Straight from the horses mouth. | FerrariChat
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Straight from the horses mouth.

Discussion in '348/355' started by SGM, Nov 18, 2007.

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  1. SGM

    SGM F1 Rookie
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    Sep 27, 2006
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    #1 SGM, Nov 18, 2007
    Since there is alot of discussion about my car I will set the record straight. I had a 348 that I traded for a Gallardo. After having the G for about 7 months I decided to sell that for a 2001 Diablo 6.0. Well after selling the car and looking for a Diablo I decided to get a Hummer and the 355. When I first started looking at Ferrari's 2 years ago I loved the 355 and wanted one. Some of you might remember the story about me and VitaminJ and the history of his car. Well that scared me about 355's and after driving and looking at cars I decided to get the 348 instead. Well anyway after getting this 355 which I thought I always wanted, I have decided to get the Diablo after all. The story with the 355 is I bought it from Ooley & Blackburn with the stipulation of my guys doing the PPI. The car was shipped to me and taken to Compitizione in MD for them to do the PPI. They discovered that the car DID have bronze valve guides, the leakdown test was not very good so they were replaced. A couple of other small problems were also corrected all taken care of by Compitizione with Ooley & Blackburn stepping up and paying the bill. Steve Ooley offered to buy the car back from me and do the work but I decided to keep it and have it done here. Ooley & Blackburn were amazing to deal with and that they wanted this car perfect reguardless who owned it. This is the 3rd 99 that Compitizione has replaced bronze valve guides in. Ooley & Blackburn had an engine out major done early this year but didnt do a leakdown test. So while the engine was out to fix the valve guides Compitizione went back over the car to double check that the major was done correctly. There are no stories with this car and 285Ferrari as well as a few others on here know first hand about this and can vouch for the work that has been done. If you ask my girlfriend she will tell you that I'm an idiot for getting this car instead of waiting and getting the Diablo that I really want. And yes I'm telling you guys more than you need to know about me and my car's but before this thread gets out of hand you now know the story. I started a new thread so I wouldnt be hijacking someone else's.
     
  2. gothspeed

    gothspeed F1 World Champ

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    #2 gothspeed, Nov 18, 2007
    How about some pictures :D!!!
     
  3. UConn Husky

    UConn Husky F1 Rookie

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    #3 UConn Husky, Nov 18, 2007
    Interesting. I know 285 had talked about a local shop replacing bronze guides in '99's. Maybe that was just an 'upgrade' to the Fioranos! :D That is strange as many other techs have said they have never replaced guides in 'newer' 355's (late '98-99).

    Is it possible to see the guides at all if the valve cover is off? (sorry for the hijack) If so I'll take a peek at mine this winter when the engine comes out for the major.

    Steve - sounds like a great car, especially with the work into it now. Good luck on the sale -
     
  4. SGM

    SGM F1 Rookie
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    #4 SGM, Nov 18, 2007
    The shop that 285 is referring to is the same as the one that I used. I have a bunch of pics and will see if there are any of the bronze guides. I dont know if you can see them with the valve covers off.
     
  5. 285ferrari

    285ferrari Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #5 285ferrari, Nov 18, 2007
    The heads have to come off to be seen...
     
  6. gothspeed

    gothspeed F1 World Champ

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    #6 gothspeed, Nov 18, 2007
    Can they be seen through the valve springs?
     
  7. 285ferrari

    285ferrari Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #7 285ferrari, Nov 18, 2007
    I wouldn't think so
     
  8. 355dreamer

    355dreamer F1 World Champ
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    #8 355dreamer, Nov 18, 2007
    Steve,
    Sorry we are loosing a 355 in the area. I hope that you find an awesome Diablo!

    To everyone else...
    If you are looking for 355 convert, this car is it! I hve seen it in person and it is beautiful! The pipes and the Capristo sound incredible... This car has had everything addressed that the 355 haters love to point out. NO ISSUES HERE :) Also, all the work was done at one of the best Ferrari shops in the country.
    Finally, I hope that this will finally put an end to all those who say, "get a 98 or a 99... they have steel valve guides" I have said all along, that ALL 355s CAN have valve guide issues. It's just a matter of finding one that doesn't exhibit any signs of wear or that has already had them replaced. Your best bet, get a 95! :D
     
  9. bcwawright

    bcwawright F1 Veteran

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    #9 bcwawright, Nov 18, 2007
    If you pull the headers you can look into the exhaust ports.....with a flash light or a scope like Dave has you can see the exh. guide tip.
     
  10. UConn Husky

    UConn Husky F1 Rookie

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    #10 UConn Husky, Nov 18, 2007
    That's what I was wondering, might be able to see the top of a guide through the spring...
     
