I really need help on this before I finalize the purchase!

I would ask that repair dealership for the SD computer details on why they went THAT deep into a worn out clutch.

"Red transmission light and car wouldn't go" could be a million things other than the clutch or a bloody flywheel.

None the less you have a brand new clutch system back there. Drive it nice and you'll never need to look at that again.

As for records. Meh. Nice to have. You have a very good recent service record so go out and drive it!

If you are buying this car as a collector, well, there might be about 10,000 other places to put that money that would render a better return.

BTW, I see in the e-bay photos that one of the LED's is out on the indicator (Look at the "N" in the photos. Not a big deal for a DIY guy, but that could be a $500+ at a repair station.

 

Can you post pictures. I want to see. I'm on the fence on these how do they "feel" ?

 

there are no dealer stamps on the two service intervals! that including the new clutch on an F1 at that mileage would raise questions to me.

but on the other hand, what does it matter, if the car is in good nick, the price is right, just buy it.

 

Yeah my eyes are sore too. I thought my major was a lot with axle work, all the valve shims and both exhaust ecu's swapped for 355 vintage! This is about twice that.

I just got my car back from service today and dodged a bullet. Even then I was only worried about the clutch slave. Turns out it is fine (maybe just condensation this fall) but my cam seals were weeping. I'm running 0w40 and will go back to 10w40. The speed sensor was cracked but working at cooler temps. Hot would drop out. FoNE took good care of my baby and got me sorted for about 1/2 to 2/3 estimate. Mostly because the transmission didn't have to be opened. Super psyched about that. I'm going to make a small heat collar for the sensor connector. I'm thinking a a small cone of header fiberglass tape covered with hi temp aluminum tape secured to the connector cable as it rises out of the casting right next to the cat. Leave enough gaps for air to move. They checked the shift alignment and lubed the cables. Also adjusted the doors for shut lines.

 

Yikes...I've heard of horror stories on the early F1 system...those numbers don't lie.

 

Thank you all for your inputs. They are invaluable. Sorry to have to bother you guys for one more...Today I came across this one:

1999 Ferrari F355 Berlinetta | Carrollton TX 75006 - RAC Performance

I originally set out for a Coupe, and after I put a deposit on a Spider because I can't find a good coupe, it pops up. Everything looks good on this one, the only thing is the Major was done back in Jan of 2013 by Eugenio of San Dimas in Southern California with only 700 miles driven since. If I take this car instead, do I have to do a Major right away like recommended by Ferrari or I can do it in 5 years instead. Please help me decide!!! Thanks!!!!

 

Get what your heart desires! I was looking at everything too but really lusted after the coupes/targa tops because I like the flying buttress and think it makes the car look much prettier.

If you're a top down kind of guy go with the spider.

 

It all depends on the completeness and attention to details of the 2013 major service. One never knows ! I have stories to tell about major service just done [with a sheet load of corner cutting]. Those are worth nothing.

 

I've never dealt with Eugenio personally but the guy has a great rep and supposedly a years-long waiting list for 355 majors. Haven't read much about him recently but what I do remember is nothing but great reviews. The OP should search this site for Eugenio's many happy customers, as well as reach out to Eugenio himself.

 

If major was done correctly, can go 5 years between majors.

 

there is nothing special to the F1 clutch and flywheel.
in fact they are exactly the same as the F355 manual car.

the flywheel seems overcharged too as as far as i know they are 2500 USD new.
change out of clutch plate and flywheel is very easy too and can be done in less than 4 hours.

 

I'd go for the 2nd option. Probably just me but on the spider things like the 'way' out of adjustment headlamp pod (what the heck is the dealer thinking of not even fixing that on a $80k car before taking the pics!), plus the clutch pooped at 12k are enough to say that car wasn't 'loved'. So what is there that is wrong that isn't so obvious or being fessed up about?

 

Beat me to it....

While the F1 system is unique, it is a very very basic system utilizing the exact same transmission as the 6 speed.

Whatever happened to this poor car in 12k miles was most likely caused by the owner, either in driving style or lack of proper maintenance.

Blaming the F1 system and adding to the "horror stories" is simply feeding internet rumor and falsehoods. Kinda like that magical $20,000 F1 pump repair. <rolleyes>

 

Very true, but a mechanic is sometimes bound by the owner's budget.

 

I bought my F1 with a clutch slipping, replaced it myself for about $700 IIRC and it hasn't needed another penny in 6 years and 15k+ miles of ownership. And it's an absolute pleasure to drive! oops, this is turning into another F1 thread...

Back to the OP, first car looks great, I'd have no reservations at all. Second looks even better, because it's a GTB

 

Well, check the RH headlamp unit, why is that sticking out!

It also looks like the rear panels have a slightly different color on the photos


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

This is also true!

 

I am going to try painting mine and seeing if my idea works to take care of that problem.

For $200 to refinish it I can't hurt it trying my way first.


That receipt for the clutch replacement is plain ass Felony Rape.

 

Not that hard to drop white paint back into the lettering with a tooth pick or a very fine tipped white paint pen (craft section at walmart or target etc) providing you strip off the old black thoroughly and don't overdo the recoat. They were originally engraved.

 

Follow your heart. Get the dream. I would go the B from what I am seeing on condition. But either will likely be great.

Get your PPI.

 

I know thats why I don't want to paint them white.

 

Dear God John, please change your avatar. I keep staring at it saying I need a 308 / 328. In particular THAT 308. Beautiful car / color.

Sorry, back on topic....carry on...ahem...

 

Ha! Thank you for the kind words.

Please don't let the following hurt you too much. Note the price at the bottom of the first page and that its the same color as mine, but with c a r b s and a B....just saying!:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/ferraris/509618-1979-308-gtb.html

 

Oh Blue, like my old GTBi

 

Yes, I also thought the panels on car #1 are different shades of silver, its had paint post factory for sure, at that age very common and not a biggee, but the right shade would have been nice (smacks of a cheap repairer).

I can see here that others have a different view and thats fine for them, but for me car #1 looks like a dog!