My engine valve bearings are perfect
Thanks Dave, My car is assembly number 29956, The VIN is ZFFXR42A7W0112841. I guess I have the later guides unless I don't. Just keeping it real. Cheers, Marc
So there should be a sticky at the top of this section that says 355 valve guides no one knows, don't ask save your brain cells ... If you ask you will be flamed on
Discussion this topic is exhausting - I need a drink and I started a diet where I can't drink for 2 weeks - I don't know if I will make it If you are looking to buy a 355, it's a valid concern. But, the issue is totally blow out of proportion. You never hear anyone address the failure mode of "bad guides" If you are not racing the car, do you think a small loss of compression or a small amount of oil burn will be an issue? Man, I'm tired
That's funny I think emphasis on the think that if you use johns post as a guideline you would probably be correct more times than not.
I think so also. My car has. no records that it has been done but it runs strong doesn't use oil heading to 41k hope I get 125k maybe I'm lucky
Thanks, this was a very insightful post. I must say I love driving my Ferrari's and I own a 95 456GT, 01 550 Maranello and an 05 F430 Berlineta. Tracked both the 550 and F430 many times and drove the 456GT with bunch of friends down to Monterey this August. They are phenomenal driving cars and it's a sense of occasion every time. But I am disappointed that a brand that I love and have so much admiration for has such bad QC practice. Take for instance; the sun visor's on my 550 drops down all the time due to plastic parts inside that breaks no matter how many times you repair it or the dash leather shrinking issue due to heat from the sun; the 456GT windows go out of alignment and leaves a gap due to an aluminum pin that was used instead of stainless steel or proper bearings; the F430 manifolds developing hairline cracks etc. etc. etc. It's not like they haven't experienced manifold issues with previous models before the F430. After owning a couple of them, I just want to make sure I know what I am walking into and MINIMIZE any pitfalls or issues that should have been addressed. Everyone's feedback is appreciated. Cheers
Oh forgot to add, QC issues did not only apply to previous models. It applies to new car orders too. Different friends have taken delivery of two 458 Specials, an F12 (custom order was done at factory in Italy), 458 coup and a 458 Spyder. 4 out of the 5 orders were screwed up and the cars were not delivered as per spec on the order sheets. I think they need to put in a new COO to clean things up. So I can somewhat buy in on the theory that they may have mixed in some of the old valve guides on post 1997 cars. Anyways, doing due diligence reviewing previous service records and calling the authorized dealers that previously serviced the vehicle that I was interested in. Thanks again for all your feedback. I'll keep you updated on how it goes if I purchase the vehicle.
