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Super Timing Belt

Discussion in '348/355' started by pnicholasen, Mar 22, 2011.

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  1. pnicholasen

    pnicholasen Formula 3

    Jan 14, 2011
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    Paul Nicholasen
    #1 pnicholasen, Mar 22, 2011
    My question: as the timing belt seems to be an issue on 348's...frequent changes, distroyed engine if you don't, has anyone ever built a better belt that would last longer? Many years ago when I owned a Fiat X1/9 (hey, don't laugh, it was a great car) which was also a model known to have timing belt problems, someone came out with a racing timing belt that was just a little bit wider and, supposedly, stronger. I see using google there are companies that apparently make custom timing belts. Wondering if there are any engineers out there that could design and a have built a better belt. The current cost of the belt is so small compared to the labor of the change, I would think most owners would gladly pay more for a belt that could more closely approxamate a "normal" timing belt life.
     
  2. AceMaster

    AceMaster Three Time F1 World Champ

    Feb 6, 2009
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    #2 AceMaster, Mar 22, 2011
    Building a "better" belt will not solve the problem, or lengthen the interval between cambelt services, as there are other parts that need replacing (tensioner bearings, etc) that can cause a belt failure.

    What good is a "super belt" that lasts forever, if one of the bearings seize?
     
  3. pnicholasen

    pnicholasen Formula 3

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    #3 pnicholasen, Mar 22, 2011
    Yeah, I just figured in an age when they put ceramic bearings on bicycles, that if the weak points are the timing belt, bearings and water pump, there are enough 348's out there to make it worth someone's while to bring out an improved version of those parts. I realize there are seals to change too, but those fail, it's not quite the catastrophe of the other components.
     
  4. AceMaster

    AceMaster Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #4 AceMaster, Mar 22, 2011
    I understand your thinking....but as I mentioned there are too many other things that require attention, not just the belt (I didn't even mention the water pump in my original post). That's the nature of the beast with these models, therefore we must accept the 3, 4, or 5 year interval for engine outs or move on to a model newer than the 355 in order to avoid engine outs totally.

    I bought my 348 knowing full well the major service every few years - I accepted that fact, I will not regret it, no matter what it costs me because I decided BEFORE I made the purchase that I would be okay with the service on this model. ;)
     
  5. pnicholasen

    pnicholasen Formula 3

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    #5 pnicholasen, Apr 7, 2011
    It's not about the money. I bought a Ferrari for the engineering, most of which is quite impressive, but it's always a challange to improve the breed. I did find out there are improved tenioners by Hill Enginerring out of the UK. Checking their website, they've made quite a name for themselves doing numerous improvements for many models of exotic cars (anybody need a titanium wheel bolt, they've got 'em). Now if they could do a better timing belt and water pump for the 348..
     
  6. Saint Bastage

    Saint Bastage F1 Rookie

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    #6 Saint Bastage, Apr 7, 2011
    Last edited: Apr 7, 2011
    Its not the belt that is the issue as much as the support pieces. The tensioner bearings have been re-engineered by Hill and are vastly superior. Another potential issue is the Belt pulley fences (edges) that have come apart on some cars causing catastrophe. Also consider the other driven accesories. Get all those issues sorted out and the belt will last a long time.
     
  7. BT

    BT F1 World Champ
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    #7 BT, Apr 7, 2011
    Plus, what good would a Ferrari be if it became too easy to maintain? There is a strong contingent of owners that feel if the horsie isn't on the box, the part isn't worthy of their car. Strange logic in my opinion, but it exists.
    :)
    BT
     
  8. xtcgt

    xtcgt Karting

    Nov 20, 2009
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    Robert Boynton
    #8 xtcgt, Apr 8, 2011
    i understand his point. if you have upgraded to hill bearings then you shouldn't need bearingings every 3 years.

    since that is available he is looking for a belt and bearing. to me honestly, if you got the hill bearings you will easily be looking at the 5+ years for a service. remember ferrari recommends 3 yr intervals. but with upgraded parts you have many more years!

    In regards to the pullys, when i bought mine, i welded all the fences so not to come apart. Again another reason you can extend the life of the belt.

    If the water pump fails, it fails, its cheap but you have to pull the motor. at least no bent bent valves! but honestly, how many water pumps fail in 10 or 20 thousand miles. if you pull the motor ever 5+ years and rebuild the water pump youd be ok.

    all in all with all the innovation many of the contributors have given us the ferrari is much more dependable then when it left the manufacturor.

    thanks
    Robert
     

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