My definition of a good head job? | FerrariChat

My definition of a good head job?

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by Ricambi America, Feb 9, 2010.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. Ricambi America

    Ricambi America F1 World Champ
    Sponsor Owner

    Well, let's just say it starts with the newest tool introduction from Hill Engineering !

    Oh yeah baby! The 95971393 (4v (308QV, 328, 348) head tool is finally in my hands and available for immediate shipment. No more crappy 'factory' tools. No more wondering about which sub-sub-sub manufactuer is making it. From the skunk-works in Lewisham (London) to the tobacco fields of North Carolina, we got 'em.

    Image Unavailable, Please Login

    My photography isn't great (the camera messes with the white balance too much). These tools are probably twice the weight of the cheap OEM version. Worthy of any shop's tool bin, but priced right for the serious home mechanic too.

    http://www.ricambiamerica.com/product_info.php?products_id=343581


    .
     
  2. Dr Tommy Cosgrove

    Dr Tommy Cosgrove Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 4, 2001
    36,599
    Birmingham, AL
    Full Name:
    Tommy
    Your thread title sounds like it needs to be in an adult only section
     
  3. AceMaster

    AceMaster Three Time F1 World Champ

    Feb 6, 2009
    34,789
    Ontario, Canada
    Full Name:
    Mike
    LOL!! Maybe he purposely gave it that title to attract readers, because I must admit that was the reason I read it :D
     
  4. Ricambi America

    Ricambi America F1 World Champ
    Sponsor Owner

    Nobody ever accused me of being subtle.
     
  5. ActionFigure

    ActionFigure Formula Junior

    Sep 2, 2005
    440
    Cary NC
    Full Name:
    Matt
    Ooooh.... nice tool! :)
     
  6. Steve King

    Steve King F1 Rookie

    Feb 15, 2001
    4,367
    NY
    He got me too . I don't like to comment on other people's tools. lol
     
  7. 2000YELLOW360

    2000YELLOW360 F1 World Champ

    Jun 5, 2001
    19,800
    Full Name:
    Art
    When I saw it in the Technical section I knew. If he wanted to screw with us, he could have put it in the general section, and just about everybody would have fallen for it.

    Art
     
  8. enginefxr

    enginefxr Formula 3

    Aug 20, 2007
    1,753
    S&R Exotics
    Full Name:
    Gary Sharpe
    I thought there might be a pic of a hot chick with no teeth and a flat head (so you have a place to rest a beer).
     
  9. Mitch Alsup

    Mitch Alsup F1 Veteran

    Nov 4, 2003
    9,742
    OK, I accuse you of being subtle. {My definition of subtle, but subtle nonetheless.}
     
  10. First Ferrari

    First Ferrari Formula Junior

    Jun 18, 2005
    523
    Mahtomedi,MN
    Full Name:
    Christopher Reeves
    Nice price on that, I was expecting it to be much higher.
     
  11. frefan

    frefan F1 Veteran

    Apr 21, 2004
    7,370
    Nothing like a tight seal
     
  12. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 10, 2005
    100,232
    Mount Isa, Australia
    Full Name:
    Pap
    Nice tool! :eek::eek:
     
  13. FF8929

    FF8929 Formula Junior

    Apr 12, 2008
    799
    Livonia, Michigan
    Full Name:
    Fred Flynn

    Looks like it will still need grinding, or is that just understood?
     
  14. vincenzo

    vincenzo F1 Rookie

    Nov 2, 2003
    3,373
    What about the TR?
    Rgds,
    Vinenzo
     
  15. hotrod406

    hotrod406 Formula Junior

    Sep 18, 2007
    540
    Grand rapids area,MI
    Full Name:
    Tim
    Forgive me here but $95 for half a wrench welded to an extension seems like a screw job.

    Daniel: Couldn't you farm little projects like this out to local machine shops for way cheaper?
     
  16. Ricambi America

    Ricambi America F1 World Champ
    Sponsor Owner

    While I appreciate and understand your post, I have found that with Hill Engineering there is never a compromise of design or quality. Indeed, we could probably find a local shop to build these ---- but, for me, it is much much safer to send an old part to Paul Hill and say "Make this better." No questions. No fuss. A few months later, Hill sends me the specs on the rebuilt item vs. the specs on the original item (destruction testing, material composition, specific design improvements, etc).

