 |
Nick Christensen is business consultant with an M.B.A.
(Senior level. Available internationally. Ask for rate.) | |
HomeResumeLinkedInContact |
Mechanic
My greatest passion is Ferrari. With methodical work, I want to empower and encourage the DIY Ferrari culture.
|
PUBLICATIONS
Ferrari Technical Research Findings. The "do it the right way" Ferrari factory service approach not found anywhere else.
| Ferrari 412 for Dedicated Ferrari Owners |
| Bosch CIS K-Jetronic Fuel Injection |
1.00 Fuel Injector Overview
1.01 Fuel Injector Removal
1.02 Fuel Injector Installation |
May 2012 |
 |
Download PDF |
| Currently, I'm writing documentation on air flow synchronization with a manometer and CO tuning using a 5-gas analyzer.
Also, I'm building a CIS injector test bench. Once complete, I'll be able to conduct opening pressure, leak down, flow rate and spray pattern tests. |
|
|
|
|
Ferrari Demons
1986 412 GT
2004 Challenge Stradale
I'm always excited to talk about Ferrari. In fact, you could describe me as completely obsessed to the level of someone please call an exorcist. My greatest fascination with Ferrari involves providing solutions to complex mechanical problems. (Everything from Italy is often a bit more complicated.) What I do is clearly document the tools, skills and techniques required to service the Ferrari Challenge Stradale and the Ferrari 412. Where the factory manual stops, I continue with deeper principles and analytical research.
My favorite Ferrari is the Challenge Stradale (CS) and I still can't believe that I own one. The CS is a limited edition track prepared car that you can legally drive on the street. It has a 40 valve aluminum V-8, 150 ms F1 automated clutch, 15 inch ceramic brake rotors (Same as an Enzo.), titanium coil springs and lightweight 19 inch BBS Challenge rims. All of this pure race technology translates into a driving experience that is unlike anything else.
Not all Ferrari models are built for racing. In fact, most are made for high-speed freeway driving in luxury (Italian: gran turismo). My latest purchase is a Ferrari 412. I spent countless hours debating what GT car to get. After test driving this 80's mafia Ferrari, I was hooked! It has a 5 liter V12. Plus, it has leather everywhere and independently controlled multi-zone air conditioning. A 412 with a 5-speed transmission is exclusive too. Only 270 were made for the world and only 17 were imported into the United States. |
|
|
White Glove Delivery
When you buy a Ferrari from a Ferrari dealer they deliver it to your house in an enclosed carrier. |
|
V12 4-Cam Valve Adjustment
On the Ferrari 412, valve adjustments are made by inserting shims of various thicknesses into a round shim bucket under each cam lobe. |
|
Ferrari Service
Learning how to service a new Ferrari requires special tools, lots of workshop manual reading and advice from online clubs and websites. |
UPCOMING EVENTS
Motorsports
| Corse Clienti Ferrari Challenge North America |
2012 Apr 27-29
2012 May 18-20 |
Infineon, Sonoma, California (USA)
Laguna Seca, California (USA) |
458, 599 XX Evo
458, FXX |
Challenge
Challenge |
| Kent White TM Technologies Aluminum Welding Class |
| 2012 Jun 22-25 |
Nevada City, California (USA) |
512 BB LM |
Carrozzeria |
| Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Laguna Seca |
| 2012 Aug 17-19 |
Laguna Seca, California (USA) |
250 GTO, SWB, TR |
Historic |
| Lazze Metal Shaping Class for Automobile Design and Coachbuilding |
| 2012 Aug 27-29 |
Pleasanton, California (USA) |
512 BB LM |
Carrozzeria |
| Formula 1 - Scuderia Ferrari |
2012 Oct 5-7
2012 Nov 16-18 |
Suzuka, Nagoya (Japan)
Austin, Texas (USA) |
F150 Italia
F150 Italia |
Formula 1
Formula 1 |
| The 2012 season will see the return of F1 to the United States. Also, F430 Challenge factory race cars will be fully replaced by the 458. |
PAST EVENTS
Motorsports
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Ferrari Silicon Valley
3 May 2012. Redwood City, California (USA). Was having dinner in Redwood City with Chio so I made a quick stop at the local Ferrari dealership just down the street. Was especially happy to see the 599 XX again. Notice that this one has not been upgraded to Evolution specifications. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Corse Clienti Ferrari Challenge North America
28 April 2012. Sonoma, California (USA). Went with Steph to watch the 458 Challenge cars battle. Was fun the see the new 599 XX Evolution. Easy to spot with the side exhaust and large rear spoiler. Infineon is my favorite track. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
NOLA Motorsports Park
