Break In on 308 QV

My suggestion to all of you commenting on this thread regarding the dyno, rebuilds, Ford pricing, etc..., is to do your due diligence. Speak to everyone you know in your area that has an exotic car and find the guy with the absolute best reputation. Check out his resume and see where he learned his trade. Go to his shop and look at the cars that are there. Talk to him about your car specifically and listen to exactly what he is saying. Only give him your business if you are completely satisfied and trusting.

In my case I could not be happier. My guy had the car for two months. He insisted that I come down to his shop and see everything he found first hand. Once he started assembling it, again, I came down and saw every part as it came back from the machine shop and watched those shiny new reconditioned parts as the took shape on the motor. I learned an incredible amount about the 308 motor. I watched the gapping of the rings, the assembly of the heads and valves, the shimming of the valves, ect... I saw each part as it was bead blasted, detailed and painted. The end result is a work of art. And, I now have a real appreciation for the true Craftsman vs. the regular SAE Tech.

No, my guy does not have a dyno, and I don't really care. What he does have is 30+ years experience rebuilding ferraris, the respect and trust of everyone I spoke with in the area, and a very strong Italian accent to go with it.

 

Got 500 miles on her and changed the oil and filter today. Now I get a little more RPMS.

 

Why the rebuild?

Started getting Blue smoke (not good). Had a leeak down done as well. One cylinder down to 45%. Engine runs fine, but decisions have to be made. Engine has to come out. Full valve job needed and one Cylinder needs rings. Don't think it makes any sense to do just one set of rings, so on and so on. Now we all know the deeper you get the more expensive it gets. I love the car and would never sell it. So why not redo the entire thing while it is out and all torn apart. My decision is, the price I paid is nothing relative to the fun I have with the car. Most people could have just gone with a little blue smoke, myself, I could not be happier. In one year my Mustang Bullitt has depreciated an amount equal to the rebuild on the Ferrari, so I figure I'm just about even now relatively speaking.