Does this mean the valve guide problem was corrected ?

Steve,

it looks like the valve guides were done only on that bank. Your PPI should inlude another leak down/compresion test to confirm consistent readings.

Mario

P.S. Do you mind telling either here or in confidence via private message how much the car is? I'm going to be putting mine on the market in a couple of weeks and I would like to know where other owners are. I have a 97 Carbon Black/tan spider with 18,000 miles, engine out service that is 4 months old, 2 new headers, new cats, new clutch throw out bearing and fly wheel, all covers, window sticker, tubi, spacers, 3M stone gaurd on wheel wells. new dash, no a/c cover bubbling, original leather with no dye work and every receipt since day one.

 

I am also considering a F355 and was also wondering how many miles before the valve guides and exhaust manifold must be replaced?
I read that these are the main problems with the F355. Does anyone else concur?
Larry

 

Steve,

I just saw your other post. I believe this is the red/tan e-bay car. I looks like the dash has shrinkage and the a/c panel is bubbled. Keep these in mind. also, the engine out 30K with timing belts and cam seals does not appear to have done...the belts they allude to does not specify this. The receipt for this service alone should be over $6,000 from a dealer. My service was over $6,800 and my receipt from Ferrari of San Francisco.

 

Was this valve guide and header problem only on the early model F355?? Is there a model year where this was no longer an issue?

 

Mario did you have your Valve Guides replaced? What are you going to get if you sell the 355?

 

I have a 97 that has had the valve guides replaced. It was a major job costing in the area of $15K. There seems to be some debate but the only sure year with the upgraded valve guides is 99. I'm told that most cars can go between 25 and 40K miles before needing the guides replaced. However, to be safe, plan to get it done sometime in the future if it hasn't been done. BTW: the 355 is an awesome car! I love mine. These cars are somewhat expensive to maintain but consider it the "price of admission!" You need to pay to play but the return is worth the price.

P.S. Mario: Your selling? How can that be? What's next a 360?

 

Thank you for the reply. If the vehicle has not had them done, is it pretty much a standard $15,000 you should figure in, or is that cost only after they fail and you have to rebuild?

 

This is correct. The valve guide problem only affected '95s, and anly those cars that were not broken in properly.

 

Pretty sure the issue ran all the way up to late 98. Figure in $10-15K for a rebuild sometime as the mileage gets into the 40K's. Not always the case but better to be prepared than caught off guard.