#1 If you or your mech. was doing the 30k service and the valves and guides looked fine would you replace them anyway? #2 If only the guides were bad and the valves were good or vise versa would you still replace both or just the bad? The headers will be replaced no matter what..
For me, personally.... No. Not me. I'd keep some powder dry, for something else. Yes, I probably would... Once the heads are off and you're in deep, might as well go all the way.
I agree, don't replace them if they're not bad yet. Many early 355's do in fact run around on stock valve guides As for #2...do the valves also wear out? I've always heard of guides wearing, not the valves. Labor is a big chunk, but 40 valves aren't cheap either. Again if they're fine, keep 'em.
Just droped her off for the 30k service and fabspeed headers.. I should know in the next day or two about the valve guides.
+355 And if they are leaking I would replace all the guides and check that the valve stems are within spec, any good machine shop will do that anyway.
Don't do it unless you need to. My car was in for the 30k at Ferrari of Seattle, with 47k miles. I dodged the bullet, and compression/leakdown was fine. I did not have any top end work done.
1. No 2. Any change in compression, are the guides imporperly seated and does your car have connected rot bolt issues such as those found in 96-97 cars?
Not sure what you mean? Still a bit of a newbie. What are "rot bolts" or is this a misspelling? Also can you explain exactly what the issue is as I have a 96. Thanks! Steve
Yes misspelled Rod Bolts. http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?p=74762#post74762 http://www.the355.com/mambo/content/view/18/27/
Good news, No valve guides needed... All valves were nice and clean no wear or build up. Spark plugs looked brand new. Also caught a break on the headers. Passenger side had a small crack about 1in. long and 1/32 wide in the #2 tube, so the service was just in time...
Your second link makes no mention of rod bolt issues. Your first link does, but that does not necessarily make it fact. Other than that reference, I have never heard it mentioned before, ever.
The theories regarding engine woes is up for speculation. 1. mechanic-sales pitch "fix it before it breaks. 2. Heat due to headers 3. bad years 4. bronze versus etc... 5. connecting rod bolt 6. mileage 7. storage 8. operator error 9. machining error Perhaps an expert can chime in.
The experts may still peruse these threads but have long since given up wasting their input just to be flamed by many without real knowledge. A courteous call to them will get realworld input on these types of subjects if you are willing to listen.
Hmm flamming is no good we need the experts more than ever. During my next trip to Italy I will try my best to get two questions's answered. 1. Nburg time for Enzo 2. F355 engine analysis Two experts I have had the pleasure of meeting are Carlo Durante of Alfa of Tacoma and Richard from Competizionecars and provided me with insite on Fcars and lambos and Alfas.
Wow, I can't believe it's been over two weeks without my car... It would have been done a lot sooner but we had to wait for the headers to get coated. Now the headers are back and it should be back to me on Thur... I can't wait to hear her now, (also put Hyper-flows) on her with the Fab-speeds... I didn't have the $$$ for exhaust on top of that and the 30k, but that will come soon (I hope)...
If you are talking to Carlo, then you are getting solid information. The man has seen and had his hands on all of these issues and knows them well. He and I had a nice conversation last Saturday night. I am proud to call him a friend; he's a good man.
