F355 is going in for surgery on thursday!

Well the time has come for the 30K service. I had a local mechanic give me the run around for a few months, the i finally got a little tired of it so last week i emailed Darin at Boston Sportscar. He told me he would get an estimate to me by the end of the day (this was last thursday). I called him today for an update, and he apollogized for not having the estimate done because he had forgot (understandable). So he said give him by the end of the day today. Around 4 30 he emails me an estimate and asks me to call to make an appt. I called, and asked how soon he could get me in. He said he would call back in 15 minutes to see what they have available. He called right back and said that he moved some stuff around and can take me as soon as tommorrow!

Now thats what i call customer service! So far I am very impressed with their dedication to the customer. They estimated 40ish hours of work. I might have them put on a tubi while its in the shop as well. I will update as time goes on. Anyone else care to share their experiences with Boston Sportscar?

 

They did my 30 on my 95 355 a few years ago and all went smooth.
The tall guy (I think his name is Mike) is one of the best 355 guy's in the country.
His level of detail is second to none.
I would and do use BSC for any work that I am not equiped to do in my shop at home.
David

 

I use Boston Sports Cars on my 2 cars and they are busy, much like any good specialized shop. However the team is very good in my opinion and Darin, Craig, and Mike and others are excellent. The co-founder of the company Darin’s father – I have been told by more then one excellent source is one of the most experienced and technically knowledgeable people in the US in regards to Ferrari. He was in charge of the technical department of Ferrari North America and has worked at the factory in Marenello extensively. With that being said I give them my highest recommendation, I think every time I have been to the shop they have had a 355 in.

Andrew

 

BSC is not universally loved. I have heard plenty of people complain about them. Mostly complaints about poor diagnosis skills and over-charging. But they've done right by me so far. Darin has been very good to me, always going the extra mile, and Mike has done fine work on my 308. They are definitely expensive, but what Ferrari mechanic isn't?

ASK328, I agree, Darin's father Ken has got to have the best reputation in all of Ferrari land. Pretty much anybody who knows anything puts Ken on a very tall pedestal, and I've never heard a single bad word about the man. I don't think Ken gets involved in the cars BSC works on these days though, so I wouldn't base an opinion of BSC on his reputation alone.

(P.S. Careful what you say about them here, they do keep tabs on F-chat)

 

They are a top notch outfit. I would not hesitate to bring my car to Darin. I think Ken is now part of Lambo NA. Ask them for a beer while your in the shop!!

 

According to the service records they serviced my car before I owned it...which really doesn't add much here I guess! But one thing I've come to realize is that just because a shop has a great rep, often it's a novice who's actually turning the wrenches. Not saying that about anyone in particular, just something to keep in mind.

 

I am wondering if this is just a general statement from you and if it is than I will not trash your what you said above.
However I will state that Mike ths head 355 guy at BOSC HAS BEEN THEIR FOR MANY YEARS.
BOSC does not hire "novices" they have no need for them they are a small specialised shop with great expieranced people turning renches.
Their are shops that do as you state but NOT BOSC!

My 2 cents.

 

Yes, as I tried to say in my original post it is just something to consider in general - I have no experience with BSC, and would consider using them based on all the good feedback here.

 

I bought my 328 from Darin 4 years ago. When my 328 needs its major service next year it will be Boston Sports that will do it. They really do go the extra mile for their customers. As for the comment from UconnHusky - They do not hire novices .

 

im going to the shop tonight to take some pics. while the engine is out, they ae installing NA performance Headers and a tubi.

 

Check out my red black 89 TR, she's in getting some TLC also.

Andrew

 

Update.


Things being done to the car:

30K
my tensioners failed, so we re installing hydraulic tensioners
new porterfield brake pads
New water pump
new drivers side radiator
new brake lines
new CV boots
NA performance headers
Tubi style exhaust
maybe challenge grill

And for kicks a "johnny4re" custom europlate
hope to see you all in merrimac next weekend

this car should be brand new when done!

 

How's the surgery going? Any pics?

 

yes i took a few pics. we are kind of in limbo right now because the NA performance headers are on back order for 3-4 weeks, and im waiting for a few other parts like the tubi, a new water pump, and radiator. im gonna upload my pics in a bit

 

Heres a few pics
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

that looks cool, hope all goes well

 

Awesome pics! You mentioned the tensioners failed...did you know this before bringing the car in? In the interest of learning more about belts and tensioners...how many miles / years were on yours? How did the belt look after running with a failed tensioner, was it on the verge of failing?

Thanks!

 

The car just turned 30 k miles. Its a 95. The tensioners failed after the new belts were put on and left to sit over night. My old belts looked ok.

The pic you see of the engine us with the new belts on. We are awaiting a new water pump. You can see if you llook closely you can see the right tensioner gave out.

 

can you delve into this more? surely the tensioners were bad before. Resting couldn't fail such a part.