I purchased BAT 1987 TR. Would like some advice from the group

1-No, have it done by YOUR mechanic so u get to know the car
2-Yes- but get the car inspected first. The car isn’t going to explode because the belts are due. Strong chance they are fine but I’d have my mechanic look at it first and tell me what he thinks of the cars
3-Plenty of threads on there. U can do just the belts but usually there are plenty of other things to be tackled.

Good luck!


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on caveat on question 1) depends on where you are in Florida and where the car is now. if you are 150 miles away from a quality shop and the car is in the NYC metro area i wld have one of the well respected shop there do it. if you have a very trusted and convenient shop locally then get the car and go crazy.

 

I wait until 8-10 years for a belt change. Sonething else usually breaks first and at that time I change the belts.
Read the service intervals in a testarossa owner's manual, you will learn a lot.
Cars don't seem to care whether you're going 20 mph or 150 so, driving along at 20 is not the answer.
Get the car home and figure out everything you need to get done. You could end up with a lot of redundant labor cost.

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^— agree w/ what Nat said

 

Question 1. Are you current owner of some type of exotic car and do you have a relationship with a indy near you, or know of one?
2. If you have a good indy near you, ship it directly to him. Even if it needs nothing, you can have him evaluate it.
3. As far as the engine out service the question is of those 1500 miles and when were they put on the car. If you drive it 1500 miles and then let it set for 4 1/2 years I would be more worried. (I wonder under what conditions the PO stored the car)
4. Finally I would probably do the engine out near me and now, because your local indy should give you some type of warrantee on the work and if there is a problem you do not want to ship it back north.
5. If you have the work done now it will relieve all the stress about driving an unknow history and you can enjoy the car totally. Besides you will probably own the TR for a few years and it will eventually if not sooner need to be done before you sell it.
6. Fix and drive it like you stole it!

 

If you're planning on keeping it for a while I'd have it shipped first so you can develop a relationship with a local shop.

 

Congrats on the purchase!!

 

For older cars i prefer independents. Im sure if you search in the Florida section you will find all the recommendations you need.

 

You can go to Ferrari of central Florida they work with Tampa bay. I’d go independent too.


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+1

 

Better to have it done near you, then you can see and decide what other things to do when engine is out. Detailing engine bay, all new hoses, etc. Not much risk of belt breaking at all. Even one or two cogs broken would not do anything, and most have never heard of a belt breaking other than some obstruction. Idler pulleys may need cleaning/replacing if any corrosion.

 

Get the car shipped to you and take it out for a drive after warming it up for awhile. I also have an 87 no where near as nice as the car you bought. Tons of oil to warm up. Before taking it out while it is warming up in your driveway look underneath and see if any fluids are leaking. Test the emergency brake and see if it works. To release the brake you will need to push and hold the button in and pull it back tighter and then while button is held pushed in push the brake handle down. If nothing dramatic is leaking then take it out. Get a small fire extinguisher and put it in the car behind the seats. Take a nice easy drive and get use to it and look at all the gauges as far as oil pressure and water temperature. The transmissions can take a bit getting use to. Don't try to speed shift it.. Putting the car in reverse can take a bit of effort as far as pushing down the shifter. When you get back you might then have an idea if anything needs to be done. Probably nothing needs to be done. I was watching your car on BAT and it looks awesome and clean. You will be fine and don't need to over react to servicing it immediately. Drive it!!!!

 

Is this the car that was serviced in 2014 by an the indy GT Motorsports?
If so, it was worked on by the owner Al Pinkowsky.
Al did the work on my white TR and has a fantastic long term reputation here in the Midwest. Well known guy and a straight shooter.
I would not hesitate to use him. And his prices are incredibly fair!

 

You WILL have problems in Florida eventually! These are 30-year-old Italian cars LOL!!
In the meantime, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to phone Al and ask him if he’s looked at the car lately. Perhaps he can give you some guidance as to what needs to be done on it.

 

Great to hear! Welcome to the TR world.

 

They are really good cars if the maintenance has been kept up. I bought mine back late 2018 and the major was due immediately by time only. It had been 5 years since last major. I recently did the major from a local guy. I will also tell you I haven’t had one problem with the car other than squeaky brakes which I had repaired the first month of ownership. Runs perfect with no problems. I’m very happy and I’m sure you will be too.

 

Zeff, Its always easy when you buy a platinum car to start with!! LOL On the other hand I bought a car with a lot of needs, but the journey has been enlightening and fun. I feel like I really know the car now. However, the next time I will buy a platinum car because they both cost the same in the end!!!

 

when you buy a platinum car you not know as much from the car as you know now from yours

 

Congrats, you will love the car. It looked great.

Mind you, creep of scope could be coming....well while you're in there the "xxx" is showing some wear, let's add that to the list, etc.... It'll add value to the car to have it done and let you just enjoy it. Penny wise during a motor out is pound foolish later. I recommend letting them do whatever it needs while it is apart.

My car arrived on a Saturday, I dropped the driveline on Tuesday. Belts only, initially but within the period of a few hours I had a grocery list of stuff it needed. Due to time it all had to go back together and dealt with in ANOTHER motor out service 8 months later...no gain in being "efficient" up front.

This forum is a blessing to an owner. I have learned so much and hopefully offered some good advice along the way. You'll see stories about rear differentials, input shafts and clutches that will scare you to death. They are real issues but you'll sort out in time. To many good years of enjoyment for you, Cheers! You'll be one of a few in your area for sure. Most of the time Ferrari's get together you'll be the ONLY Testarossa!