Accurate representation in Ebay add???

I hope this isn't someone here. But, the statement that 97 is the year that the infamous VALVE problem was resolved is incorrect. Anyone know this car owner? I have a 97 that had the valves done! Someone isn't telling the truth.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ferrari-355-GTB-NO-RESERVE-C_W0QQitemZ160027702742QQihZ006QQcategoryZ6212QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

I think you are right...I also have a 1997 F355 with the valve guides upgraded. It is my understanding at this point in time, that the valve guide issues were not addressed by the factory until the latter part of 1998.

 

Hopefully, the seller is just mis-informed himself. On a side note, what is this 355 worth assuming a clean PPI? Seems to be clean, recent srevice with Exhaust and Challange grill.

 

Salvage title, cracked front windshield, no pics of front end? If you are looking for a bargain, otherwise pass.

 

With "salvage title" probably around $60K. But, with this add, I would run away. Most of us with 355's know all about the valve guide issue and related dates of upgrade. It would scare me to see such an obvious mistake from a seller of a 355.

 

60K with a salvaged title? No way, I wouldn't pay 50K for it. Try getting rid of it......

 

Salvage Title = gamble. It's not necessarily a bad thing if u know why it was salvaged. This menas that an insurance company decided to pay off rather than repair damage, whatever it was. It's their choice, regardless of the insured's opinion. Fixing the car after that requires a salvage title. Get the full story behind it and verify it if u can.

Good points about resale - the car is blighted, so beware. If u will be the car's last owner, then it's up to u. Also, if u want to run the car in a school and someone is aware of the salvage title, u might have to prove that the car is roadworthy and safe.

I saw this item and took a pass for the reasons above. INRE valves, I just checked with my mechanic today and it's 95-97.5 for the guides. But, he said it was a "soft change". The factory did not really want to admit that there was anything wrong with the engine, so they just changed it at their discretion. At this time, I would like to recall rifledriver's signature about not believing half of what FNA tells yu.

 

You are probably right.

 

Does this mean that 1999 (or late model 1998?) 355's do not ever have the valve issue? Or usually do not have the valve issue? Anyone know of a 1999 355 that had the valve issue?

I ask because maybe, based on this information, I only go after a 1999 model (even if it means saving a bit more).

Appreciate any/all insight!

Thanks. Steve

 

All 99's were non-brass valve guides. The change was made in late 98 but there is a question on when and what number car the change was made. The safe way to avoid the issue is to buy a pre-99 model with the valve guides replaced or go to the 99. My car is a 97 with the valve guides replaced at a cost of about $15K. However, the cost of a pre-99 car with the valves done is probably much better than a 99. 99's go for a premium but a well taken care of earlier car, with all service and valves done, may be a better buy and deliver great fun (like mine does). Just make sure that the work was done by a quality shop and do a proper PPI.

 

My understanding is that the switch to steel guides started with engine assembly number 27689. I belive this is generally accepted as fact, have you heard otherwise?

 

I have had a salvage exotic before.. RUN LIKE HELL.

Im my opinion this car is not worth $30k..especially with teh skimpy ad hes running. This car should be WELL justified and I would want to see the report from insurance co as to why it was salvaged. What if it was a flood car? Or has had the Front end welded back on?

You would have to take a massive haricut to move this thing when you are done with it.

If it were $30k..id look closer..but its not that much of a deal compared to the 355's for sale around here.

By the time you get it sorted out, youll have what you would have in a nice clean example..and you still only have a car worth 40 to 50% of the value of a clean example.

Just my 2 cents

 

Nope, I don't have any other information. Sounds good to me.