1998 Lamborghini Diablo

Overview

Engines

5.7L V12

Came as

• Coupe
• Roadster

On record

6 warnings, 1 recall

What changed for 1998

• The SV, VT and VT Roadster get 18-inch wheels for bigger brakes, and variable valve timing lifts power to 530 PS. A published reference

Compare 1998 with 1997

Rare and special

• Monterey Edition

Colors

No paint color is recorded yet.

Specs

Engines

• 5.7L V12 Automobili, a published reference

  492 PS at launch, rising to 530 PS with variable valve timing · 1990–2000

  Gearbox

  5-speed manual A published reference

  Drives

  Rear-wheel drive, All-wheel drive (A viscous centre coupling sends torque to the front wheels when the rears slip, 1993–2001) Automobili, a published reference

Body styles

• Coupe A published reference
• Roadster (1995–2000) Goodwood Classic Solutions, a published reference

Trims

• Diablo (1990–1998) A published reference
• Diablo VT (1993–2000) Automobili, a published reference
• Diablo SV (1995–1999) Goodwood Classic Solutions, a published reference
• Diablo VT Roadster (1995–2000) Goodwood Classic Solutions, a published reference

Packages

• Monterey Edition (1998) A published reference

Figures for the whole Original

• Built: 2,903, from 1990 to 2001 Automobili, a published reference
• Doors: Scissor doors, as on the Countach Automobili, a published reference
• Structure: A steel spaceframe with aluminium and composite panels Goodwood Classic Solutions
• Wheelbase: 2,650 mm A published reference
• Anti-lock brakes: From 1999, a first for a Lamborghini A published reference

Rare trims and options

• Rare

  Monterey Edition Package

  Sold only in the US A published reference

  20 built for the US A published reference

Watch out

Faults owners and the press report, and how to spot each one.

• Cam chain tensioners 1990–2000

  Check: Ask whether the original tensioners were replaced with the later manually adjusted ones, and listen for a rattle off the throttle.

  Goodwood says the early 5.7's hydraulic tensioners can in time let the chain snap, and that the later manual ones are often fitted instead. Seven owners in three FerrariChat threads raise the tensioners too. Goodwood Classic Solutions, owners' reports (unofficial)

• Worn clutch All years

  Check: In a high gear, accelerate from low revs and feel for slip, and make sure it shifts cleanly when warm. Ask when the clutch was last done.

  Six owners in four FerrariChat threads call the clutch the main worry, and five say a clutch job means taking the engine out. Owners' reports (unofficial)

• Bent clutch slave rod All years

  Check: Ask whether the rod between the clutch slave cylinder and the pivot was replaced.

  Two owners in two FerrariChat threads say this rod can bend or break and leave the car stranded. Owners' reports (unofficial)

• Weak brakes on earlier cars 1990–1998

  Check: Brake hard from speed on the test drive, and ask whether the brakes were upgraded.

  Eight owners in four FerrariChat threads call the early brakes too small, and some fitted upgrades. Bigger discs and ABS came in 1999. A published reference, owners' reports (unofficial)

• Rust in the steel spaceframe All years

  One source so far

  Check: Have the frame looked over from underneath for corrosion.

  Goodwood says the aluminium and composite panels do not rust, but the steel frame beneath them can. Goodwood Classic Solutions

• Failing catalytic converters All years

  Check: Ask whether the catalytic converters were replaced or checked, and smell for overheating after the drive.

  Three owners in two FerrariChat threads warn that the early cars' catalytic converters can fail badly, and two raise the chance of a fire. Owners' reports (unofficial)

Recalls

Newest first. Ask the seller for proof the work was done, or check the VIN with NHTSA.

• 1997–1998 Recall 98V162000

  The rubber windscreen header protector, which the owner fits when driving with the top off, was left out. NHTSA

Owning

What owners and buyers say

• Avoid

  Pre-Audi build quality 1990–1998

  Less sought after

  Goodwood warns that the cars from before Audi's takeover come with the build quality of that time, and two owners in two FerrariChat threads say the finish is not the Diablo's strong point. Goodwood Classic Solutions, owners' reports (unofficial)

Maintenance

No service schedule is added yet.