Help out a newbie with some questions..???? | FerrariChat
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Help out a newbie with some questions..????

Discussion in '348/355' started by notbostrom, Jun 13, 2006.

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  1. notbostrom

    notbostrom Formula Junior

    May 8, 2006
    957
    Orlando, FL
    Full Name:
    Ben
    #1 notbostrom, Jun 13, 2006
    1) Is it even safe to have a regular tire shop put tires on a 348? I think Pirelli P-Zero is the only thing I can get for oem 17'' wheels but I'm afraid of them being damaged when mounting.

    2) What the heck do people do to loose the leather case for the manuals or the tool kit, cover etc. I see a bunch of cars with this stuff missing. For the love of god what happens to this stuff and is rediculously expensice to replace?

    3) I will have a PPI done but will test drive first. Any obvious warning signs that could let me know not to bother going any further..

    Thanks in advance, I've narrowed it down to 2 cars and hope to own one of them in the next 10 days or so.

    Ben
     
  2. Ciao Bello 348

    Ciao Bello 348 Formula 3

    Oct 3, 2005
    1,844
    The Garden State, US
    Full Name:
    John C
    #2 Ciao Bello 348, Jun 13, 2006
    My tires have about 5000 miles on the new set. The same that came from the factory Bridgestone's. If youre still on the stock rims, I dont believe you need to have a high-end speed shop do the work for you.

    I have all the books, tools, cases and leather binders with mine. People dont lose them. They sell them! Like you said, they're worth decent coin! I could part out pieces of my car, but I dont. Im not a hack.

    Glad youre getting a view of whats out there on the market. Im telling you--The number i gave you is a give away for mine. If you see it, you'll buy it.


    "It's useless to resist!" - D. Vadar
     
  3. 1Turbo

    1Turbo Formula Junior

    Jan 26, 2005
    675
    LA$ VEGA$
    Full Name:
    Jimmy K
    #3 1Turbo, Jun 13, 2006
    1) I have used Discount Tires. Just request an Experienced Tech & Tip him to Ensure Wheel care.
    2) Some former owners sell them on Ebay :mad: Karma will get em :D
    3) Yes. Have the Mechanic perform the Compression/Leakdown 1st.
     
  4. hardtop

    hardtop F1 World Champ

    Jan 31, 2002
    11,294
    Colorado
    Full Name:
    Dave
    #4 hardtop, Jun 13, 2006
    I use Discount tire and Big -O tire. They have touchless mounting machines (although I would double check if it's the first time using them). Also, insist that they do not use air wrenches and point out that there are fiberglass panels under the car so use care on the jacking points. Most, if not all, of these shops have "road force" balancing machines which are superior to spin balance, but it takes time and costs extra. Ask them to use a torque wrench on the bolts (90 lbs.). Most shops are excited to see an Fcar, so you often get royal treatment.

    Dave
     
  5. notbostrom

    notbostrom Formula Junior

    May 8, 2006
    957
    Orlando, FL
    Full Name:
    Ben
    #5 notbostrom, Jun 13, 2006
    any other advice for #3 ? what should be a sign to run away????
     
  6. jabramson

    jabramson Formula Junior

    Jun 3, 2006
    502
    San Diego, CA
    Full Name:
    Jeff
    #6 jabramson, Jun 13, 2006
    I have been in the market for well over 6 months and have viewed many cars. This will be my first Ferrari. If I can say one thing that I have learned - do your homework. There are a number of very knowledgable fanatics on this site which have given me the confidence to move forward. Ask questions - lots of them. A mistake can cost you dearly. Get yourself a good - great mechanic that will take the time to look over all the information you should be requesting on each car. Past receipts are a must as well as a thorough PPI. I have gone through 3 vehicles which all looked wonderful but later found out they would fail the PPI. In the end I have found a wonderful vehicle with everything I wanted and for the least amount of $. Taking my time was definately the right way. You first need to look at this entire process as a true business decision (unless you have the cash to burn and it does not matter). Once it is in your garage you can get emotional about it. Enjoy the ride both before you buy it and then after - hopefully for many years.

    Choose wisely and good luck.

    Jeff
     

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