$4k to $6k for a 328 belt change - why??

Yes, belts on earlier Ferraris have to be changed every 15,000 miles or 4 years whichever comes 1st. You have to realize that your whole engine depends on those belts, if 1 should snap or jump a tooth you could mess up valves, pistons etc & then be in for a REALLY expensive proposition, maybe have to buy a new engine.

Theres also a lot more to a major service than "just" changing the belts. You have to pull the engine out of the car which in itself will take several hours. then take the camshafts out & polish them, then change the belts & make sure everything is synchronized.

My mechanic in CT, Bill Pollard owner of Sport Auto at 860-350-1515 can explain things to you in detail; & he is very trustworthy & a great mechanic, I have used him for 15 years with no problems ever

 

Don't need to pull the engine on a 328 for a major.

 

It does sound quite high..and yes the enigne does stay in the car. A typical service on a 328 is about a 2 and a half working day job sometimes depending on the job it can streach to 4 days.

A typical service would include

Cam cover gaskets
4 camseals
4 camseal housing o-rings
2 timing belts
2 distributor seals
2 cork ignition cap gaskets
3 accessory drive belts
1 water pump..if needed
2 tensioner bearings
valve adjustment
inspection and replacement coolant hoses..as needed
inspection and replacement of fuel lines as needed
inspect ignition cap and rotor
inspect igintion wires and extenders
8 sparkplugs
1 fuel filter
1 air filter
8 liters coolant
1 oil filter
8 liters of engine oil
4 liters+ trans fluid
2 a/c o-ring seals
a/c compressor oil
500ml or more brake fluid
service all brakes
replace any light bulbs as needed
replace wiper blades
check a/c system performance
check charging system performance
Load test battery
inspect entire car.

Other things that may come up..leaking rear main seal..leaking cam drive bearings, ripped cv boots..etc.

All in all a pretty time consuming service. Now tell me how much you would like to pay the shop to do this..

 

Wiliam,

I think the belts need changing after 30,000 miles or five years, not 15,000 miles. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

I do know it is not necessary to pull the engine to do a major service on a 328.

 

EUGENIO'S FERRARI SERVICE®
- Southern California -

*30,000 mile (MAJOR) Service for 308's, 328's, Mondial 3.2's & QV's = $2995.00

Documentation of every Major Service comes complete with a full write-up, pictures, and all receipts for your records}

-Replace Spark Plugs (NGK or Bosch)
-Replace Timing Belts and Tensioner Bearings
-Replace Cam Seals and Housing O-Rings
-Replace Valve Cover Gaskets
-Replace Distributor Seals and Housing Gaskets
-Replace Distributor Cap Gaskets
-Replace Cam End Cover Gaskets
-Replace Air Filter
-Replace Fuel Filter(s)
-Replace A/C Belt
-Replace Alternator / Water Pump Belt
-Adjust Valves (where applicable)
-Torque Cam Journals
-Torque Heads (check only)
-Set Timing
-Bleed Brake Lines
-Change Oil and New Filter
-Change Transaxle Gear Fluid
-Replace Coolant
-Inspection/Service of Air Conditioning System (recharge "R12" extra on 308's/348's but "R134" is included on F355's)
-Inspect all Lines (fuel, oil, water) and replace if necessary (extra charge for parts)
-Check of Lambda System and Bosch Fuel Injection System (make adjustments if necessary)
-Clean Engine Compartment
-Pressurize Coolant System, check for leaks
-Inspect CV Boots
-Inspect Fuse Panel
-Inspect Tires / Adj. Tire pressure

{The items below are inspected and advised to the customer at no charge. If any item(s) require service, the customer will be advised of the cost.

-Inspect Water Pump
-Inspect all Seals (shift shaft, main, timing gear assy)
-Inspect Ignition Wires / Caps / Rotors
-Inspect all Bulbs, Lights, Electrical Motors
-Inspect Clutch Pedal play (adjustment setting if necessary)
-Inspect all Suspension Bushings / Connections
-Inspect all Exhaust Joints / Connections for leaks
-Inspect Brake Pads and Discs
-Inspect Wheel Bearings

 

If the belts were replaced on 2001 you shouldn't need new ones yet. However, I noticed you said the 15K service was performed. That doesn't usually include a timing belt change, so I would be absolutely certain that it was done and that your belts aren't actually 16 years old.