28 November 2011. New Orleans, Louisiana (USA). Went with Troy on a private tour of the brand new high-speed track that is being built. The track still needs much work, as does this abused 360 Challenge car parked there. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
* Purchase of Ferrari 412 GT
6 September 2011. San Francisco (USA). I just purchased this Roso Corsa grand touring Ferrari. It has a 5 liter V12 engine with a 5-speed transmission. Only 17 were imported into the US making it very exclusive. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Laguna Seca
19 to 21 August 2011. Laguna Seca, California (USA). Went to check out the group 6A, ultra-rare and most desired Ferraris of all-time - the Ferrari 250 GTO. These cars cost between $25 and $30 million each. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Corse Clienti Ferrari Challenge North America Laguna Seca
20 to 22 May 2011. Laguna Seca, California (USA). Very competitive race, won by Cooper MacNeil at the wheel of the 458 Challenge run by Ferrari of Houston. He headed Enzo Potolicchio and Max McKenzie to the flag. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Corse Clienti Ferrari Challenge North America Infineon
2 Appril to 1 May 2011. Sonoma, California (USA). Ferrari Trofeo Pirelli starts its eighteenth season. This is the first race of the new 458 Challenge. Also featuring four F1 Clienti cars, three Ferrari FXX and no less than seven 599XX. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion Laguna Seca
14 August 2010. Laguna Seca, California (USA). The former Monterey Historics are now called the Reunion. Personally, I perfer the name Historics. Regardless, watching the vintage Ferraris battle was just fantastic. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
* Purchase of Ferrari Challenge Stradale
4 June 2010. La Jolla, California (USA). I just purchased this Roso Scuderia Challenge Stradale. It has a 40 valve aluminum V-8, 150 millisecond F1, 15-inch ceramic brakes (Same as an Enzo.), and the lightweight 19 inch BBS rims. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Monterey Historics Laguna Seca
12 August 2009. Laguna Seca, California (USA). Race became exciting when a 1958 Ferrari 250 TR lost its brakes before the corkscrew, flew through the gravel trap, and hit the tire wall. I'm sure it will be fixed and raced again. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Ferrari 400i Test Drive
3 June 2009. Atherton, California (USA). First time to drive a Ferrari. An absolute dream come true. Unfortunately, this car had a long list of issues. I passed and began searching for a more modern Ferrari. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Monterey Historics Laguna Seca
21 August 2008. Laguna Seca, California (USA). Another fantastic year at the Historics. Was able to see Mario Andretti and Jay Leno plus some amazing vintage cars race. Love the 250 SWB. |
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
Do It Yourself
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Ferrari 412 - Cooling System Repair
19 April 2012. Replaced the thermal switch in the radiator with a new one from Napa. If you do it fast enough, then you don't have to drain the coolant. Also replaced the Bosch relay and a blown fuse for the right fan. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Ferrari 412 - Engine Tuning: Balance Air Intake Volume and Set CO
8 April 2012. Used an manometer with light mineral oil and a custom bypass type adapter to set the idle speed and balance the mechanical fuel injection air intake volume. Also, used a 3mm hex spanner and 5-gas analyzer to set CO level and AFR. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Ferrari 412 - Bosch CIS K-Jetronic Fuel Injection
30 March 2012. Installed new injectors (Bosch 0437 502 047) with new o-rings and copper crush washers. The new o-rings were thicker making them slightly more challenging to install. Impressed how smooth the engine runs now. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Ferrari CS - Bosch 183433 Switch
10 February 2012. Repaired a P1569 check engine light error with a new brake light switch. I was able to purchase the exact same part from Maserati for less than half of the Ferrari price. Used the OBD Link MX to clear the code then I power cycled the ECU. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Ferrari 412 - Custom License Plates
8 February 2012. Picked up and installed custom plates today. Just like STRDALE for the Challenge Stradale, I was lucky to get the 4i2 plate for the 412. Notice the ugly stupid new DMV website URL dmv.ca.gov on the bottom. Yuck! |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Ferrari 412 - Leather Restoration
