Driving her is like taking money from the bank account? | FerrariChat
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Driving her is like taking money from the bank account?

Discussion in '365 GT4 2+2/400/412' started by Flo400, Jun 5, 2012.

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  1. Flo400

    Flo400 Formula Junior

    Jun 8, 2011
    358
    Munich, Germany
    Full Name:
    Florian
    #1 Flo400, Jun 5, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Well, she has been in my life now for almost four years. It's still that she makes me smile every time I see her and she brings a big grin once I am driving with her.

    Over time and one after the other, with her I've encountered the usual things (expenses) that can be expected and managed.

    New tires since it's quite scary travelling at 140 mph or 240 kmh with old rubber stuff. Luckily on the rims I don't need TRX tires and got some period looking but way cheaper stuff.

    ANSA exhaust could not be saved. Stainless steel is the solution for many of us, and that's what she got. I had it pained with a black coating so it looks nice.

    Self-levelers were looking just fine... last year. This year one side is hanging lower, and it will most likely be a winter project.

    Engine was running only on nine cylinders, 12 are better.

    In some 10-30k the automatic transmission will be overhauled.

    While-your-at-it, there are some switches that flip back and don't always hold their position, and I'd like to have new lights with no cracks although mine are small.

    One day all the rubber in the suspension needs to be replaced.

    All minor things which can be managed over time.

    Last year she had her round birthday. 100.000kms! I made a video when driving and all the numbers disappeard and I was left with 5 zeros. I was happy for her and we celebrated a bit.

    However, with that big number, I was also a bit scard. One day, and no one knows when, her engine will have some failure that will result in the need for a complete overhaul. It's not that with proper care these engines are very robust and that she does get enough car. But still - maybe in the distant future, maybe soon, it will happen.

    Now hearing around and talking to guys that fix engines, it'll cost something like 25.000 to 35.000 Euros. A pro overhaul doesn't cost much less from what I hear. I am not sure what I will do then. Buy another cheap 400, rip the engine out and sell remaining parts? Will that be much cheaper?? Spent that amount of money for an overhaul?? WILL I SELL HER???

    It seems that every kilometer or mile brings us closer to that costly decision point. It's like driving and at the same time taking that money from my bank account. It's not a good thing to think about.

    But then again I see her sitting there, looking at me in her gogeous azzuro metallico. Right after my amazing girlfriend she is one of the most beautiful things that I have seen in my life. I can't be mad at her. I completely forget that I was scared.

    What are your thoughts?

    Flo
    '76 400 GTA
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  2. 180 Out

    180 Out Formula 3

    Jan 4, 2012
    1,287
    San Leandro, CA
    Full Name:
    Bill Henley
    #2 180 Out, Jun 5, 2012
    On one side of the ledger is the possibility of an engine rebuild. On the other side is the absence of year-to-year depreciation that the owner of any comparable late model luxury car is experiencing. Regarding the former, the present value of that exposure is largely unknown. That is, I expect that there is not a large data base of 100,000 km Ferraris from which to calculate the likelihood of needing that overhaul as the kilometers continue to accrue. You might go another 100,000 km before that happens. There is also the option to pull the worn out Ferrari engine (and store it!) and install a GM engine of your choice. I wouldn't give another thought to these contingencies and expenses. Any special interest or hobby car takes a big bite out of the discretionary spending budget.
     
  3. Ashman

    Ashman Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Sep 5, 2002
    33,280
    MA
    Full Name:
    John
    #3 Ashman, Jun 5, 2012
    Your 100,000 km is only 62,000 miles and I have heard of many 400is going that far and longer without the need for an engine overhaul. That distance is about the mileage that timing chains seem to need replacement but that is not as expensive even though the easiest way to change the chain is with the engine out.

    These engines, particularly the bottom ends, are very strong and the bottom end should last for many, many more km. I'm not sure about the top end (i.e. valve train) so I'll let others opine on that.

    These engines may wear out gradually after many miles but, with proper care (i.e. regular oil changes, valve adjustments and no overheating) they will not blow up suddenly.

    If the engine is running free and strong, doesn't smoke on acceleration (rings) or deceleration (valves), doesn't burn too much oil and compression and leakdown tests are within specs, I would say keep driving and enjoying your beautiful car!
     
  4. SouthJersey400i

    SouthJersey400i Formula 3

    Mar 14, 2007
    1,679
    Romulus, NY (Finger Lakes)
    Full Name:
    Ken Battle
    #4 SouthJersey400i, Jun 6, 2012
    I have a friend in my area not active on this forum that has well over 140,000 miles. He had a "complete rebuild" a couple of years ago, say at 130K miles. I do not know how much was done or at what cost; it does not seem to matter to him. I know for sure the heads were off. He drives his car a lot!
    Ken
     
  5. blkprlz

    blkprlz Formula 3

    Mar 24, 2007
    2,169
    Tampa bay
    Full Name:
    Bruce
    #5 blkprlz, Jun 7, 2012
    Wow, that's great news Ken, absolutely huge! A testament to bulletproof.
     
  6. bundas

    bundas F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Dec 31, 2005
    7,090
    lexington ky usa
    Full Name:
    mitchell barnes
    #6 bundas, Jun 7, 2012
    thanks for your posting. good to hear these stories of long life. i drive my car fairly regulary and after 4-5-6 years i had a battery problem
     
  7. alastairhouston

    alastairhouston Formula Junior

    Apr 19, 2009
    575
    Largs Scotland UK
    Full Name:
    Alastair Houston
    #7 alastairhouston, Jun 8, 2012
    With you a hundred percent Flo
    Dont be too diheartened it will all be ok, these cars are built to be able to be fixed. If she is going fine just now try to just enjoy, you deserve that for having the good taste to have one of these beautiful cars.
    Regards
    Alastair
     

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