| Author |
Message |
P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member
Username: Ferrari_fanatic
Post Number: 398
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 8:47 am: | |
The cats start to rattle when the car is cold. The guts of the cat start to break down. When the "slow down" light comes on it signals an overheated cat. Last figure I heard was over 3K dollars for (1) cat at the dealer.
Also, earlier 355 experienced cracked headers. Even on my 1998 they were replaced under 7/70/ 8/80 warranty. Cost would have been around 7K. |
TC (Houston) (Tec)
Junior Member
Username: Tec
Post Number: 103
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 8:12 am: | |
Mitch,
Not to hijack this thread, but could you elaborate on what the issue is with the cats? Thanks. |
Scott DeGhetto (Scott63)
Junior Member
Username: Scott63
Post Number: 74
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Friday, June 13, 2003 - 7:45 am: | |
I know Tim Barnett because I was thinking about buying his car. I also know of only one other 355 driver who has had a problem. The cost was about $7K. I was quoted a price of $5K to $6K to change out the guides if I ever had a problem. |
Chris Parr (Cmparrf40)
Member
Username: Cmparrf40
Post Number: 628
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, June 12, 2003 - 11:17 pm: | |
Fabs, you are correct about the cost, in fact maybe a little under the actual repair.
I think the real question is what is the actual rate of occurance? Ferrari chat represents an excellent cross section of F355 owners.
Maybe I missed it but who (besides me) has ever had this done?
I did it not because we had any problems, but I had the motor out for service and because I plan on keeping my car, it seemed like good preventive maintenance.
I have heard of '98 and '99 steel valve guide cars with oil issues, so I think it is a bit overstated, IMHO. |
P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member
Username: Ferrari_fanatic
Post Number: 395
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, June 12, 2003 - 11:03 pm: | |
If this happens it is "traumatic" to both car and driver. For the buyers or owners, does anyone have ANY real data on the actual rate of occurrance??
Not to minimize this but if it is 1 out 20 cars, that is a 5% chance that your car will be affected. Not to mention that if it occured with the previous owner, the problem has been rectified.
Sooo, if 1 in 20 were affected, and half have already been retrofitted, then your rate of occourance would be a nominal 2.5%.
|
FABS (Caruso360)
Junior Member
Username: Caruso360
Post Number: 51
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, June 12, 2003 - 10:52 pm: | |
You'll understand why this issue isn't overblown when you see an engine with these bronze valve guides. Then you'll crap your pants when you understand what it will cost you to correct a problem that Ferrari should resolve. Speak to Tim Barnett or Dave Helms in the thread about worn valve guides. Some of the advice on this thread is way too casual which relates to lack of research and first hand information. I guess if you don't mind plunking down another $15k down the road then go ahead and pull the trigger. |
P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member
Username: Ferrari_fanatic
Post Number: 394
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, June 12, 2003 - 10:40 pm: | |
Don't sweat it. Especially on a 1998. Even with the earlier models, only a small percentage were affected. Lock and load, pull the trigger, drive and enjoy. |
Mitch Alsup (Mitch_alsup)
Member
Username: Mitch_alsup
Post Number: 755
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, June 12, 2003 - 10:22 pm: | |
"I honestly believe this issue is overblown."
So do I: even as an owner of a 95 F355 that visits the track a lot and sees a lot of high RPM use and a few zings. The only issue I see is brake pads, and Cats. |
Scott DeGhetto (Scott63)
Junior Member
Username: Scott63
Post Number: 73
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, June 12, 2003 - 9:36 pm: | |
The changeover was done after a certain assembly number. The assembly number is on a tag in the engine compartment on the left side... (see the valve thread in the technical Q&A section to determine the changeover assembly number) I honestly believe this issue is overblown. I have looked at many 355's and I have seen only one car with the problem (and it had been fixed) I have spoken to 4 dealers and only two cars with the problem have surfaced since 1995 at these four dealers. |
Bo Bo Bear (2cool)
New member
Username: 2cool
Post Number: 3
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, June 12, 2003 - 8:58 pm: | |
I know this issue has been discussed previous times; however, I'm about to pull the trigger on a 98. My biggest concern is the value issue. Did anyone find out EXACTLY the cut off when the change from bronze to steel happen? Even a date would be helpful. The number mentioned in one posting...seemed low compared to the car that was the issued in the posting. Can they do anything during the PPI to verify what's in the car? F dealer doing the PPI.
All help will be greatly appreciated...very nervous here...and really need some help. |