5 February 2012. Lightly sanded two scratches on the back seat then applied color matched oil paint. Turned out Michelangelo perfect and now it's impossible to even find them. Once completely dry, the paint will be flexible and very strong. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Ferrari 412 - AGM Battery and Oil Change
29 January 2012. Replaced old battery with a Sears DieHard Advanced Gold AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) Sealed 34R Battery. Also, changed the oil. The giant 5L V12 motor is a bottomless pit that takes an amazing 19 quarts of synthetic. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Ferrari 412 - Setrab Oil Cooler and Bracket
27 January 2012. Installed a new factory oil cooler along with a custom made oil hose bracket. The purpose of the bracket is to prevent the lower oil line from rubbing against the metal attachment point under the oil cooler. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Ferrari 412 - Tire Rotation
27 January 2012. Rotated the tires today as the fronts were becoming worn more than the rears due to low air pressure in the past or a slight positive camber issue. Might have to get an alignment soon. Fun using my new impact on the Ferrari lug bolts. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Ferrari 412 - Copper Washer
13 January 2012. Fabricated a copper beveled edge crush washer. Used dremel to cut size. Drill to make the hole. Vice to press the bevel. Hand file to clean. Kitchen stove to anneal. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Ferrari 412 - Oil Hoses
3 January 2012. A visit to J&J to get the 412 oil fittings welded for the new stainless steel braided Teflon hose. They did a fantastic job while I waited. Plus, the price was good. Across the street sat a Ferrari 328, 355, and Testarossa. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Ferrari 412 - Electric Windows and Power Door Locks
11 November 2011. Installed new Birdman window regulators, new power door lock motors with custom electrical ends that plug into factory wiring harness and new plastic door panel water barriers. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Ferrari CS - Interstate MTP-91 Battery
1 November 2010. Installed a new battery in the CS. Difficult to find one the correct size that has a vent tube. The vent is important since the battery is located in the passenger compartment under the foot panel. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Ferrari CS - Exhaust Mod
12 July 2010. Bypassed the vacuum valves to keep the exhaust open at all RPMs. Normally the ECU opens them at 4,500 RPM in Race Mode. This mod combined with the Hyper-Flow (+31 HP) catalytic converters makes the engine sound insane. |
|
|
SPECIALTY TOOLS
Use the Right Tool For the Job
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
EZ Tach, ARE Manometer and 3mm Hex Spanner
11 April 2012. I absolutly love the EZ Tach. You connect it to the spark plug wire and get a very accurate RPM reading. Also, just made a custom bypass adaptor for the manometer. Plus, the new German CIS spanner is very high quality. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Bosch CIS Fuel Injector Puller
18 February 2012. Made a fuel injector puller out of a crowfoot flare nut socket driver adapter by grinding down the edges to perfectly fit the space between the bottom of the 14 mm flare nut connected to the fuel line and the 12mm (0437502047) injector. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
CTEK Multi US 4.3 (12v), UC 800 (6v) and Schumacher
14 February 2012. CTEK is the new official battery maintainer supplier for Ferrari replacing Zivan of Italy. If you buy a new 599 GTO, this is battery maintenance device you will receive. But, I recommend Schumacher Speedcharge when in a hurry. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
400i Workshop Manual
21 January 2012. Thanks to Geert Jan Schreurs in the Netherlands, I now have the missing 400i Factory Manual in my little Ferrari library. This will be fun to read. Thank you Geert and Ferrarichat! |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
OBDLink MX and Belkin Bluetooth Adapter
20 January 2012. Installed new bluetooth Scantool connection device to the Ferrari CS using an adapter. Was able to run the diagnostic software without losing the connection. Major improvement over the old USB method. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Ferrari CS Factory Battery Charger
20 January 2012. Today I used the factory battery charger. It plugs directly into a special socket under the hood. This was a factory option and a much better alternative to removing the passenger foot panel. Note: Also has a factory disconnect switch. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Metal Storage Parts Bins
