Boxer mishap and the journey to repair it

I just wondered if Ferrari kept using sodium filled valves in the 512 BBi from 1983. My 83, 308 QV was born with solid valves as the first of the 308's so my hope was that the newest BBi's also benefited from this change?

Best, Peter

 

The 4 valve engines got the solid valves.

 

Good day Romano,

Sadly, given that these are interference based engine/head designs, if a single valve, etc stops a piston from moving, then anything can happen and the worst usually does. In my case, one bank was restricted from moving, which caused the timing belt to let go, which then caused the destruction in the other cylinders. I was driving on a freeway and so my engine speed was well above idle... probably 4K to 4.5K RPM. Thankfully I had a mostly complete used spare engine (long story) that I used for spares (one head for sure, but decided to rebuild both at the same time) and the liners. New pistons, rings, etc were then sourced and the engine was rebuilt. This was around 1982/3 or so when parts were not too expensive even from the F-car dealer. Canadian F-car dealers were somewhat scarce in my parts and so I ordered everything from FAF Motorcars in Atlanta. This was one of the first Ferrari engines I rebuilt... all before I was 18 years old(!) under the guidance and tutelage of an old School European mechanic who later became and still is my Mentor. Although it was a nasty event, I still fondly look back on those days... as being able to work and play with so many very interesting cars (Ferraris, Viintage RR's, Jags, Lambos, MB's including a 300SL roadster!) at my Mentor's shop was like winning the lottery.. especially at that age (started when I was 16). A very interesting and exciting time to say the least.

Cheers,

Sam

 

Looks like you're splitting the case. Sooo, going through the bottom end with new bearing shells throughout, pistons etc etc. Going to be a brand new car!

 

Gonna do any soup-up work? Bigger bores? Bump compression? More cam? etc.

 

A slight bump in compression but stock otherwise.

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Painted and plated.... (With a few extra ponies!)
Love to watch your builds!

 

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Hey Paul, I have been confused along with some other BBi owners whether the block is painted from the factory. I seem to remember in a past post you mentioned the painting process. I know of professionals dry ice blasting a BBi engine to restore a factory finish, Is this correct?

 

The block and heads are painted with an army green sealant then silver then machined. The Testarossa blocks are natural but the casting process is different so they have a smooth finish.

 

I can't believe this thread is in real time. Do you have all of those parts on hand. How do you get same day turn around on plating?

 

Its not in real time

 

i am blown away by the quality and precision of this work.

 

Good day Ross,

Given what I have seen and know about Paul... what you are seeing is his "standard"... nothing less than top notch!

Cheers,

Sam

 

I should say, "Un-real" time!

Looks brand new.

 

Another reason to never drive your Ferrari in the rain.

 

Drive under your limit.