------------------------------
08 Gran Turismo Rosso with Rosso
1974 Peugeot 304 S Cariolet
1998 Subaru GL Auto (750BHP)
7/2/2010 21:25:25  

Posts: 249
Since: 3/5/2009
Region: Cianciana
Status: offline 		Looks Fantastic SleeperSy,
I would echo Loz's earlier coments re stone chips and the rear wheel impact area...
You may need/want to get some mud flaps up front,
Regards,
Enzo.

_____________________________

Love your Life...
8/2/2010 8:47:48  

Posts: 4164
Since: 5/6/2007
Status: offline 		Car looks even more  stunning  Sy  spacers certainly adding that more aggressive stance , excellent reports and pics   so self explanatory  for the layman   well done mate


regards loz


_____________________________

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

8/2/2010 9:07:10  

Posts: 555
Since: 9/3/2008
Region: Vikersund, Norway & Ashford, Kent
Status: offline 		I've never been a fan of the GranTurismo as I've always thought it looks bloated and under-wheeled, your modifications seem to go some way to resolving this.

Love the inside of wheel polish, if only all Maserati owners were like us.... 
8/2/2010 20:46:19  

Posts: 21
Since: 15/12/2009
Status: offline 		Thanks for the comments guys.

Here is a couple of pics where you can see the spacers. You will now see what I meant about the spacer being the correct diameter, so it appears to be part of the wheel. Someone at Formula Dynamics has obviously done their homework.
[image]

[/image]



I was looking at the car today, and the look is completly transformed for the better - initailly, I thought what have I done, but now im really really pleased.





The car now looks the way Pinin "penned" it.


Right now onto the next bit - Im expecting my valved Larinini rear boxes any day.


Sy

< Message edited by SleeperSy -- 8/2/2010 20:47:51 >

_____________________________

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08 Gran Turismo Rosso with Rosso
1974 Peugeot 304 S Cariolet
1998 Subaru GL Auto (750BHP)
3/4/2010 20:10:21  

Posts: 21
Since: 15/12/2009
Status: offline 		Sorry for the delay in updates, but work, my other projects and other things have overtaken me slightly.

Anyhow - Larini rear boxes have arrived. Theses are the Larini sports rear silencers for the Gran Turismo, but they have been fitted with a valve on one tail pipe, so I will have the following options.

1. Valve open - Full Larini Experience.
2. Valve closed - Muted Larini Experience. For Long distance driving. I am expecting that with the valve closed, it will still be louder than standard.

The valves are controled by the vacuum of the engine and its switched off and on by a small electrical solenoid valve.

Here are some pics - I will provide a step by step install guide over the next couple of weeks when I get around to fitting them.

In the meantime - enjoy theses pics

Regards SleeperSy


[image][/image]




















< Message edited by SleeperSy -- 3/4/2010 20:11:30 >

_____________________________

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08 Gran Turismo Rosso with Rosso
1974 Peugeot 304 S Cariolet
1998 Subaru GL Auto (750BHP)
22/5/2010 20:26:03  
 

Posts: 18
Since: 20/5/2010
Region: south yorkshire
Status: offline 		Hello Sy,
I have to say your granturismo really does look nice in red, i'v seen them in black on clarksons thriller dvd and i thought it looked a bit ugly tbh, the lights look a bit too pointy at the ends (me personally i like the coupes lights)

also i envy how clean and shiney the insides of your wheels are after polishing :( lol

p.s you should defo post up a sound clip of those larinis with the valve to demonstrate the difference- unless you already have, i just went to the bottom after looking at the pics!

thanks
Alex
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