Just got my CS.Yay The car was kept in storage with minimal use for some years. Its a mint car, no track use, 14.000km ( 8750miles), all original paint, fully serviced just before storage. I want to get it ready for use again, and even though I will likely use it modestly, I want it absolutely 100% right. Clutch and brakes are at around 90% left, pads are around 9.5mm f/r. Front lower ball joints are new. I got a great local Ferrari tech. but want to make sure I have complete list of items that need attention/inspection. Items planned so far;: All belts Tensioners All fluids All filters New battery New tires Alignment Check for sticking calipers Check engine/trans mounts Anything I should consider adding to the list? Image Unavailable, Please Login
If drivable, use it for awhile and run a Launch code reader or your tech could do that. That should give you some ideas of what else it may need. I'd check the fuel pumps for leaks. How long in storage? Empty fuel tanks and get some fresh fuel going and maybe run a few bottles of Techron or something similar, AC will need a vacuum and charge.
Also worth inspecting all the ball joints for play. Rubber Bushes can degrade over time, depends on how long we are talking about but all the bushes in the suspension start to decay after a few years with age not even usage so they sag. Check for sagging and if necessary replace them in both dampers and wishbones (called flanblocks), they are expensive but if they are worn the handling will suffer. Just as a frame of reference the 360 Challenge race car teams changed theirs every season... Might not be needed but well worth checking them as well as engine mounts and gearbox mount. Any sagging should be easy to see...
Dam those side lexan is gorgeous. I would just look over everything. Remember these cars are getting 20 years old. Miles or not things get bad just sitting.
Fluids, belts, tires like you said. I can't imagine anything else needs any work, nobody has even driven it.
Its very drivable It had a basic check already, and does not need anything apparent, other than std service items. Even AC is ice cold. I am not sure it is that unusual for these cars, but it had minimal use for the last 4years. I am just creating a list of the “usual suspects”, so we can check and correct as much possible before putting it on the road.
Depending on how long it’s been sitting,pump out the old gas and put fresh premium in. Use the old gas in your lawnmower. Sent from my iPad using FerrariChat.com mobile app
Sure, good question. Unfortunately to inspect it is basically the same procedure as replacing it. If there are signs of it failing (transmission gear lube found milky) then its too late and the clean up is much more difficult. It has become a replacement item since the cars have aged. Fortunately replacement of the exchanger once in the cars lifecycle should be sufficient. Simple enough. Just plan on it next time you undergo a major, and enjoy your wonderful car.
Don't over think this. It sat for four years with occasional firing up. That is not as bad as sitting for 10 years rotting away. Have it service with changing all fluids, all timing belts, make sure the brakes work well, and drive the thing. Be prepared to spend for a clutch if that is a problem. Even in the best of cases, the Challenge Stradale has lots of maintenance issues when it is well kept. Clutch, F1 motor, F1 accumulator, CV boots, door actuator, door cable, engine lid CF trims, headers, Cat converters, and the above mentioned heat exchanger.
What basis is your position that "the Challenge Stradale has lots of maintenance issues when it is well kept" Not sure that is well-founded. I've had mine for 10 years with 33,000 miles and have 3 other friends with Stradales with various mileage. I don't think any of us would say we've had lots of maintenance issues. In fact, mine is still on the original clutch. I would dare say the car is pretty darn reliable. For the OP, I would say do all the fluids, belts and have the car gone through by a reputable shop that knows a CS (they are different). Drive it, enjoy it and let us know how the car progresses.
I agree. Mine has 10k miles and has been very trouble free. I’m sure with age things will need replacing, but to imply the CS is any more trouble prone than a 360, 430, etc. isn’t true. How you engage the clutch has everything to do with longevity. Here’s a my original clutch from yesterday. Tons of life left. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
