My Testarossa's major service +

Hey guys,

I purchased my dream car last month and after putting a few hundred miles on her, it was time to bring her in for a full major service plus a few odds and ends.

By way of background, she is a 1986 Testarossa flying mirror with 11K miles on her. She had one previous owner and has been serviced exclusively by Algar Ferrari since new. She is completely original, in exceptional condition and has all documentation--I mean everything you could possibly imagine. She had her last major about 5 years ago, but has only been driven 1K miles or so since (plus the 600 miles I added ). Hence, she is due for the works.

I know many on this board say the Testarossa will never be collectable. Sorry, I'm not in that camp. In any event, this car is extraordinarily special to me. Its a car I plan on enjoying for decades to come, while maintaining her to the highest standards. To celebrate her condition and provenance I've asked the folks at Algar to Classiche her during the major. Hopefully, I will have photos and details to share as she undergoes that process as well.

I have also advised them that I intend on driving her extensively. To that end, we plan on replacing the seals on the transmission, starting with the rear main seal, which has begun to weep. We will address anything else that needs attention as well, but based on the vigorous maintenance schedule this car has enjoyed, there is not much we anticipate surprising us.

I know this is not the first major service thread, and likely won't be the last, but I thought it would be fun to share photos of the process as it unfolds over the next month.

For those of you who have not had the pleasure of working with Algar, they have some of the best Ferrari techs in the world. My service is being performed by the shop foreman, Tony, who also performed the PDI on my car 25 years ago!

My service experience began with me meeting with Mike Bloch, the service manager and Tony and explaining exactly what my expectations were. They understood exactly what I wanted and gave me an estimate I believe was very reasonable. As this car has been serviced by them since new, they were very familiar with her. Luckily for me, that has resulted in additional savings as they were able to tailor the service to suit the cars history.

Since then, I've been called regularly as progress has commenced. Although not captured in the photos, prior to dropping the engine, Algar re-greased the windows and adjusted the latches to the bonnet cover. They will also be servicing the hubs as part of the service.

Anyway, here are the initial photos they sent me. I am sooo excited I can't even tell you. I was simply shocked by how much I enjoy driving this car. I also can't get over the quality of all the materials...it is an incredibly well built car.

Our goal is to get her back to me by mid December---hopefully BEFORE the next snow fall



...enjoy!
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More fun...
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and here's some more
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Very cool...can't wait to see this progress.

Are they taking the pics or are you visiting the car every so often to see it done?

Thanks,
Erik

 

and ...
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a few more...
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and a final two for tonight...
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I asked them to send me pictures as it progressed for posterity, but I do try and go see the car as often as possible. I still can't believe I own this car!

Mike's a great guy and I think he senses my enthusiasm and has been more than accommodating.

FWIW, some of the photos show some surface rust on some of the components. That will be taken care of as part of the service and the engine will be detailed as well. I will try and post before/after pictures down the road...

I'll keep posting photos as Mike gets them to me.

 

Joe,

Those pictures are AWESOME! What a great car, infact that was my original dream car many years ago seeing it on TV every weekend night.

 

I'm not busy if you want to fly me out there to photo document the major.

 

Joe,

I am not sure how the Classiche program deals with aftermarket parts, but because you intend to drive the car regularly, I strongly recommend consideration of the Scuderia Rampante hoses.

On the TR, a coolant hose kit is available:
http://www.ricambiamerica.com/product_info.php?cPath=100056_100062&products_id=343632

and the all important oil drainback hoses:
http://www.ricambiamerica.com/product_info.php?cPath=100056_100064&products_id=343637


But check with Algar to confirm these don't diminish from the Classiche certification. The hoses are branded SRI and do not visually match the originals. (Original drainback hoses are shiny black silicone and original water hoses are semi-gloss black rubber)

If the car is going to be driven a lot, I really think these are a good investment.


.

 

I would also consider a set of taylor wires as well.. They fit in the red sleeve and it will be kept hidden.. Those Cavit wires are junk..

R

 

Thanks for your advice guys!!!

I don't know what impact, if any, using non-oem fuel lines will have on the Classiche process. I used the SRI fuel lines on my Mondial and I was extremely impressed. It appears most, if not all of the lines on my TR, were replaced at the last major. They are going to thoroughly inspect them and call me. I'll ask them at that time.

Thanks for the advice, the wires were replaced at the last major and about 1600 miles ago. I don't plan on replacing them at this time unless their inspection dictates otherwise. If so, I will talk to them about alternatives.

 

I love these posts, for some reason. Thanks for sharing.

 

Congratulations, now that you own that beauty, I invite you to come join us at www.prancingthunder.com

 

Controlled seepage.. I'm speechless and thought I heard it all. You do not want any type of seepage, controlled or not.. that is rediculous. Who gave you that idea? Controlled seepage.. Excuse me Sir.. Leave a couple of bolts loose and cut into a gasket or seal so I can have controlled seepage.. I'm concerned about rust.. I would like engine oil to gently spew on components and hardware that is subject to rust.. Is there any extra charge for that.. Come on Dude.. Please tell me your joking.. Controlled seepage.. ???

R

 

Lots of luck with your ride.. Hope all turns out well. Drive her and she will give you years and years of joy and reliability.. Stay pro active and get into preventive maintainance. Thats the key.. The more you let things go it all adds up and creates a heavy situation. Your gonna want thos e Taylor wires even if your Cavis wires are good.. They have known to be problematic and its very easy at this stage to nip it in the butt.. Controlled seepage.. WTF???

R

 

Joe, I have to give you a thumbs up. You get a lot of ribbing from the crowd about how picky you are, but its people like you that put their money were their mouth is and preserve these fine automobiles. Can't wait for a ride !

How come there's no thumbs up icon ?

 

+1

P

 

Harley's used to have controlled seepage in the old days........................oh, now that I think about it................. they just leaked.

Never mind.

 

every porsche I ever owned suffered from "controlled leakage"

Every Brit car too.

Even my Dino had a bit of it.

My 360 does not have any leakage, controlled or otherwise.

My 10 year old dog does.

DM

 

Dirk is joking.

 

Good morning,
Sometime, after 4 or 5 minutes my bb engine shut down or run with half cylinders (at idle, with cold or hot engine), with no restart untill few minutes
All the fuel system has been checked, the distributor has been rebuilt.
Finally we put my ignition box to another BB512i and the trouble started again.
I found a used one in UK (no new available from Ferrari), but the problem is still there !
Y know that we can fit other ignition control box (not OEM Marinelli)...
Is someone have any idea ?
thanks for your help
Eric

 

Great project!! keep the pics coming Joe!