20 January 2012. Retired medical record storage cabinet now holds car parts. It is nice because each drawer slides out and the extra heavy duty metal bins inside are removable. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Ferrari 412 Oil Cooler Hex Bit Specialty Tool
20 December 2011. Cut a 5/8 hex bit socket for the top banjo cap. The short 5/8 hex fit perfectly in slightly corroded 17mm slot. Hex then added to a 30 degree impact swivel and a 6 inch extension connected to a 1/2 inch impact wrench. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Ferrari One with ScanXL Professional
21 March 2011. Just got the latest OBD-II diagnostic scan tool software. Allows viewing and clearing of vehicle Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's), Freeze Frame data, and other vehicle information. (Still need an SD2.) |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Mohawk HR-6 Lift
5 March 2011. Finished installing the ultimate garage tool - a Mohawk 6,000 lb midrise scissor lift. Custom cut rubber pads that fit the jacking points on the CS. Also, built wooden ramps so that the lift can be placed under low cars. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Clavis Belt Tension Meter and Raytek IR Thermometer
3 March 2011. Got the The Clavis hand held belt meter direct from the factory. Can be used for all Ferrari belt tension gauging applications. Also got the Raytek Raynger ST Noncontact IR Thermometer. Excited to use both new tools. |
|
|
|
|
Porsche Gods
1954 356 Speedster
1959 356 A Sunroof Coupe (Sold)
1966 912
2001 Boxster S (Sold)
I started working on Porsches in 1999 after I bought my first European sports car, an old Porsche Speedster. My dad taught me all of the fundamentals of being a mechanic and I continued learning on my own thereafter. Also, driving Porsches daily for the past 12 years has been fantastic. They are full of personality, simple, beautiful, and run forever.
For years, each night, I would read the Porsche Bible (1954 Porsche Factory Repair Manual) along with The Secrets of the Inner Circle by Harry Pellow, a.k.a. The Maestro. My Secrets copy came direct from the man himself and it still had a harsh smell of engine degreaser and possibly even mold from his shop HCP Research just down the street from my house next to the San Jose International Airport.
Some of my favorite Porsche memories include:
Driving a newly purchased 1959 sunroof coupe from San Diego to San Jose on Easter
Racing at alarming speeds around Thunderhill
Hitting 165 mph on the I5 from LA
Staying up all night at my parents house rebuilding a completely disassembled 912 engine so I could drive back to work in the Bay area the next morning
|
|
|
Porsche Friend
My cousin Louise from Denmark in the 1954 Speedster. One of only 200 Pre-A cars made. |
|
High Speed Track
Racing at Thunder Hill in California. I went everywhere in this car. Daily driver for four years. |
|
Mid-Engine Drifting
Boxster S special ordered from the factory. Seal grey. Turbo II wheels. Drove daily during grad school. |
|
|
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
Do It Yourself
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Porsche Speedster - Brake Maintenance
Flushed the brake system with cheap fluid then filled with the racing type from Porsche. Used a water bottle (the IV bag method) to bleed the air out of the lines. Also adjusted brake shoes and parking brake. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Porsche 912 - Ignition System
Installed a new Bosch 050 distributor, Precision Matters timing kit, Pertronix Ignitor electronic ignition, Bosch coil, Bosch plugs. Beru wires, Bosch rotor, Bosch cap. Rebuilt generator and voltage regulator. A complete new electrical system for the engine. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Porsche 912 - Transmission Install
Installed a rebuilt 5 speed transmission with a special tall top gear for lower RPM highway cruising. Also replaced all the bushings in the shift linkage. The tricky part is adjusting the linkage to the shaft. To get it perfect takes much trial and error. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Porsche 912 - Fuel Tank Install
Installed a replacement fuel tank after scratching a hole in mine on a weekend trip over the Golden Gate Bridge to Tiburon. I used JB Weld to patch the hole in the old tank until I could swap it with the replacement. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Porsche 912 - Roll Bar and Sound Deadening