    I'm not an engineer. So, for me simply to farm out the product to a local shop who may, or may not, know the intricacies of how these bits are used on Ferraris wouldn't be prudent. Paul is close to several highly respected UK Ferrari workshops who provide feedback, beta-testing, etc.

    Many of the Hill tools, I often loan to the DIY crowd while they're working on their cars, and they just send 'em back when they're done. Ring nut tools, clutch alignment tools, cam drilling tools, etc. I realize these tools are priced for professional/shop use, and many DIY guys chose an alternate path. Now, if a shop calls and asks to borrow a tool, I'm not playing that game. But if you're in your own garage getting dripped on by hot oil and your wife is nagging you to get the car rolling, then indeed I'm happy to loan a tool.
     
  17. Futureman

    Futureman Formula 3

    May 16, 2007
    2,024
    That's a very nice attitude to have, Daniel. As a DIYer I can appreciate that. I'm not much on borrowing tools, so I'd be more inclined to buy than borrow. Nor am I likely to lend tools either, except to extremely close friends on whom I may have incriminating evidence to hold over them until return of said tool. :D
     
  18. Red Head Seeker

    Red Head Seeker Formula 3
    BANNED

    Apr 27, 2009
    2,443
    San Francisco Area
    Full Name:
    Mark
    I APPLAUD!!!, that kind of customer service and involvement, a very rare commodity in today's business attitude.....Mark......and "NO", I'm not his "brother-in-law!.
     
  19. Paul V

    Paul V Formula Junior

    Jan 25, 2005
    324
    Shropshire (UK)
    Full Name:
    Paul
    What is wrong with the Ferrari tool ? why i ask is i brought a new one and it did the job just fine.

    Is there a weakness in the genuine tool?
     
  20. hotrod406

    hotrod406 Formula Junior

    Sep 18, 2007
    540
    Grand rapids area,MI
    Full Name:
    Tim
    I've seen what you do for your customers and I'm extremely impressed to say the least. You're probably right that a locally produced product without the Hill Engineering name would probably not sell well and would not be worth risking your reputation on.
     
  21. Ricambi America

    Ricambi America F1 World Champ
    Sponsor Owner

    #21 Ricambi America, Feb 10, 2010
    Last edited: Feb 10, 2010
    We have had several shops report the tool breaking after about 3 head jobs. Whether they're using it wrong, or the tool actually sucks, I'm not sure. I think for a single head job, indeed the original would be fine.

    More importantly, we have never had a good reliable supply of the factory tools. Sometimes they're available and sometimes they're not. We tried to keep 4x on the shelf at all times, but it was never sufficient to cover slow/uncertain delivery lead-times.
     
  22. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 10, 2005
    100,232
    Mount Isa, Australia
    Full Name:
    Pap
    The price you have to pay quality goods! :D:D

    Everything HILL makes is top notch and I reckon this $95 tool will last you many headjobs in the future! :eek::eek:
     
  23. Easyrider7467

    Easyrider7467 Formula Junior

    Nov 3, 2005
    980
    Northen N.J.
    Full Name:
    John
    #23 Easyrider7467, Feb 10, 2010
    Last edited: Feb 10, 2010
    I always seem to wonder this too.....then,

    I wonder just how often we're to be made fools of.....

    (everytime we pay for items like this)

    It is, what it is.
     
  24. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 29, 2001
    18,055
    USA
    I have never been disappointed with the quality of what Hill Engineering puts out...especially when you compare their part to the Ferrari oem one. And some stuff, Ferrari doesn't even offer, like the oil filter wrench. Yeah, I could have continued to struggle with using a strap wrench, but the Hill filter wrench makes easy work of the job, and I can even use a torque wrench if I want. ;)
     
  25. resnow

    resnow Formula Junior

    May 21, 2001
    653
    North Carolina
    Full Name:
    Bob Snow
    I bought the Baum tool and it did not survive the task. I had to make one myself to do the job. Wish I had known about the Hill Engrg tool. I also used the Hill Engrg cam belt drive sprocket after a failed homemade attempt. This Hill Engrg tool is THE BEST.

     

Share This Page