Tune Up Time

Dear Lamborghinisti,

 

Sooo....it's tune-up time once again...but so many products have changed.

 

On Spark Plugs...

 

 

On the most recent thread, the NGK's part number is no longer valid. The new number DR8EA....is this good? I have been using the OEM champions but it seems they are no longer available.

 

There seems to be this Denso product available but at $8.49 ea...seems rather expensive....why? and will it make a difference? I don't mind paying for a benefit....but I just don't like to buy in on the hype.

 

Oil

 

I've been using Mobil 1 15W50 for years now but I'm hearing more and more stories about severe internal engine wear out there. I'm hearing that Valvoline racing 20W50 in now the way to go..

 

Transmission Oil

 

I have no idea what to use now...

 

 

Diff

 

Again...don't know what the latest info is...

 

 

I would appreciate the board's insight and please let me know

 

 

I know....I know...this can be touchy subject matter....but I just can't get a straight answer.

 

 

Shamile

On spark plugs: I recently installed NGK (4772) DR9EIX Iridium IX Spark Plugs (from Amazon). They're tricky to gap because of the fine tips, but they seem to run nicely. I've only had them in for about a month, so I can't say much about how they do long-term, but they run very nicely so far.

Shamile, I for one don't feel adequate giving you advice. With 60K miles, who is anyone to tell you what to use Ha! But for oil engine, transmission, and dif. I don't think you can wrong with Redline, or Royal Purple. Me, I still use the factory SINT2000, I think it comes down to what NOT to use. You'll never get a straight answer to these questions.

 

I'm interested in spark plug options too.

Did some quick checks on the current supply of spark plugs. There's no shortage of them. I was surprised to find a price difference from $1.26 each for an Autolite to $12.52 for an NKG. Denso, Bosch, and Champion also available. Sources. RockAuto, and Auto Parts Warehouse.

 

This is confusing. Who knows at what price your just wasting your money.

I got my spark plug, Denso IX27, around $12+ dollars each.

All I felt right now, its much better than bosch.

Hey Shamile,

 

One of those thousand or so birds that hang all over you or sit in your car might be able to help

check your diary???

 

 

 

Dear Lamborghinisti,

 

Hahahaha....it seems some of you secretly visit Fchat..

 

....shame on you...

 

 

I've tried calling Steve Gleaner of Driven Exotics...someone who really knows his stuff. Even after like 4 calls, he can't even return my call or email me...gee thanks

 

 

Plugs, I've got the NGK's on hold but can swap them out for the Denso...I would just like to really know if there's any justification for the much higher price.

 

I haven't decided on the tranny fluids yet. They make a HUGE difference in the feel of the car. When I went to the Redline from the monolec in my 91 Ferrari Testarossa...it was so awful, I changed it out (10quarts) for the royal purple 8 months later. Ahh....ok..but no cigar. I want to go back to the monolec but only the Ferrari dealer in Ft. Lauderdale sells it...bring your own container....so I have to go there in person.

 

 

When I find some good answers, I'll post them up for sure....

 

 

Shamile

 

 

 

Dear Lamborghinisti,

 

Hey Shamile,

 

One of those thousand or so birds that hang all over you or sit in your car might be able to help

check your diary???

 

 

Bawahaha.....ya gotta love 18-23 year old's but which spark plug to use....doesn't come up in coversation much....

 

....but I do know "forever 21" is THE shop they love most....

 

 

Shamile

 

The NGK spark plugs have a more controlled burn than other plugs like the Bosch. The advantage is that the 'spark' doesn;t get misdirected and wasted in the chamber and focuses it's energy where it counts for a more complete combustion. I always run NGK spark plugs, it's well worth the money IMO.

 

The Mobil1 15w50 used to be great but in the last couple years the ZDDP levels were reduced. The ultimate oils (IMO/experience) are Redline and Motul (specifically the 300V). Both of these brands are Ester based oils and have high levels of ZDDP. Redline has more focus on the protective additives and less on the detergents, which I feel is fine in these types of cars because they don't see a lot of mileage between oil changes. The Motul although plenty concentrated in protective additives, also has better detergents and keeps the engine more clean as time goes on. Which brand I use tends to depend on the car/engine, since you're using 15w50 I feel either brand would be acceptable.

 

I also favor Redline gearbox/diff oils. When used correctly they work phenominally. Your Testarossa experience make me chuckle, I've actually "repaired" terrible shifting TR's by simply switching to a Redline fluid blend. The key is to let someone service the car that knows not only the car but the products very well.

