| Author |
Message |
Erik Jonsson (Gamester)
| | Posted on Monday, January 29, 2001 - 10:02 pm: | |
Although I have not run my car through Franco's, the tech there seems to have been around these cars for many years and is up on what goes wrong and what to look for. I got the feeling from my visits that they would give you the straight and narrow. Best of luck, stop by and visit before you decide to take it in there!
Erik |
Caribe
| | Posted on Thursday, January 25, 2001 - 3:16 pm: | |
Thanks for the information Steve. By the way, where is the Lamborghini list that you mentioned? |
Steve Lefferts
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 23, 2001 - 12:52 am: | |
Caribe-
As an added lump of info - the only thing that requires an engine pull is a clutch or tranny issue. Everything else can be done in situ. The carbed QV's are the easiest to work on, but very rare (also the most powerful and by far the most exhilarating to drive). The injected QV's are powerful, but it is an early jetronic that isn't so great. A well tuned 2 valve carbed car can be a lot of fun, but due to the sidedraught mounting of the carbs, some engine work requires a lot of labor just to get the carbs off so as to get to stuff. I have travelled to help friends out in shopping for these cars - have been researching the market for years.
Let me know if you would like more info on anything. There is a Lambo list, I have found it helpful, and though it is a relatively new list there are a good number of knowledgable folk on there.
Feel free to e-mail me privately.
[email protected] |
Caribe
| | Posted on Monday, January 22, 2001 - 5:30 pm: | |
Thanks gentlemen for your replies. Erik, would you recommend Franco's European Sports Cars to do a pre-purchase evaluation? have anybody ever use a service shop or dealer to do this? and how comprehensive are these evaluations?
Thanks. |
Erik Jonsson (Gamester)
| | Posted on Monday, January 22, 2001 - 3:43 pm: | |
I know of a very clean and reputable shop in the San Fernando Valley(LA)
It is Franco's European Sports Cars, 1436 Oxnard St. Van Nuys, Ca 818-994-5656
They are friendly there, and from the visits I have made, they are always stacked in deep with fine autos.
They specialize in all Italian cars. |
Steve Lefferts
| | Posted on Sunday, January 21, 2001 - 2:00 am: | |
Caribe- Sorry it takes me a while to respond - been out of town.
Countaches, like any other car, likes excercise. Everyone I know who has them says the same - the problem free cars are the ones that get driven at least 6-7k a year. I put more than that on mine.
There is a maint. sched, and the services aren't exactly cheap if you don't do your own work, but again not unbudgetable. I don't specifically know good shops in LA, but I can find out I'm sure. The major stuff is worth shipping to a good (reasonable) shop. I think there are several good options in SoCal and the West Coast in general.
I budget $4,000 a year, and my friends stay within that on their cars (unless they give the shop an "open checkbook" attitude - then I guarantee it'll be more).
Buying a car with problems can be very expensive, as with any exotic, and there aren't nearly as many of them as other marques, so you have to be patient for the type you want in good shape. |
Caribe
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 16, 2001 - 5:13 pm: | |
Thanks for the info! Steve, How are maintenance costs compared to Ferrari's? What kind of mileage can they take? I am thinking in putting a lot of miles into it, perhaps around 6 or 7K a year. Is there a 15K and 30K maintenance schedule like on Ferraris? Anybody, I live in the Los Angeles area, any good mechanics in this area? |
Steve Lefferts
| | Posted on Monday, January 15, 2001 - 12:46 am: | |
I have an '85 carbed QV Countach - it's strong as an ox, always starts, and I know quite a few others who could relay maintenance experience. The fundamentals are strong and reliable if you get a decent car. Like all types, neglected or abused cars are problem sources. Engine onoly has to be pulled for clutch or tranny work. I'd be happy to answer any questions. |
Scott85 (Scott85)
| | Posted on Sunday, January 14, 2001 - 10:45 pm: | |
I know an owner of an 89 Countach. I think he paid like $3K for an ignition module. The most reputable source is Al Burtoni. |
Rob Lay (Rob328gts)
| | Posted on Sunday, January 14, 2001 - 12:11 pm: | |
Look under the research link to the left for the ExpensiveCar.com archives.
I think you need an engine pull for about everything though. |
Caribe
| | Posted on Sunday, January 14, 2001 - 12:09 pm: | |
Is anyone familiar with the maintenance schedule and costs for a Countach? Reliability for that matter? Is it worst or better that the TR? and Are there any Chat or BB for Lamborghini owners?
Thanks,
Caribe. |
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