Cost, safety & reliability vs authenticity

Things like hoses are "time change" items, similar to cambelts but at a longer life/intervals. Absolute "original authenticity" is perfect for non-drivable museum pieces.

No judge will give out demerits for new hoses and the like unless, of course, they're not per OEM.

 

I completely agree, anything that is subject to regular wear/tear I argue should not be scrutinized for 'original'. Hoses, pipes, brake pads, tires, filters, seals, etc should be replaced in my opinion with the best quality part (regardless of OEM)

 

But now you have me thinking...

My car was converted upon importation; do I restore it to OEM or maintain it's own heritage/provenance?

 

hmm...curious - what did the conversion involve?

I'm assuming just add a cat, maybe some bumper modifications?

 

An O2 Sensor ECU, the frequency valve (without dampener), at least a couple of extra relays and all supportive wiring. In addition to the cat.

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/technical-q-sponsored-algar-ferrari/475731-mondial-3-2-k-jet-o2-sensor-control-system.html

I also have a third brake light from a US Cab mounted on my engine cover. The US Coupe's have their inside the cabin (rear roof).

All DOT stuff (doors, glass, etc.) appears to be as per original.

 

I have bright blue center coolant hoses but they aren't visible unless you look for them underneath the car (about 3 out of 61 inches). I went with black hoses for the rest.

 

Good stuff thanks Wade!!!

 

Strictly from a safety standpoint, I would only use OEM parts.

I had a 12 inch oil hose ($1200 plus labor) replaced last year, and I almost fainted from sticker shock. My mechanic explained that this hose is subjected to tremendous heat and pressure. If I replaced it with a cheaper hose and it ruptured while the car was cruising at speed, the oil would spray all over the wheels and probably send the car into a violent spin.

Remember that OEM parts are engineered specifically for your car. Once you go outside of those parameters, you may be putting yourself and your passengers at risk.

Ferrari Part #140312 Flexible pipe from motor to radiator 1251.66

 

Yet you have non oem wheels and most likely non oem tire sizes/dimensions on your car vs what was spec'd with?

Tires come with specific load ratings and often time the lower profile tires we all now use on our cars can and often do have a lower rating than what oem sizes would have been...

 

My current wheels are genuine Ferrari and were approved by the dealership. Diameter is identical to original. In fact, the wider wheel stance adds more stability on corners, and the rubber compound (W rated = 168 mph) exceeds OEM and is suitable for all seasons.

I drove on the originals for a while, and in terms of control and safety, my current setup is superior.

 

And realize that some OEM parts don't exactly exist in the way they did originally. Sachs made the hood struts for my Mondial, bonnet, front. The ones I pulled out said FERRARI on them. The replacement ones do not even though they are the same part number. There will always be some of those issues.

I wonder if the factory convertible tops are NOS, if they are they may be a bit harder to work with as opposed to something made recently.

It's to each of us. I make all my choices on a case by case. If I get a part from a chevy dealer instead of the Ferrari dealer and they look the same, I don't care. (air injection valves for US cars).