Do it yourself major servive

For those that have done it, how long does it take to do a major service on a 348? Have done belt changes and rebuilds on other cars. I've also watched videos and read info on the actual job, think I can do it. When I bought my car the service was a year old but was done by a local shop where I bought the car. After working on my car and finding many loose bolts, I'm a little concerned of the quality of the repair. Contemplating doing the job myself. My car still has less than 30000 on the odometer and the belt was done at 24000. Now the only thing I need is a do it yourself garage in the FL Keys area or in Miami or maybe find a garage that I can use around here in Marathon. Anyone got any suggestion on that?

One more thing, any local shops that others have used for this task that are trust worthy and reasonably priced?

 

I'm retired, so that is not bad. Probably always find while your in theres!

 

Yeah, I was thinking that would be a good idea too. While I'm in there check the ball bearings on the cam drive sprog gear. I'm sure that wasn't done!

 

My big problem is when I retired, I sold the house and move on a sailboat. Love the life but miss being able to tear down a car. I have to find a place to do this. I have a close friend in Stuart FL who would let me stay at his place(He's cruising on his boat right now). The search continues!!

 

I do, just don't want to get grease on the sole!! haha

 

All I can say is do some research, much more involved. There is a ton of info out there to include videos on YouTube. I had a 944 Turbo, usually took about 4 hrs for a belt change and only cost a couple of hundred buck. It takes that long to drop the engine out of a 348 and the major service kit cost about 1800 plus any other problems you may find. Not to mention you should always change or rebuild the water pump while your there. Didn't notice a lot of special tools. I'm sure those that have done it before can tell you a lot more concerning this.

 

Kit cars don't count! haha

 

Arrr, that's right!! Me swabbies don't like to swab the deck!!!

 

That is also correct. It sounds like it would take more than 40 hrs. But you know that it was all done, hopefully correctly. Looking at the previous owners bill, looks like it was just a straight belt change. That's why I'm thinking about doing this. If I still had a garage this would be no problem, but I would have to rent one and it would have to be in Miami, so, the commute would be miserable.

I've also been looking at getting it done by a professional, Tim Stanford in Lauderdale. The stuff I've been reading about this guy, he looks like he's done it before. With a thorough job like this, might be my best bet and then after that, I could do 3/30 belt services myself. That sounds more like a 40 hr job. She still starts and runs perfectly, so, I still have time to think about it.