Interval between majors

Hello everybody, I was wondering what is the recommendation on intervals between majors. We bought our car five years ago this October. With apparently a very good chance that there will be a Mondipalooza next summer, I want to make sure the car is totally ready for it, we had an awesome time in the first one, so we definitely want to make this one. So how often should we do a major, is it based strictly on mileage, time, or both. The car had a major a little before we bought it, a new clutch was also installed at the time, so basically the last major was done about five years ago. It is working great right now, it starts and runs real strong, but it has a small oil leak, and I need to take off the alternator either to rebuild it, or replace it, so since I must do some work to the car anyhow, should I go ahead and do a major too, regardless of mileage?

 

Thanks Wade, I guess I'll go ahead and do the major now too. I don't care about sale price, because we're never selling this car, instead I'm thinking of adding to the stable, maybe a coupe, or a gt4.

 

I have a friend that owns a 1974 Citroen SM, and he in turn has a mechanic friend that owns a garage and restoration shop. That mechanic has restored several Mercedes and BMW cars dating back to the 50s, as well as helping my friend restore his Citroen, and he has done work on a few Ferraris. He has agreed to help me do the work in his shop, so I get use of the shop, do some of the work myself, but I have him and his mechanics to help me when necessary. By doing a lot of the work myself I get to save some money and learn more about the car, but I have an experienced crew to back me up and make sure the work is done right. So, what I need to know is exactly what do I need to buy, and where should I buy it. Do I just change the belts, or are there other items recommended done at this time, specially if I do an engine out job?

 

Never mind my previous post, I found a 30K service kit at Ricambi for $1100, not a bad price in my opinion.

 

You’re right Alden, this would be my first major, that’s why in one of my previous posts I asked what is recommended to do in addition to the belts and bearings, specially if the engine comes out. Also, in my first post I mentioned that the engine has a small oil leak, and that the alternator is not working 100% and needs to be dealt with. I am also planning to do the Volvo upgrade for the rear window regulators. Additionally, while the engine is out I would clean it and detail it, as well as the engine bay, I’m also planning to either paint or powder coat the plenum cover. That already covers some of the items you mentioned. The Ricambi major kit for the 3.2 includes the following:

1 x End plate gasket
1 x End plate gasket
4 x Cam seal o-ring
4 x Cam seal
1 x Right valve cover gasket
1 x Left valve cover gasket
2 x Timing belt
1 x Fuel filter
1 x Air filter
1 x Oil filter
1 x Water pump belt
2 x Distributor seal
2 x Distributor cap gasket
2 x Distributor plate gasket
1 x Alternator belt
1 x A/C Belt
2 x Tensioner bearing (Hill Engineering PT308)
4 x Cam o-ring
1 x Thermostat
1 x Thermostat Gasket
8 x NGK Iridium Spark Plugs

I think if I use every single item in the kit I should cover most of the items on your list. While the covers are open to change the gaskets I should be able to check the valve clearances, and with the engine out and access to a lift it should be easy to check, and if necessary replace, the hoses. I replaced the spark plugs a little over four years ago, and the wires looked fine, but if I need too change them, is there an upgrade I can do to the plug wires? Does anybody make better wires than the originals?

I also finished an SRI Gold Connector Kit upgrade not too long ago, and previously did both the GT Car Parts and SRI upgrades to the fuse box, and upgraded the center console lights to LEDs, so that should cover most of the electrical system. Almost forgot, while doing the GCK upgrade I removed the ignition modules that are on top of the coils, I cleaned them thoroughly and applied new thermal grease before reinstalling them, I guess I could also do that again now, it’s a pretty simple job.

I think that about covers what I have done, and what I am planning to do. If you can think of anything I have overlooked please let me know, if I am going to go to the trouble of taking the engine out I want to make sure I take care of as much as possible while I have the chance.

 

Some time ago mikael82 noticed that the front window regulators from a first-generation Volvo S40/V40 (1995-2004) fit the rear windows of the Mondial, at least the cab, I’m not sure about the coupe, but if it’s the same original part for both, the Volvo part should fit both. The Volvo part is of a much more modern design, it’s simpler and more reliable. Also, the window can go a little bit lower, which allows it to completely disappear into the body, in fact, you have to put a stop so it doesn’t go too far down. Check out this thread,

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/mondial/339623-mondial-rear-windows-stuck-down-7.html

I think he first mentions it in page 5 or 6.