Greetings all, This is my first post here because i wanted to read up on the 355 before purchasing one. I have been working on cars for 15+ years, im an engineer, and i think i can do most everything with the right tools. Since im not a millionaire, but do make a decent salary. i dont plan on taking it to a dealer. i want to do ALL the maintenance/repairs myself. Im reading these posts about major service being in the $15k ballpark and i just laugh. There is NO way i would pay that much for someone to change my timing belt, replace a couple gaskets, and pull my engine out. Im thinking, is there some type of catch??? is there something im missing besides just having the right tools, time, replacement parts, place to work on it, and the manual??? im pretty resourceful with parts and think anything i encounter i can find a way to fix it the right way without running to the dealer with my tail between my legs wanting an official ferrari part and paying $5k for an alternator. thanks for the input. Tom.
anyone in the Houston, TX area where i can just hang out in your garage while you do some maintenance so i can get an idea of what is involved?
Just bought a 15k service kit for an engine I bought for $800.00. I have a lift already so I think I can do it for about $1200.00 including oil and antifreeze and maybe a few incidentals. This is my first so someone should correct me if I'm wrong.
not much too it, it's just like any other car. the big money comes in when you have to replace the valve guides, because that means completely removing and disassembling the cylinder heads. otherwise, the hardest part is probably setting the timing to be exact. i think you can handle it.
I purchased the 355 major kit from Ricambi at a great price. Was planning on doing it myself as i have a lift and tools to do the job. When I brought it up with my mechanic they made me a offer i couldn't refuse. I supply the parts and $2600.00 labor with a reseal of the tranny in a couple of spots. Also the cost of fluids.. I couldn't do for that cheap for my time and piece of mind its done right. Also if I mess up it's on me. They mess up something there buying.. Shop around and you'll find it's not to bad.
There are plenty of guys here who have done there own major service, and even more here take care of the small stuff. If you have the skills then you will have no trouble. Good luck in your search for the right car.
I too am new to owning a Ferrari. My local dealer is telling me that a 3 year service should include dropping the engine, replacing the timing belt, fluids, filters, tensioners, seals, etc. They are quoting $8500.00 to do the job. This sounds high to me. What have others seen as a reasonable range and exactly what should be done when the engine is out?
3-5 yrs..your choice.. Your list was about everything thats done in a major. I would also ask for valve timing. You should be able find it less expensive at a indie. i did..
What year and model? Judging from that quote, I would guess a 355....you may find it slightly less of you shop around, but that quote is inline with reputable shops. A 348 may be $1000-$2000 less than that I believe. Some 355 experts here will soon chime in on extra's that are not included in the major service on 355 such as valve guides, headers, and cats.
It all depends how BAD you want it. If you want a fast car there's some other marques that will be less painful, both in time and money. For me, FERRARI was always my dream car so it's ALL worth it I did my engine out, there's a long thread in this section with many of the details. Parts are pricey but there's some lower cost aftermarket solutions. If you can do the labor yourself you'll save a ton and have a great ownership experience (I love wrenching on my Ferrari!)
I feel like Thomas, the prices most shops are charging are ridiculous . There is no reason why you couldn't do it yourself. These cars are not overly complicated. GO FOR IT Thomas, there are many threads showing you step by step. Even ones on 348s are the same. Only the timing is hard as I was told by " UConn"
here is the PPI it is from Boston Sportscar Co. The frame damage is the ONLY scary thing. Still max of $15k with straighten the frame(from reputable shop) if it can be. 1) Lug bolts missing for all four wheels. Vehicle should not be driven. 2) Compression Test: cyl. 1 = 200 , cyl 2 = 200, cyl. 3 = 200, cyl. 4 = 200, cyl. 5 = 205, cyl. 6 = 220, cyl. 7 = 205, cyl. 8 = 200. 3) Convertible top: Do not operate, top is binding up and will bend or break components if operated. 4) Steering rack needs to be replaced. Left boot is torn and inner ball joint has excessive play. 5) Parking brake shoes are worn down completely, no pad is left. 6) Body structure is damaged and pushed in underneath radiators on both sides. 7) Right inner driveshaft / cv joint boot is completely gone. Left boot is heat deformed and will crack open shortly. 8) Both exhaust headers have been repaired marginally. Left side header is completely cracked and melted through again. Aftermarket catalytic converters have been installed. Both Image Unavailable, Please Login
Plenty of guys have done the engine out majors. It's still a car. Somethings are in different locations than on other makes, but it's still just a engine. Lefty loosey righty tighty. Run a search of the archives and you'll find some of the threads others have posted of the work they have done. If you have the tools and the gumption, have at it. Nothing to be afraid of.
Thanks for all the info guys. the parts being expensive really isnt that big of a deal. I drive a Porsche 951 daily and have owned cars where the parts have been big money. I am the type that i need to work on the car to feel like i am bonding with it. Then i know exactly what was done and how it was done. The comments have eased the fear of owning the 355. Buying it really isnt that big of a problem money wise, but the maintenance scared the piss out of me. I think with time and special tools and patience i could do all of it myself. What about the mileage? I plan on driving it almost daily and want to rack it up past 100K!! any thoughts on the internal engine capabilities?
Yup, especially after having done the job. Before I did my major I was nervous big time. I hadn't ever taken on anything that size before. Sure I had changed oil, and replaced an alternator or water pump, but nothing of that size. Now after having done the engine out major, among the many other things on my 348, I can say it is nothing to be afraid of. Especially since he has worked on other cars before and is an engineer.
At only 27, i have owned and worked on probably 40 cars throughout 15 years. And of those 40, about 10 different makes and 20 different models, so ive seen my share of vehicle manufacturers differences and how they design. Reverse engineering is the way to learn. i do agree that the cars are getting old so many other items are wearing out and getting dry-rotted (bushings, hoses, etc). im up to those tasks, its mostly getting the source for hard parts (shocks, engine parts, bushings, hoses, clutches, etc). with some prices i have seen for some of these parts, i would be better off learning how to machine and just make the parts from scratch! with patience and focus i think any repair will be more than possible. Its not buying the car that im worried about, its maintaining it and paying for the damn insurance. thanks for all the comments/advice.
Awesome. I am in that same boat. I would love to put over 100,000 miles on a Ferrari, I just am not sure if it would hold together without a full rebuild.
