I just purchased my first Ferrari -- HELP | FerrariChat
Buy

I just purchased my first Ferrari -- HELP

Discussion in 'Florida' started by beachsteve, Mar 7, 2007.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. beachsteve

    beachsteve Rookie

    Jan 30, 2007
    4
    Tampa, FL
    Full Name:
    Steve Meyer
    #1 beachsteve, Mar 7, 2007
    I just purchased my first Ferrari, a 1981 308 GTSi. I located it in Jacksonville in an estate and just drove it back to Clearwater yesterday. The car looks very good and ran great all the way back, very solid, tracked great, actually a nice comfortable ride, better than I expected. I totaled 250 miles, got 22 mpg which was a surprise. Must adimit I was somewhat concerned before starting the trip given the car's age and what service history I had on the car. The good news is only 39.5K on the speedometer, and had stamped record of 30K service in NC with original owner........in 1989. Virtually no service history after that. The car was titled in FL in 1993 with 36K, and now only 39.5K, which means it was only driven 3.5K in the last 14 years. I need a little guidance on how to proceed to bring the car back into proper mechanical shape. If there's anyone in the Clearwater/St. Pete with good experience with this model I'd appreciate some guidance, or if you know of a good mechanic. I hear there's are good one in Oldsmar, but have no definite info. Thanks in advance for any help.
     
  2. RP

    RP F1 World Champ

    Feb 9, 2005
    17,667
    Bocahuahua, Florxico
    Full Name:
    Tone Def
    #2 RP, Mar 7, 2007
    Congratulations.

    I personally can not help you though with the Tampa Bay area.
     
  3. KENCO

    KENCO Formula 3

    Nov 1, 2006
    2,396
    FL
    Full Name:
    KJG
    #3 KENCO, Mar 7, 2007
    Is there anything wrong with the car? You say proper shape? Do you mean service issues, or mechanical repair?
     
  4. TheCarcierge

    TheCarcierge Formula 3

    Feb 1, 2004
    1,837
    Boca Raton, FL
    Full Name:
    Scott Saidel
    #4 TheCarcierge, Mar 7, 2007
    You need to get the belts changed ASAP. I wouldn't drive the car until you do. 8 years is a LONG time on belts and failure is an expensive option. I'd also check everything rubber in the car and replace all the fluids.

    Enjoy

    Scottie
     
  5. BwanaJoe

    BwanaJoe Formula 3

    Oct 23, 2006
    1,764
    Former Space Coast
    Full Name:
    Joe Burlein
    #5 BwanaJoe, Mar 7, 2007
    To summarize from the 308 threads:

    Read the owner's manual (Can get one from the Ferrari Owners site).

    Change the cam belts and tensioners, the fuel lines, the oil, the diff/tran fluid, brake fluid, the spark plugs, coolant, and all the filters. Get the valves adjusted. Basically do everything on the list in the manual since you don't have a history since 89. Install BIRDMAN's fuse blocks. Go to the 308 section and read the stickies. DON'T ask about cam belts changes (Ferrari says every 3 years now) or RIFLEMAN will hunt you down and hurt you. Check to see how old your tires are, and change them if they are more than 5ish years old.

    And, after the above, drive her often, they like it better that way.

    Use search (and tell them that you did in posts) or the Search Nazis will get you.

    Oh, and welcome aboard. If you are in the Cocoa area, drop me a line.
     
  6. RAMMER

    RAMMER Formula 3

    Feb 20, 2004
    1,187
    Miami
    Full Name:
    Rammer
    #6 RAMMER, Mar 7, 2007
    You need a major service ASAP! Its about $3-4,000 unless you can do it yourself. It is about $1000 for the parts. You can also just change the belts for about $1200 and this will give you some peace of mind. Remember that if they snap you could have over $10,000 in engine damage.
     
  7. Cavallino Motors

    Cavallino Motors F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    May 31, 2001
    14,143
    Florida or Argentina
    Full Name:
    Martin W.
    #7 Cavallino Motors, Mar 8, 2007
    engine damage is actually higher than $10,000, a lot higher.

    Get the belt service done and all fluids changed. Have all parts lubricated and all rubber hoses checked. Oil change is a must.

    Luciano in Sarasota will be able to help you, they know 308s in and out.
     

Share This Page