Ive been using the Denso Iridiums for a few years with very good results. I changed them this last summer after 4 years of use and I could have left them in, I didn't check them before purchasing new ones, I just thought they would need it. Best price I found for them was sparkplugs.com.

 

Since my engine out rebuild I have been running Redline in the engine and gearbow with good results there as well. Its not cheap but seems to be doing the trick. Also installed a pre oiler, which I highly recommend, and sump that holds a couple extra quarts.

 

I have been running coils, cap and rotor from AutoZone, which I found to be a real bargain compared to the originals, and have no complaints. I think I put the Autozone part numbers in the aftermarket parts thread.

 

 

Dear Lamborghinisti,

 

Thanks very much for the information.

 

I've been trying to get a consensus on new information. I talked to Roy Cats, while not a tech does drive and sell quite a few Lamborghinis. From his experience and what George Evans is saying (now servicing all his cars )

 

 

Spark Plugs Denso's (www.sparkplugs.com considers this plug a "premium" plug while the NGK's are considered a regular plug)

 

Oil Valvoline 20W50 Racing

 

Gear Oil Royal Purple

 

Trans Royal Purple

 

 

I'm not sold on Royal Purple but he was quite happy with it....so I'll go with it.

 

On the Redline, in my Testarossa, it made the LSD chatter way too much. Redline said to add friction modifier but then the shifting was not very good again. I never knew what a shifting issue was when I had the Monolec. I'll see how that goes.

 

 

Shamile

Shamile, I really have no business guiding you, just my .02

 

Reading your words on here you could be a spokesman for Monolec !

 

If you have been that happy with this product in the past, use it again. Get the quantity you will need for the change, get one container or a few smaller containers, what ever is easier for you to use= your preference. You must know a retirerie in FL. Ask them if they wouldn't mind taking a drive to Ft. Laud. to pick up some oil for you. Let the dealer know their coming and exactly what amount, weight oil, and any other specifics they might have an option of screwing up. Give the person who helps you gas money, some spending cash for helping you, and a ride in the rocket car of their choice.

You end up with the product you desired in the begining...just a thought.

Dear Lamborghinisti,

 

I'll update things later but I was wondering about brake pads. I only need to replace the fronts as the rears are very thick. I would like to keep them all the same brand but don't know what the fronts are.

 

They only have this number on them. BXIQFF0191E ...any ideas??

 

 

The pads are black in color and the pad material is black metallic.

 

If no one has a clue, what pads does everyone like. This is strictly a street driven car....with passion. Gotta make those girlys scream...

 

 

Shamile

Dear Lamborghinisti,

 

 

Umm.....any ideas on brake pads??

 

 

 

Shamile

 

 

Dear Lamborghinisti,

 

 

Umm.....any ideas on brake pads??

 

 

 

Shamile

 

Shamile let me know what you end up going with for brake pads, as I would like to change mine, they are annoyingly squealing especially in reverse.

Dear Lamborghinisti,

 

My friend Cayleigh (19) gave me some help servicing my Lamborghini. These are the products I've ended up using.

 

 

Denso Iridium Plugs

 

 

 

Valvoline 20W50 Racing Oil

 

 

Redline 75W90 Gear Oil (Rear & Front Differential) ( Change based on advice from Mike Dillon of Evans Automotive)

 

 

Redline MTL ( Gear Box ) ( Change based on advice from Mike Dillon of Evans Automotive)

 

 

Valvoline Synthetic Brake and Clutch Fluid (Change based on advice from Mike Dillon of Evans Automotive)

 

 

Copper High Temp Anti seize ( For every thread you see )

 

 

 

Shamile

 

Freeze....Miami Vice !

 

Very cute!

Shamile that last picture with your thumb always freaks me the fcuk out ha ha ha ha

Dear Lamborghinisti,

 

Shamile that last picture with your thumb always freaks me the fcuk out ha ha ha ha

 

 

haha.....I did that just to cover my tag.

 

But....it shows that I'm always happy to see Cayleigh...

 

 

 

OK....on brake pads, it's turning into quite an issue.

 

OEM pads are about $1500.00 for fronts and about the same for the rears...yes really!!

 

That is so nuts, it's not even funny....it's just a brake pad!

 

 

I've only been able to find Hawk pads and EBS as aftermarket replacements. I found the Brembo numbers but I can't find the pads. Brembo has the most USELESS website ever!

 

I spoke to Mike Dillon of Evans Automotive for his advice. Gawd...what would I do without Mike's help!!