Installed a roll bar, rust protection and Dynamat sound deadening material. After adding the sound deadening I could actually have a normal conversation with a passenger. It was really loud without it. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Porsche 912 - Body Prep and Paint
Added a new ducktail rear spoiler and new front hood with Sparco hood pins. Then used aircraft paint stripper (down to bare metal), primer, sanded, and painted the car. This was a huge project and one I didn't like. I don't ever want to paint another car ever again. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Porsche 912 - Engine Rebuild
Complete teardown, rebuild and install in one weekend. No sleep. I had all of the replacement machined parts ready so the process was fast. The only problem I had was with some bad machine shop work on the heads. I had to have them redone. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Porsche 356 A Coupe - Track
Some high speed testing on the track at Thunderhill raceway. Completed the drivers training course in the morning and participated in the races all afternoon. The race track puts so much more stress on parts it is amazing. Everything has to be perfect. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Porsche 356 A Coupe - Fuel Pump and Exhaust
Replaced the fuel pump and installed a new Dansk exhaust. The quality of the exhaust is very impressive. But, that should be expected since it was made in Denmark. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Porsche 356 A Coupe - Interior Restoration
Everything inside is now new including a vintage Blaupunkt German stereo. I had to combine three stereos to make it work. The faceplace and knobs were original to the car. A hardwired 3.5mm Ipod connector came out of the back. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Porsche 356 A Coupe - Pirelli Tires
New Pirelli tires. A car rides so nice with new rubber. My favorite brands are Pirelli and Michelin. Balancing the old Porsche wheels with the wide bolt pattern can be difficult. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Porsche Boxster S - Turbo II Wheel Upgrade
New wheels and tires. The Turbo II are a more modern evolution of the Turbo I wheels that came on the car. I chose to get painted this time instead of chrome. Also, I replaced the tail lights with the Euro red and clear versions. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Porsche Speedster - Windshield Adjustment
Spent an unbelievable amount of time adjusting the windshield mounting to get it perfect. Each of the first 200 Porsche Speedsters were hand-made from cut cabriolets. This means some dimensions are not as precise as a produciton car. Eventially, we corrected the mis-alignment. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Porsche Speedster - Gauges
Had the gauges restored by Palo Alto Speedometer. They did an amazing job. Replaced the glass. Re-screen printed the numbers. Cleaned, polished and plated the housing. Rechromed the rings. Major work. Not cheap. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Porsche Speedster - Shocks, Torsion Bars, Gas Tank
Brand new Koni shocks identical to the originals down to the decal were added. Also torsion bars bushings were replaced. Used a red hot kitchen knife to cut into the old bushings to get them out. (Mom was not happy.) Also, restored the fuel tank. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Porsche Speedster - Wiring
Removed the still functional but very old wiring and replaced it with a brand new wiring harness. This was done as a safety percausion. I noticed the lights are brighter and I now don't have to worry when out on the road. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Porsche Speedster - Brake Restoration
Disassembly. Cleaning. Sanded. Primered. Painted. New drum brake wheel cylnders. Rebuilt origianl brake pads. (There was a place in Stockton, CA that specialized in bonding new meterial to your old brake shoes.) New brake lines. New master cylnder. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Porsche Speedster - Drum Sandblasting
Carefully sandblasted the aluminum brake drums, wheels and other small assorted parts. The sandblaster is fun to use. However, it is so powerful that you must be careful not to remove too much material. The parts look brand new afterwards. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Porsche Speedster - Transmission and Engine Install
Rebuilt engine with Harry Pellow, a.k.a. "The Maestro." I worked in his shop HCP Reasearch helping with advertising and computers in exchange for books, parts, labor and Porsche 356/912 engine building training. |
Copyright © 2011 Nick Christensen |
