Question for 355 fanatics

At what point did Ferrari "fix" the valve guide issue? By that I mean what year? '97? '98? 99?

I believe the headers were weak throughout the whole production run, right?

 

Uggghhh

 

They fixed it in late 1999 with the 360.....

 

Duane---Honestly--This is the best answer!! Most cars, not all by mid 1998 were fitted with the steel ones, BUT there have been many late 1999 cars found with the bronze guides....

 

Duane

you can have them done for 1200 - 1500 when you have a major belt service done.

 

???!!!! I see majors/rebuilds done for $15K + due to new guides/headers. Headers I think I could live with but valves seems like it could get expensive. It is a shame really because the 355 looks so much better than 360/430......

 

+1, don't sweat it so much. Fix them during a major and you're set. There was just a 348 thread showing $26k in the first year of ownership (granted with many upgrades and improvements)...valve guides aren't that big of a deal.

 

+1

 

Indeed.

I had the ones in my 1998 done after the problem was detected. Did the major along with refreshing the valves and guides, and have spent the last 5,000 miles squeezing all the horsepower out of it. No regrets.

Alternately, find one that already has documentation of this work already done ...

 

Duane

what Im saying is that all fcars need majors at some point.
When you do the major have the valves/valve guides done also........its only another 1.5k ish to the standard bill

 

There is a magic build number - I forgot what it is but something like 27670 - when they changed to steel valve guides late in the '98 year. Anyone remember the correct number?

 

#27689---Is the supposed number, but that is BS....

 

Not that I'm shopping, I was just wondering. There was a beautiful black/tan 355 that apparantly had the valve issue and the owner was quoted like $20K for the work. Long story short, the car was sold without the repair and now it's for sale again. It seems a major should be no more than $9-10K for a 355, his quote was far more than that so I am curious as to why it would be so much more. Does this permanently resolve the issue or is that not known yet?

Agreed all cars need rebuilds at some point but it is a shame this one is so fragile.

 

Ferraris are not for everyone. If this is a big worry for a potential owner, then they should buy a Honda.

 

How does that number equate to the last five numbers in the serial number?

Where does one find the build number?

 

Search is your friend...
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=154216&highlight=build+number

 

True, but Duane has a 328. I can see where the questions come from. Lots of cars for sale quote "$15k on recent engine service", or more. Here people say they can be done for an additional $1.5k. So the story is, while you have the engine out for the timing belt service, it is not an expensive item to get done. The headers are best replaced by aftermarket units for a total of around $4-5k for both sides, although I recently saw some nice looking ones for around $3k for the set.
Duane also has an Acura (which is mildly better than a Honda).

BT

 

True, the big maintenance cost in a 328 is replacing the air freshener. (Which can be done during a major if you want to save money.)

 

Yes, Duane was telling me of the $20 repair that prevented him from bringing his 328 to our party this past weekend. Although the repair is cheap, sometimes it is just as frustrating.
BT

 

once the cam covers are off how can i identify bronze guides? simply by color? I have no issues with my 1996 and have close to 18000 miles. thanks!

 

Yeah the tow was triple the repair cost......

I only asked the question because I would be interested in a 355 if the expections of owning one were reasonable. They are beautiful and nothing sounds alike. Even with an engine-out major, hard to justify the cost.

Nobody answered my question regarding if the "fixes" are permanent. I'd like to believe they are for that kind of jingle.

 

+1, no kiddidng, if you want to PLAY with Ferraris you have to PAY. Not to many automobiles can give you the satisfaction that ferrari ownership does. There is a huge price to pay for being in this game.

If you are worried about 355 valve guide problems, cracked headers, C-pillar cracks, cat replacements, F1 pump, etc., etc., stay away from a 355 and buy a Honda 2000, you'll have lots of fun, worry alot less, your significant other will love you for it, and have plenty of cash left over.

 

+111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

what he said

 

No correlation between the two numbers...

 

I think you may be a good candidate for the car I have on order. When it gets here and gets running, you will have to try it out. I expect it will be more performance than I can handle.
And cheap parts to boot!

BT