Downdraft

I called Giancarlo, a very competent Lambo mechanic and he said that you recieved the wrong cams, the early cars and the later cars have the cams that turn in opposite directions.

The 1991-1993 Diablos have the instrument pod which is a negative issue, many have upgraded to the 94 or even '99 instrument/dash. Personally, I try to keep things original. The SV and SE30 cars offer the best drivers' feel - performance is quite similar with all Diablos - some are a few tenths quicker or 10 MPH faster - but for everyday driving not an issue. I would always go for something special - down the line it will be a much better investment - the normal VT or 6.0 do not fall into the special category, but the 6.0 SE does (if you can accept the brown and gold colors that is). If you are able to find a low mileage well sorted car with full service history and you intend to drive about 3,000 miles a year I would not worry that much about service (otehr than leaking shocks on the later models). The Diablo is a Downdraft Countach on steroids! Best of luck in finding your dream car! Alex

Chad, everything will be OK buddy, best wishes. Alex

I was present at the 25th party and official introduction of the Countach Anniversary. It was the 8th and 9th of September 1988 (so already MY1989). The car that was presented at the Gala in Salsomaggiore by Lee Iacocca was a red DD. The next day we went to the factory and the assembly line was full of 25th cars and several were already in the "ready lot". The very last with is the silver one on display at the factory. Alex

The reflections are probably clouds - Countach cars are so flat that they reflect the sky, same thing happened when I photgraphed mine. Danny's red color is sharp IMO Alex

Danny, the rear panels look good IMO, I bought a '65 Stingray Vert and it had slightly (and tastefully) flaired fenders with 235/70 tires, when I restored it, which included a full respray, I pondered whether to remove the flairs and return to the origjnal skinny rims and tires..... at the end I kept the flairs.... glad I did too. Alex

No, regular SE30

I have driven the GT (a yellow ex early factory car) and the Se30, thre was not much difference, infact, the SE felt seems quicker. I imagiine that the GTR is a totally different animal though. The SE30 winds up faster than the GT.

No it is different, I will open it up and take a few pictures, it's two sided, I need to find a plate of glass, it is folded in 8 and A4 format, otherwise it will not flatten out for the picture.

This is the standard center dash of the 150 model production

These are the pictures that came with the release; This was the prototype, with the fire extinguishing system (red button I think) no A/C and probably no power steering. However when the SE30 went into production the A/C, radio and power steering were included in the production cars (at least all the ones that I have seen) and the fire safety system was deleted. I'll try to take a picture of the poster and post.

I still thank that Coutaches are THE most aggressive exotic in the world - period....... but Diablos are sleek, the 6.0 is a very refined, fast and ergonomic sports car - the Diablo that is closest to the Countach is the SE30 IMO

I was able to find a press release kit, a two sided poster of the SE30, some A4 size pictures and a 12 page article all grouped together in a 30th Ann. folder. The article has some important info and thought I would share. Diablo SE30 Official Press Release

This week had my mechanic change the gas hoses - the connections of the stainless steel tubes, on the Countach - emptied the tanks, said that I would not believe the debris that was deposited in the tanks, he checked the inside of the tanks with a camera and said they were in good shape.

The only part in steel is the roof, even on the last 6.0 cars. Body and doors are un aluminum. Engine covers and some front hoods are in composite material. The GT and 6.0 went to full carbon fiber body and steel roof - weight saivings 80 KG. Experts, correct me if wrong. Alex

Wing or no wing, I guess it doesn't add performance..... probably takes some away.........but it is badass! Still looking for a used trunk lid to have the "wingless" option. For the time being it stays. Alex

Perfect for all the people that like Gumball cars...... not my cup of tea. http://cgi.ebay.de/Lamborghini-Diablo-Gumb...A1%7C240%3A1318

There is a yellow SE30 for sale right now in N.Z. http://msn.autotrader.co.nz/View/Used/LAMB...id=118379A28209

come on, give Uffe a break! First of all congratulations and post some pictures - always better to get a Lamborghini expert check the car before you buy, did it come with any service history? Can you speak with the past owner(s)? How many KM does it have on the clock? Yes the chain tentioners in the early cars were not reliable and most were modified. Alex

I recently saw a SE30 with a sport exhaust that was a factory option. It was the first time that I saw a wire mesh over the tubes going to the tail pipes This was a period option by Tubi. Impressive the abount of carbon fivber used in the construction of the SE30!

Who did it? Detroit Detomaso, There is an official Lamborghini service center about 3 miles from the S.#### factory, Giancarlo Breviglieri, it is a small shop, and Giancarlo takes his time but is both passionate and a perfectionist. Once the motor was out I had the car towed to the body-shop to redo some stone damage on the front spoiler and wheel arches – while it was there I had the engine bay re-sprayed – when I brought it back Giancarlo saw it, said nothing and then re-painted the engine bay – without asking – he said the tonality of the black was not the correct original color. There is a constant flow of retired Lamborghini workers, test drivers, etc. that go in and out of his shop. The person that set up my timing worked in the factory service center for 39 years, from the 350 GT to the last Diablos - 39 years and he retired, now he helps in the re-assembly of Countach and Diablo engines, with all the little tricks of the trade. My wiring was checked by the person in charge of wiring the Miura and Countaches from the 1960s tot he 80's- he replaced a few wires and connectors - these people don't require schamtics or manuals - in fact, they probably contributed in writing them!. Talking with these people (I have the good fortune of being fluent in Italian) you get all the “untold” stories of the true development with Bob Wallace, etc. Emilio knows this place well. This summer there was a 400, Emilio's S1, and Austrian S2, a 5000 S, my 4 valve and a DD 25th - all at the same time! The orange Lp400 will probably be at Pebble Beach in August.

I know it is a Diablo thread, however just had my Countach clutch refaced and balanced, it came out new! Couldn't resist, had to post this last picture, another Lamborghini work of art!

new 560?

I always 1st -3rd my Countach until warm. Before reaching the optimal operating temp. I also double clutch the downshifts by giving it a "blip" of gas going through neutral during the downshift. This will help the syncros in the gear box. I find the ZF transmission Countach QV (starting in the 1986 model year) much more precise than that of Diablos.

Just about there, by the end of next week should be good to go! Looks very thirsty Re-skinned the steering wheel and gear shift knob In good company with a LP 400S (S2) and a LP 400. This shop is about 5 km from the factory and there are frequent visits from retired emplyees, former (and current) test drivers, and workers that were on the origiinal assembly line. My wiring was checked by the person that actually wired my car over 20 years ago! Giancarlo, the owner of the shop takes his time but everything must be done well, each piece is sandblasted, all new bolts (my old ones were not shiny enough! Can't wait to hear it scream!