Reputable independent mechanic, Seattle area

Carlo at Alfa of Tacoma is a good as they come, but I'm not sure if he works on the 360. He did my PPI when I bought a 550 from Ferrari of Seattle. Top notch guy, and tech.

 

Did Carlo mention anything about cost? I'm wondering if it wouldn't be worthwhile to have it replaced at Alfa of Tacoma, and then visit FoS for an hour of computer time for the fine tuning.

I'm surprised that AoT still hasn't invested in an SD machine. It seems like a lot of the pre-F355 generation owners absolutely swear by Carlo's work and at $8K to $12K for a 360 clutch FoS is definitely leaving themselves open to price competition ... between the 360s, F430s, and Californias I see running around that an SD would allow him to service, I would think the computer could pay for itself pretty quickly.

 

Maybe we (relatively) local 360/F430/California/etc. owners should take up a collection and buy an SD2 for AoT in exchange for lifetime 50% off services and maintenance ...

I'll inquire with Kirkland Maserati as to whether they have an SD and can work on a 360 Spider and post here once I receive a response.

 

I wouldn't let KM touch my car with a 10' pole, I bought my Abarth from their Fiat franchise and it was a terrible experience, I'm still puzzled as to why Maserati would let such a shady business be associated with their name...

I would use FoS over RTGT, they're local, they have great techs and they will stand behind their work. Not worth the $1k for the hassle of going to Portland for warranty issues etc.

 

Good to know. I know there's another shop here on the Eastside (which shall remain nameless) that will service a 360 Spider, but I hold a similar opinion of them and thus would never recommend.

I've never used the services of RTGT, but have had great experience with FoS with regard to the quality of their work. It's just tough to see a quote of $8K to $12K for a job that most in the 360/F430 section usually cite their local F-car dealerships charging $5K to $7K. It would be nice if one of these days Cantrell, AoT, or another quality independent picked up an SD machine to introduce some competition in the market.

 

What surprises me, though, is that some in the 360/F430 section seem to be indicating that their local dealer is at ~$6K for the clutch replacement and independents less than that.

With an F1 clutch replacement kit running $2,700 at Ricambi, it seems like a pretty high premium, but then again, they have a captive audience ...

 

Talk with Craig at the Jag Shop (he's a member here-- Monza456). He does a lot of work on early 2000-era Ferraris.

 

With FOS you get the top Ferrari wrench in the USA, Mark Glenwood, and certainty that the job will be done correctly because they have the correct factory tools/equipment to perform it.
That is worth a lot; do it once and do it right.

While an independent can place a clutch in the car they can not set the PIS (Poing of Initial Slippage) without an SD3 which is the critical parameter that needs to be set for the clutch to operate correctly.

 

I have used Craig for over 2 years & he performed my engine out major on my 1995 348 Spider last May. Craig used to be a master Ferrari mechanic for RTGT & then personally cared for Ron T Sr.'s 10+ Ferrari garage. Give him a call & see if he has the computer set-up needed for the 360 F1 clutch settings. Craig has been very good to work with & when a seal failed 2 weeks after my major, everything was repaired/replaced without any issues (no cost to me!).

 

Just so there's no confusion, I agree with you on the technical competence of FoS; I've had a few things fixed there (as has Dan, per his comments here and elsewhere) and in my experience their work has been nothing short of outstanding. My 360 definitely left there a much better car than it arrived.

In this case, given the cost of parts involved, it's just that $8K to $12K for a clutch replacement seems high, even relative to other dealer prices cited in the 360/430 section.

Cheers.

 

Does the work on my 355, I have seen 360 there on more than one occasion.
Jagshop

 

The Jag Shop is in Portland, no sales tax either.

 

Does RTGT still do this? Seems much more convenient than driving down to Portland.


http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/northwest/267453-tonkin-bellevue-lambo-team-up.html


The point about sales tax is a good one; did the $8,100 at FoS include sales tax? If not, you'd be close to $9K once added (and then back to ~$8K after the FCA discount).

 

The Jag Shop
5710 East Burnside
Portland, OR
503-731-9919

Surfwolf/Mike