Which F-car Doesn't Need an Engine-Out Major?

Hi Greg,

You do know, that a comprehensive major service performed on a 3.2 compared to the same (like for like) service on a t, the cost difference is about $1,500. That difference is due to the "engine out" labor. Granted, the clutch assembly for a t, is a bit more expensive.

If the t didn't have the amazing upgrades that it has, maybe it would be wise to question the major service price difference and its validity. Alas, that is not the case.

With all due respect and love for my 3.2 Mondial brothers and sisters, I will simply say that using the major service cost difference as the sole basis for decision making, is worthy of much further investigation.

Cheers,

Hank

 

Matchbox And Hot Wheels.

 

Greg,

The only cars on your list that do not need an engine-out major are 360 and 430.

But an engine out major every "5" years is actually a good thing for the easy access to everything that you need to be checking and reworking anyway...

The 360 gets to keep the engine in for a belt change with access through the rear cabin, but has a much more expensive clutch repair bill because of (access / time).

The 430 because of chains instead of belts has the best of everything on maint. costs but you make up for that on the front end cost of the car.

Hope this helps.

I own a 355 and am not worried about the engine out requirements. A 348 and Testarossa engine out major are more expensive. So choose what you like and drive a lot to make the service a lower cost per mile...

Robb

 

I was recently chatting with a well-known Ferrari restorer (who had a 250 GTO in his shop); he said that you don't change the cambelts without doing a "major" i.e. the camshafts come out as well. For that, removing the engine would be a necessity, even on a 3.2.

It's worth noting that he isn't concerned about Ferrari's guidance for 3 yr/36,000 belt changes (well, except for the 348 and Mondial t, maybe).

 

The cams came out of my 3.2 without pulling the engine on my first service. Just about everything can be done. A person just can't always see what they are doing My engine is out now for my second service. I wanted to pull the engine this time as it gives great access and is much easier to clean and work on. Now if I could just free up some time. I think a number of tech with the 3.2 feel it's a good idea to pull the engine every other or every third service.

 

Maranello

 

Greg,

My first Ferrari was a 328 gts. Loved it. Still miss it. Sold it for my 355 gtb for better a/c, gearbox, more modern design and performance, and more room.

I'm 6 feet 210. I fit fine. It is a great car. Most buy with sticky's already fixed. Mine was not taken care of yet. I am fixing those now. It's just a line item for you to consider on the price. About 2-3k to take care of the whole car. Some parts always need to be stripped and recoated. Some not. No biggie.

PF really penned a beautiful car. Strong but feminine. The shape though has been to the gym unlike the 360. So I love it. Beautiful lines. It is already going up in value. So get a good one soon.

Robb

 

A,B,C,D - check,check,check,check. 550 Maranello.

 

I agree PV.

My first major was engine out. They found a broken suspension upper arm weld that may not have been found otherwise. My most recent major was engine in, and boy is my Mondial running just super. No issues using her as a DD. This was last night after work. I love this car! Just so much fun!
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I should have said, "removing the engine would be a necessity for me"

 

I bought a 430 as I see no value in engine out service and didn't really want to deal with timing belts either. With the 430 you do have to change the accessory belts but that is way cheaper and easier. With that said, I think the 355 is one of the best looking Ferrari's ever too bad it wasn't as easy to own as a 430. My $0.02.

 

I can buy three F355 with the money for a 430. So, I can drive one while the other two are in the shop. Can you say that with your only one F430?

 

But the maintenance costs with three 355s will be about 10X the maintenance of the 430? At least one of the three will require ugly expenses. Nothing wrong with a newer higher performance experience. The OP wanted to know about cars that didn't need the engine out.

 

I agree. The 3 355's quote is crazy.

 

First, you can't tell if that was a joke?
Second, it is only crazy until you actually do own 3 Ferraris. Then, it is … your life.

 

Just like the 355 is the ultimate refinement of the 348, the 430 is the same to the 360.

You can argue looks if you don't like the harder lines of the 430 vs the softer 360 shape, but the rest of the categories favor the newer car. Most would take the 430. But budget has a way of tipping the scales.

Robb

 

I thought you were serious, as I've heard statements like that before. Again, I love 355 cars but probably would never own one. If I owned 3 Ferraris, I'd get 3 different models, all Rosso Corsa or Rosso Scuderia, of course.

 

Not surprisingly, they're easier to buy than sell. Recently, I was offered a "barn find" GT4 that, pricewise, was [almost] too good to pass up.