1996 F355 for $58,000?

So does the 430 require all of those obscene major services? I realize belt are not the only thing required, but it seems you have to get service on 348, 355, etc on a time basis to avoid drying of the belts. Does this mean 430 service is based more on mileage than time?

 

The 430 does not require replacement of the timing chain, but it probably requires inspection of same. The access is similar to the 360 without the requirement of removing the engine from the car. However, the dealer costs for these services are still very expensive. In order of most expensive to least for required servicing my guess would be:
355
TR
348
360
430
328

 

The fact that you have found ferrarichat is like finding the Holy Grail. I can tell you that you can do a 30k service & anything alse you ever wanted to repair or buy by logging onto ferrarichat. Every repair I have done was carried out by someone before on this site & they have pdf files that will give you step by step instruction on how to do 30k engine out service.
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=73414

 

I am probably one of those few people who would do the very thing you are contemplating, in going against the consensus of those who have gone before us. In fact, I did do it. I bought a crappy 308 that didnt run and brought it home. Now I bought another better one, have a ton of good extra parts, and have less invested than a half way decent 308 would generally cost. But do not take the advice here lightly.

I think what some here are warning against, is that a 355 is nothing like a 308. And the 355 had some issues along the way that burned a few people really good. A few of the early 355 had a valve train issue, and fixing it correctly, could cost you well over $10K and possibly a lot lot more. Thats just a valve job, and thats AFTER you take it apart yourself. The headers were another issue, and if you need a pair, could cost you another $5K or more. While I wouldnt have a problem paying $10 - $15K for a 308 needing work, I wouldnt feel right paying $50K for a 355 with any real potential issues. Forwarned is forearmed. You can BS yourself into writing off the labor you do yourself, but why, your time should be worth something. The seller should certainly realise the car would cost $$$$$ to service and compensate accordingly. When everyone is telling you get a PPI, listen to them. At the very least check over the engine to make sure your not getting a pig. Either yourself, or at a shop. If you know your way around a car the rest shouldnt be difficult, and anyone here with a 355 could tell you the trouble spots to look at.