how much to rebuild '83 308-GTS QV engine

While I would generally never take any car I own to a dealer for any kind of major work, I wouldnt generally take them to any other shop either. I do my own work, or as much as I am able. However, every car maker has to have a dealership network to sell their cars, and they have to have a repair facility to service and maintain the cars they sell, as well as provide warrantee work. That is simply a fact of life. Many of you keep hounding the Ferrari dealerships, and I think its a little unfair, as none of us would even have a Ferrari to whine about were it not for a dealership network.

Additionally, they do have thier place even for those who do the majority of thier own work. There are techs right here in this thread that work at dealerships and/or were factory trained. They are offering free knowledge continually. The dealership can offer other technical advice when any of us are stumped. And if you need any part, they are just as likely to have it as anyone, albeit at a higher cost. I would imagine that if I brought my 97 Ford Expedition into the dealer and inquired about a total engine overhaul, it could easily top $6000, and $8000 would not surprise me. So $15K at a Ferrari dealership to overhaul a 308, in some ways could almost be considered a bargain. Constantly complaining about Ferrari is like biting the hand that feeds you.

 

If you like the place, may I suggest....
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/payments.php

 

Well said Paul!! We all fuss and ***** about FNA dealers, but in the end, I have found mine (Ferrari of Seattle) to be great to deal with, and very fair in their labor and parts prices (bought my car there too). My only gripe is I wish they would keep a few more 355 parts in stock, as I always need something right away, and Daniel can have it to me next day air from Ricambi America.

 

Rich: Glad to hear that you were able to finally get your 308 sorted, and that it wasn't as serious as you were originally informed. Hope your back on the road soon...

BTW, soon after purchasing the car, my previous '85 308QV's engine was making a sort of "lead ball rattling in a lead can" noise upon startup, yet the noise would gradually diminish and go away as the engine warmed up (usually within a couple minutes or so). Had an independent Italian repair shop do a major, and the culprits were a bad outer bearing and water pump going south. After the 30k-mile major service including rebuilt water pump, new window motors installed, retrofitted AC compressor, etc., the car ran like a champ with no mysterious noises.