| Author | Message | ||
| Hamlet Zadourian (Mysteven)
New member Username: Mysteven Post Number: 11 Registered: 2-2002 |
I had an early 308GTS that had valve guides made from bronze which caused a lot of smoke under heavy accelaration. I tought Ferrari would get it right by now. It is amazing after all these years cars would be improved from past mistakes but it appears that isn't so. I am a big fan of the 355 series and would love to own one. Is there a particular year that has the updated valve guide installed in them. Thanks. | ||
| Chris McKay (Mrmckay)
New member Username: Mrmckay Post Number: 21 Registered: 7-2003 |
FABS, FoW is picking up the tab. | ||
| FABS (Caruso360)
Junior Member Username: Caruso360 Post Number: 63 Registered: 5-2003 |
Great to hear you're being "warrantied". Do you know if this is a FOW, FNA or Ferrari Italy whose actually footing the bill. A fellow F-chatter has a 97 355 he purposely purchased as opposed to the known valve issues with the 95's. FNA has put him through financial hell. His out of pocket expense will be around $13k-$15k. It would be extremely advantageous if FNA was actually reimbursing for these repairs. Please advise. | ||
| Chris McKay (Mrmckay)
New member Username: Mrmckay Post Number: 20 Registered: 7-2003 |
Robert, I didn't notice any performance problems...the car had the problem when I purchased it. Although the engine when idling didn't sound right to me. ( I told the dealer when I brought it in. ) | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 595 Registered: 4-2003 |
That is one of the big pluses of buying from a FNA Dealer. When I purchased my 1998 355 they did the 30 service. Upon inspection the clutch was about 50% worn (13K miles). They replaced it at no cost to me! Also, small stuff like the thermoswitch for the LH radiator fan, etc, etc. It did not cost me one cent. | ||
| Robert Faber (F129b)
New member Username: F129b Post Number: 35 Registered: 8-2003 |
I have a '98 GTS. Did YOU notice problems or performance lag etc. prior to hearing of the valve guide problem? | ||
| Chris McKay (Mrmckay)
New member Username: Mrmckay Post Number: 19 Registered: 7-2003 |
Tim, They were the bronze guides. It has a little of 13k miles. | ||
| Tim Barnett (Tim_barnett)
Junior Member Username: Tim_barnett Post Number: 76 Registered: 4-2003 |
Chris, I'm glad that FoW is going to support you. I noticed your car is a '98. Did FoW indicate whether the worn guides were made of bronze or sintered steel? Also, how many miles does your car have? | ||
| dave handa (Davehanda)
Intermediate Member Username: Davehanda Post Number: 1808 Registered: 5-2001 |
Great to hear! This is the kind of story that directs me to want to buy from a dealer when I get by 355. No private seller would EVER do that. | ||
| Mark (Study)
Member Username: Study Post Number: 790 Registered: 10-2001 |
Chris, great looking car! Glad to hear that FoW treats people good, and goes the extra mile. What Rob says is true. It might be a good idea to wear your "ferrarichat.com" shirt everytime you take your car to the shop  Or maybe we could get a speacial F-chat shirt made-up for days you had to go to the shop- that has a logo on it "100 post a day on F-chat.com club". How'd you like to be the dealer or service manager when that dude walks in? LOL | ||
| Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
Board Administrator Username: Rob328gts Post Number: 6257 Registered: 12-2000 |
Dealers and shops are very afraid of FerrariChat.com and the possible negative impact, but this is proof that if you take care of your customers and run a fair business that it can actually be very positive. Look how many users are going to read this post now and how many new customers FoW will get. | ||
| Chris McKay (Mrmckay)
New member Username: Mrmckay Post Number: 18 Registered: 7-2003 |
I got a call from Josh at FoW concerning the major service that was being performed on my 355. My baby has the valve guide problem. I was relieved to hear that they would be correcting the problem at no cost to me. Ralph C. told me they stand behind their cars when I purchased the car from them back in July. They could have easily not been true to their word especially since I didn't have anything in writing. I think that they are great bunch of guys over there at FoW. I can't wait to get my car back though....it is getting really painful. |