355 F1 problem FIXED by Eugenio!!!! | FerrariChat

355 F1 problem FIXED by Eugenio!!!!

Discussion in '348/355' started by PWR2PAS, Apr 16, 2009.

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  1. PWR2PAS

    PWR2PAS Rookie

    Sep 25, 2004
    10
    Canyon Country, CA
    Full Name:
    John
    I wanted to thank Eugenio for his expertise in resolving the problem with my 1999 355 F1.

    The original problem was the car shifting into neutral at the worst times. The car would stay in neutral for 20 minutes or so before I could get it back into gear and on the road for the next few miles where it would repeat the process. My frustration level was increased as the car only had 4000 miles.

    My repair experiences were costly and completely off track..

    I took the car to FX Performance. They reset the computer and waved a magic wand. Clearly, this did not fix the car. Cost: $2,500.

    I took the car to Ferrari of Orange County and they wanted to replace the F1 pump and actuator. The cost of this repair was $20,000. They believed that I had low pressure, therefore I purchased “just the pump” myself and they graciously installed it for $8,000. No luck. Total cost: $11,000.

    I then took the car to Auto Gallery. They replaced a few relays and aligned the car. Another $5,000 spent and the car was not fixed. All of the original problems still existed and now the car began to stall at red lights….. getting worse.

    Wanting to be fair, I took the car back to FX Performance and they replaced the engine mounts. Another quick $1,000,, and no fix.

    I researched the internet, contacted a few mechanics from as far away as England and no one had a clue about what was wrong with the car not to mention how to fix it.

    All the while, and at no charge to me, Eugenio was researching the problem, and on a Saturday plugged in his SD2 computer. He discovered that the problem was the result of a few bad sensors, and at the grand sum of $1,400 (parts and labor included),,, removed the bumper and bell housing and the car was fixed in one afternoon while I waited. YOU ARE THE GREATEST!

    I am so happy with his level of professionalism and persistence that I may even purchase another Ferrari and it may even have the F1 system. I was committed not to ever buy another Ferrari especially with the F1 shifter. I now feel confident that there is not a problem that he cannot diagnose and repair at a fair price.

    I always tell my friends that many people can afford to get into the Ferrari game, but few can afford to play unless you have a friend that is a Ferrari mechanic. I then tell them that their friend is E.

    “Thank you for all of your help over the years” does not begin to describe the relief you have given me, but words are all I have.

    Sincerely,
    Johnathan Sires, 1999 Ferrari F1 Spyder – Canyon Country
     
  2. racerf360

    racerf360 Karting

    Mar 18, 2007
    82
    Full Name:
    Mitch
    "car shifting into neutral at the worst times"... I remember that on my 355. Glad to hear your problems were solved.


     
  3. PWR2PAS

    PWR2PAS Rookie

    Sep 25, 2004
    10
    Canyon Country, CA
    Full Name:
    John
    this problem lasted four years and cost many thousands of dollars. It amazed me that no one could figure this one out, until now. It turned out to be a couple of sensors. This is troubling as the car was fine. The sensors that tell the computer there is a problem were to blame. I wish there was an error override. I was stalled in some pretty bad areas.

    How did you solve your problem?
     
  4. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 10, 2005
    100,220
    Mount Isa, Australia
    Full Name:
    Pap
    Thanks for sharing your story John. I am glad to hear the big E fixed your problem!! :):)

    Eugenio is a legend!! All those who have dealt with him cannot say enough good things about him!! :D:D

    Fantastic!! Enjoy that 355 brother! ;);)
     
  5. bushwhacker

    bushwhacker In Memoriam

    May 25, 2006
    8,883
    Phoenix Az.
    Full Name:
    Dennis
    #5 bushwhacker, Apr 16, 2009
    Last edited: Apr 16, 2009
    E's the best !:) You just joined the 'E' fan club.
     
  6. Dean355

    Dean355 Formula 3

    Sep 4, 2006
    1,101
    South Florida
    Full Name:
    Dean
    I don't know the guy but heard the best things about him! I wish I lived at least in the same state where he is! I feel sorry for all the $$$ you poured into the car as a result of wrong diagnosis from other mechanics, but I am very glad your nightmare was resolved by the best F mechanic!!
     
  7. james patterson

    james patterson Formula Junior
    Professional Ferrari Technician

    Dec 8, 2003
    417
    Dallas Texas
    Full Name:
    James Patterson
    That is a great report!

    Glad you got your car straightened out and thanks for sharing.
     
  8. VTChris

    VTChris F1 World Champ

    Aug 21, 2005
    13,259
    John,

    Glad to hear you got your problem solved by www.Eugenio'sFerrariService.com and the big man on the block "E."
    I hear this sort of thing often, people taking their cars and paying hard earned money to shops that can't fix the issues.
    Those of us who are E's customers are so fortunate. Welcome to the group of happy E customers :)

    Sorry to hear you dumped so much unnecessary money on the car, I really hate to hear things like this. But look at the bright side, you are in with Eugenio now. The worries are behind you!
    Many Many trouble free miles.

    And you're in my neck of the woods, come by for coffee! Maybe we can get E to come by too (I wont count on it, but it's worth a shot).

