New to ferrari, I have a couple of questions

Did your car come with a complete set of service records? If so, it is in your best interest to find out when the last cam belt service was performed. If they did it in '03, you should probably think about getting it done.

 

Yes it is hard to put into gear until the car is at normal running temp. If your only going to put 1500 miles a year on the car I wouldn't wait till 30,000 for the service, your past the 5 year point so if it was me I would do the 30k service now, or as soon as possible.

Just my .02 cents.

P.S. congrats on the new car...

 

Congrats on the new toy!!! Please post some photos for us.

As far as servicing goes, I would also recommend you check the history you have with the car and have the 30k service done every3-5 years (that in it's self is a huge debate, but most people subscribe somewhere between 3 and 5 years, regardless of miles covered.) If you do not have records showing the engine out was done in the last 5 years then I would have it done now, money very well spent.

Most of all, enjoy your new toy, there great cars!!

 

Congrats on your new toy! Also fill out your profile
Always warm up your car and don't rev it past 4000rpm until operating temperatures are reached for engine and oil.

 

First of all .... congratulations on your purchase, waiting to see the pics of the car now !
I absolutely agree with Ingenere ( by the way, he knows what he is talking about ) and Reg/James that your new car is past due for an engine out service. Ferrari advices every 3 years or 30Kmiles, whichever comes first. The generic feeling in the brotherhood is that 3 years is an overkill, 5 is what the majority of us does ... unless you are planning to track the car. Anyway, you want to do that as soon as possible, if the cam belt slips, for any reasons, you would be looking in to a major disaster ..... and a lots of money. As far as the stiff shifter, I know 348's are notorious for that when cold, but in general Ferrari's are kind like that after starts. When warm, they shift like butter.

 

Engine our service is something that you should count on for piece of mind.

Pics please.....

 

Don't worry about asking noob question we like to answer them all, pics would be nice

 

Congrats on the new toy.

I have the same problem so I jump to 3rd till the temp is up and then it will like butter.

Have fun
P.

 

Congrats on the acquisition of a gorgeous Ferrari!

Like others have said here, it is very important to get a hold of the service history to find out when the last major was performed. By the sounds of it, that would have been back in 2004 when you mentioned that the 15K was done along with the clutch, but you will need to confirm that.

 

Franc, based on your location I would suggest Algar Ferrari in Rosemont, PA. I have not used them, but good write up about them on the board. OR even better I would recommend Competizione in Germantown MD for service. They will work with you to flat bed the car down if necessary. Est for an engine out is 6-7K+ depending on any additional work needed, valve guides, headers etc.

Congrats on the purchase, enjoy.

 

http://www.competizioneracing.com/ 301.977.9484

I don't have an fcar anymore so I haven't looked for any service areas since I moved to Central PA. Algar has a good rep and has been around forever. It is an easy ride down the turnpike... just take the Valley Forge exit and head on down the blue route (476). They are a few miles off the Radnor exit heading towards Villanova.

 

congratulations on your new purchase! As others have said, it is my understanding the recommend cam belt swap is 3 years/ 30k miles whichever comes first.