  11. SGM

    SGM F1 Rookie
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    #11 SGM, Nov 18, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  12. bst1

    bst1 Formula 3
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    #12 bst1, Nov 18, 2007

    I agree that this car is terrific! A great buy for the next owner. Sorry to lose a 355 to drive with, but I will happily drive with the Diablo! Good luck Steve.
    Barry
     
  13. toggie

    toggie F1 World Champ
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    #13 toggie, Nov 18, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Steve, you've always craved for those scissor doors on the Diablo. Can't blame you.
    They are quite exotic looking, aren't they?

    Your current 355 is a great car. Hopefully it will be bought by someone in the region so we can continue to see it at events.

    Here is a pic of a nice Diablo if you want to keep the black/black color theme going.
    Good luck & I can't wait to see the Diablo when you get it.
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  14. gothspeed

    gothspeed F1 World Champ

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    #14 gothspeed, Nov 18, 2007
    That diablo would look great with my 'GOTHSPD' license plate..... :D :D :D :D !!!!
     
  15. SGM

    SGM F1 Rookie
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    #15 SGM, Nov 18, 2007
    Go for it Oz!!!
     
  16. bcwawright

    bcwawright F1 Veteran

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    #16 bcwawright, Nov 18, 2007

    Well, atleast the cops would know who stole it.....lol
     
  17. gothspeed

    gothspeed F1 World Champ

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    #17 gothspeed, Nov 18, 2007
    ...... where is it :)???

    ...is it that good of a deal??? ;)
     
  18. CavalloRosso

    CavalloRosso Formula 3

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    #18 CavalloRosso, Nov 18, 2007
    Beautiful 355 Steve. Absolutely awesome.
    By the way, one picture shows it with the clear (European) turn signals and another with the orange (NA) turn signals. Which ones on there now?
     
  19. SGM

    SGM F1 Rookie
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    #19 SGM, Nov 19, 2007
    They currently have the Euro lights.
     
  20. carlosgdias

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    #20 carlosgdias, Nov 19, 2007
    Congratulations Steve & good luck on your new car!

    Can you tell the reason why you sold the Gallardo?
    I am a proud 348 owner, but i am considering the possible trade/ purchase of a Gallardo... What were your impressions on that car? (I have never driven one).

    Thanks in advance!

    Cheers
     
  21. Dean355

    Dean355 Formula 3

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    #21 Dean355, Nov 19, 2007
    I had the exact same question Carlos posted above. Why did you sell the Gallardo only a few months later? Did it have issues? Did you not like it for a specific reason? As well, do you know what kind of issues the Diablo is known to have in general (if any, especially the earlier ones (1994))?

    Thanks,
    Dean
     
  22. SGM

    SGM F1 Rookie
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    #22 SGM, Nov 19, 2007
    I got rid of the G to get a Diablo. I had no problems with the G but if you do get one get an 06 or later. My only regret is not tracking the car before I got rid of it. The performance on back roads was amazing. As for the Diablo I am looking to get an early model 91-94. From what I understand the big issue is the clutch. Its an engine out service to replace and you better know how to drive one. If you dont ride it or leave the clutch halfway out while on a hill and things like this you should be ok. Another issue with the early years is the brakes arent the greatest but who needs brakes. Now I believe that the AWD didnt start until 95 so all previous cars are just RWD, which is what I want. They are chain driven so there are no belts to worry about. And like every other exotic if it has a clean history and all of the services are up to date they are great cars. With the AWD Diablo's, Gallardo's and Murcie's if you get aftermarket wheels you have to becareful that they are the correct size or you will screw up the viscous coupling. The early Diablo's also dont have power steering or the front lift system. While these are nice to have its also something expensive to fix. I also think that the Diablo is the best looking Lamborghini produced and thats why I want one.
     
  23. gothspeed

    gothspeed F1 World Champ

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    #23 gothspeed, Nov 19, 2007
    I thought you were dead set on an Escalade w/chrome 24" spinners... :confused:?
     
  24. Devilsolsi

    Devilsolsi F1 Veteran
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    #24 Devilsolsi, Nov 19, 2007
    Have you thought about a later SV as they are also RWD?
     
  25. James in Denver

    James in Denver Formula 3

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    #25 James in Denver, Nov 19, 2007
    I'm usually in the 308 section, with my little QV so I dont know what was discussed.... BUT....

    I have to say that
    1) That is one BEAUTIFUL car that appears to have all the issues taken care of, and
    2) Its a freaking SIX SPEED Fiorano!!!!! Pretty dang rare (16 of them???)......

    Someone better snap this car up..... quick......

    Would you take a 308 QV for an equal swap --- evil grin ---

    James in Denver
     
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