 

He said the Hawk brakes are better for street use as the EBS are better for the track.

 

OK...let's go Hawk....but wait...ONLY the FRONT pads are available Say what??? Yep, they don't make the rears. My OEM rear pads are in great shape and super thick.

 

BUT.....

 

You can't mismatch brake pads...can you? I wouldn't think so. Wouldn't it throw off the bias?

 

So....for such a simple issue like brake pads....I going through alot of work here.

 

As soon as I know something...I'll post it.

 

 

Shamile

 

That's just nuts. No wonder I don't drive my car more.

Dear Lamborghinisti,

 

 

 

I've tried calling Steve Gleaner of Driven Exotics...someone who really knows his stuff. Even after like 4 calls, he can't even return my call or email me...gee thanks

 

 

 

Shamile

 

Shamile, Time (our one non re-new-able resource) and knowledge. I send (I live in Phoenix) my '97 Roadster to Steve Gleaner every June, because of his knowledge. I gladly pay for his time, because of his knowledge (and honesty). Because of Monterey Week in August, Steve/Driven Exotics is extremely, unbelieveably busy for the 6 months (at least) prior. Because there is a finite number of hours in a day, someone like Steve (who is one of the most knowledgeable Lamborghini specialists on the planet) must decide where to invest those hours. (And believe it or not he has a family, his daughter turned 2 this week) So I'm sorry that he "can't even return your call" (that's time) . I don't "have a dog in this fight", I 'm just a very loyal Driven Exotics client and do not like hearing anyone bad mouth Steve. "Time is Money", I know I've heard that before.......

Dear Lamborghinisti,

 

Hahahaha....it seems some of you secretly visit Fchat..

 

....shame on you...

 

 

I've tried calling Steve Gleaner of Driven Exotics...someone who really knows his stuff. Even after like 4 calls, he can't even return my call or email me...gee thanks

 

 

Plugs, I've got the NGK's on hold but can swap them out for the Denso...I would just like to really know if there's any justification for the much higher price.

 

I haven't decided on the tranny fluids yet. They make a HUGE difference in the feel of the car. When I went to the Redline from the monolec in my 91 Ferrari Testarossa...it was so awful, I changed it out (10quarts) for the royal purple 8 months later. Ahh....ok..but no cigar. I want to go back to the monolec but only the Ferrari dealer in Ft. Lauderdale sells it...bring your own container....so I have to go there in person.

 

 

When I find some good answers, I'll post them up for sure....

 

 

Shamile

Steve is a great guy you need to get a hold of him you won't be sorry. He has been real busy, that doesn't mean that he shouldn't have gotten back with you. He has always treated me great.

Dear Lamborghinisti,

 

Shamile, Time (our one non re-new-able resource) and knowledge. I send (I live in Phoenix) my '97 Roadster to Steve Gleaner every June, because of his knowledge. I gladly pay for his time, because of his knowledge (and honesty). Because of Monterey Week in August, Steve/Driven Exotics is extremely, unbelieveably busy for the 6 months (at least) prior. Because there is a finite number of hours in a day, someone like Steve (who is one of the most knowledgeable Lamborghini specialists on the planet) must decide where to invest those hours. (And believe it or not he has a family, his daughter turned 2 this week) So I'm sorry that he "can't even return your call" (that's time) . I don't "have a dog in this fight", I 'm just a very loyal Driven Exotics client and do not like hearing anyone bad mouth Steve. "Time is Money", I know I've heard that before.......

 

 

Ummm....yeah....

 

 

Thankfully, George Evans and Mike Dillon are a little more generous with their time. They are very busy too and Evans is the East Coast expert. I just really appreciate the fact that they are willing to help. Everything I learn, I pass on to help the forum...everyone wins.

 

I do the same in my business...

 

 

...now do you have any info on brake pads?

 

 

Shamile

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shamile -- I ended up using Carbotech Bobcats for pads. They're street pads that don't produce anywhere near the amount of brake dust as the OEMs. Good stopping power, smooth predictable braking.

 

http://www.ctbrakes.com/pads.asp?Make=Lamborghini

 

I got the 1521's.

Dear Lamborghinisti,

 

Shamile -- I ended up using Carbotech Bobcats for pads. They're street pads that don't produce anywhere near the amount of brake dust as the OEMs. Good stopping power, smooth predictable braking.

 

http://www.ctbrakes.com/pads.asp?Make=Lamborghini

 

I got the 1521's.

 

 

Five...you da man! Excellent find!

 

You wouldn't think brake pads would be so difficult.

 

 

Shamile