Hi, NB: I posted this question this morning but probably in a wrong category (before 365 GTC), so here again: I am considering buying a flat 12 as 512BB. But I feel concerned by the maintenance cost of these cars equipped with distribution belt whereas you have to change it every 4 years , with full engine disposal, as I can read on FChat. Does some owner could tell me how much it costs (every 4 years)? Since it depends of hourly rate of the garage, it would be nice to know how many hours of labor to conduct it, any other costs (go course the belt, which shouldn't represent that much!). Any other comment for belts compared to my current 330 GTC equiped with chain? Thanks a lot for your answers. Regards, Jean-Paul
@turbo-joe Dear Romano, I am sure you can answer that as you are expert on those cars! All the best Christopher
Belts services in the EU much more reasonable. Better yet, drive to the UK and have it done for $2k GBP. These cars are not complicated.
To ‘just’ change the belt is relatively easy. Its the ‘while you’re there’ adders that drive the price up to exorbitant levels. Make sure your quote explicitly includes re-timing the engine rather than merely swapping out the belt. I too, defer to Romano for a cost estimate.
As was already wisely stated, no one ever pulls the motor just to change the belt. In over 40 years in the Ferrari business and was at the dealer who sold the most BB's world wide I could not tell you because I have never done it. It would be foolish to do so.
My 2 cents: Regardless of year, make or model of a car, if it's "maintenance" cost is concerning/influential factor in ownership, it's more than likely the given car is not right one for that person.
Lots of stuff to address while it's out. Soo many hoses, wat pump, many seals, cam drives, T-stat, valve adjust, inspect & address alternators and starter etc.. At my last EO, I didn't change the shift shaft o-rings. That was a big oops! They leaked terribly. Those O-rings were hard as a rock and split. I was able to do job w engine back in, but was kicking myself for not simply doing these while I was there. Also, I did the diff carrier, after engine was back in. That meant dismantling exhaust, clutch, clamshell removal. Planning the EO job carefully will make it the happiest experience and most cost effective.
that is why I´m happy to do all on my cars by myself. so save a ot of money and also know it is right done
The 330 is a different horse with different needs. A bunch of stuff you don't need replaced by other needs. Example: Boxer has electronic ignition / 330 has 4 sets of points, but both have advance mechanisms that benefit from servicing. Boxer must have EO for belts, but other needs are more easily addressed while engine is out. There's some give and take. IMHO: Appreciate each fantastic machine for all of their characteristics. Use servicing events as opportunity to get to know your cars better (where do leaks occur, what could cause rattle, what might be deferred 'til next service?).
Thanks to all members having responded. Indeed I understand that you take the opportunity of having the engine down to do other maintenance works. I just wished to have an idea of how many hours a skilled mechanician takes to put down the engine, change the belt (imagine reset the timing), and remount the engine? BTW, MITengineer, you are right on the lower cost in UK but I live in Bordeaux so it's quite a drive to go to London area.
If that is the answer you are really interested in the best source for that is the Ferrari specialist you are most likely to bring it to.
Indeed Brian, but it is just an information to benchmark what my local garage will assume, sine I hsve no experience with this car…at the moment. Thanks
It always bugs me when people start whining about maintenance cost on a BB or TR. Even it you do it every 5 years (I will do 8-10) when you compare that to the cost of depreciation on any new exotics, you will be way ahead!
Good day 4Right, I have done the engine out on my BB three times now and on average it takes about 6-7 hours to remove the engine (which includes removing the rear clam) and about 6-7 hours to put the engine back in. The worst case would be 14 hours, but you can add a bit extra if you have some battles with removing the exhaust manifold nuts. Overall R/R a BB engine is very straightforward and is a non issue and nothing to be fearful of. Your comment about 30+ hours to R/R an engine seems excessive and I would question these hours or what issues the shop had. Cheers, Sam
According to the Ferrari Factory Book just to R/R a flat twelve engine is 10 hours, plus all of the work that will be done. Plus parts. For a BB that isn’t his and one that needs a belt service, you will be needing substantially more time to address other items while the engine is out.
Whichever method you choose, no way for any of us to accurately determine the amount of time required. Personal experience, factory manuals, take your pic. Its not going to be cheap if the work is done by a professional.
Good day 4Right, That is not what you posted... and I quote: I was specifically referring to R/R time you posted and nothing else. My comment was to provide real times by someone who has direct experience with R/R of a Carbed BB engine multiple times. I recognize that at times some cars could be cranky, but my point was that the BB's R/R time can be significantly lower than what you posted. Cheers, Sam