    Chris
     
  9. ernie

    ernie Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Nov 19, 2001
    22,614
    The Brickyard
    Full Name:
    The Bad Guy
    And that my friends is why Eugenio has a long waiting list.
     
  10. hank sound

    hank sound F1 Veteran

    Jan 31, 2004
    5,953
    Burbank, CA
    Full Name:
    Hank Garfield
    And if one has experienced being in the Hell that it is to have their prized car touched by members of the devil’s service station, they will
    then truly know the Heaven that is EUGENIO’S............(read) Guardian Angel !

    Hank
     
  11. PKF355

    PKF355 Formula Junior

    Nov 12, 2003
    701
    sOCal
    Full Name:
    Patrick
    Can't be more happier with Eugenio's service.

    I'm PROUD to say that my car was and will always be serviced by Eugenio!!!

    True story here: When I was searching for my F355, came across a real nice '95 Barchetta Berlinetta. We were about $3K difference in reaching a deal. Owner was real firm on his price & he said "because car was serviced by Eugenio" and had the paper work to prove it. I ended up with my '99 because I fell in love with the F1 shift....

    In fact, knowing that Eugenio is here in SoCal is the reason that pushed me over the edge for jumping in with both feet into F355 ownership despite it's well known that F355 are expensive to maintain. But with Eugenio here, I'm not worried not even a bit about car breaking down. If it does, E will fix it and get me back on the road again. Peace of mind, now, that's a real and rare F-car ownership experience!!!
     
  12. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 29, 2001
    18,044
    USA
    If not for Eugenio, Helms and Rifledriver, there would be a LOT more Ferrari owners leaving the fold over frustrating issues. I'm thankful they are around. ;)
     
  13. FandLcars

    FandLcars F1 Rookie

    Aug 6, 2006
    3,057
    Tempe, Az
    Full Name:
    Rick Schumm
    More like hard earned FORTUNES! Really sorry you had such a hard time getting your problem solved John, but glad you finally found a respected and knowledgeable pro to get the job done!
     
  14. brent Lachelt

    brent Lachelt Formula 3

    Dec 6, 2003
    1,831
    Brownsburg, INDIANA
    Full Name:
    Brent R.Lachelt
    Hey John,

    Glad the car is working great. I'm the guy you gave a ride to at Eugenio's shop. Well, now that you know where to get it serviced it should be running fine with no problems :):). The best part is that you didn't even have to get new engine mounts or have you F1 system cleansed :D :D . Happy driving.

    Brent
     
  15. Simon Tibbett

    Simon Tibbett Karting

    Nov 7, 2007
    170
    GA
    Glad you got it worked out, OUCH on the repairs on the way. Look on the bright side, that stuff is new! ;)
     
  16. UConn Husky

    UConn Husky F1 Rookie

    Nov 11, 2006
    4,425
    CT
    Full Name:
    Jay
    I was just going to say that... +1 on having nice shiny new parts at least!
     
  17. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jan 26, 2005
    22,594
    Gates Mills, Ohio
    Full Name:
    Jon
    Nice, only $20,000 and the F1 problem is fixed. :(

    Still a good post -- find the right mechanic before you buy the Ferrari.
     
  18. rllucero

    rllucero Formula Junior

    Jul 11, 2006
    559
    Santa Fe/San Diego
    Full Name:
    richontravel
    #18 rllucero, Apr 16, 2009
    Last edited: Apr 16, 2009
    Isn't that the truth!!

    Another reason to stay away from the authorized dealers, a bunch of clowns!
     
  19. f355jimv

    f355jimv Formula Junior

    Jan 21, 2008
    685
    Southern California
    Full Name:
    Jim
    +1 on staying away from the dealers.
     
  20. PWR2PAS

    PWR2PAS Rookie

    Sep 25, 2004
    10
    Canyon Country, CA
    Full Name:
    John
    Hi Chris. You are close. My office is a few blocks away. I actually think that your shop may have replaced the batteries in my wife's Movado??? When I am in the area next I will definitely stop by. Thanks for the invite.
     
  21. VTChris

    VTChris F1 World Champ

    Aug 21, 2005
    13,259
    Yes, we probably did. We are on the 2nd floor next to Macy's.

    See ya soon :) I am usually there Mon, Tue, Fri and Sat (not tomorrow though, my daughters Bday)


    Chris
     
  22. gothspeed

    gothspeed F1 World Champ

    May 26, 2006
    10,244
    U.S.A.
    Full Name:
    goth
    Dang I have been meaning to visit Chris at his new store for over a year ........... :eek: .................. I still owe him a 'triple choca latte extreme' ............. I will make good on this Chris ........ I have not forgotten ............... :)!!!
     
  23. VTChris

    VTChris F1 World Champ

    Aug 21, 2005
    13,259
    3 years ;)
     
  24. gothspeed

    gothspeed F1 World Champ

    May 26, 2006
    10,244
    U.S.A.
    Full Name:
    goth
    3 years ........... :eek: ????? ............... dang .... :eek: ................... I just watched your TV ad ......... it was awesome :D!!! I need to get down there soon ........ :)!!!
     
  25. davidbealGT4

    davidbealGT4 Karting
    BANNED

    Apr 2, 2007
    139
    San Diego
    Full Name:
    David Beal
    That's excellent news John. Kudos to getting your car fixed, so now you can enjoy it without all that worry.
     

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