Kent High Performance for major service?

My 1998 355 Spider is due for its engine out service in a couple of months. Is there anyone out here who has had this work done by Kent High Performance (The Ferrari Centre) in Maidstone? I am located in Bruges, Belgium, only a couple of hours away from Kent High Performance. Last year I paid them a visit and they seemed to be very well equipped to do the job. I would love to hear some recommendations before handing over my beloved toy. Also, what would be a good ballpark figure for a major service with them?

Thanks for the feedback.
Rik Gruwez
Bruges, Belgium

 

Thanks for the feedback, Greyboxer.
Verdi's pricing is very reasonable, IMHO. In any event, a lot cheaper than what the official Ferrari dealership here in Belgium charges for this job. I visited Verdi's last year. Karl told me they do not take the engine out to change the cambelts. At KHPC they told me they always take the engine out to do the cambelt job. They say it can be done with the engine in the car, but it is a whole lot more cumbersome. Do you know if KHPC's pricing is similar to what Verdi charges?

As to getting back to Belgium, yes I had factored in the two returns trips. We would probably make two weekend breaks out of it. Drop off the car at KPHC on Friday afternoon, spend the weekend in the south or London using my wife's chase car and return home. Pick up the 355 one or two weeks later when it is done.

 

Thanks for the recommendations. Kent High Performance it shall be then.
Regards,
Rik Gruwez
Brugge, Belgium

 

Derek,
Thanks for the heads up on Grimaldi. I never heard from them before, so it is always interesting to receive this kind of information. They are bit further away from me then KHPC, but still not too far to make it unfeasible.
Regards,
Rik

 

OK, guys, you are not making this any easier for me. ;-)

Is there any reason why I should NOT choose KHPC and head to Grimaldi. KHPC is more conveniently located for me. If there service is at the same level as Grimaldi's, I do not see the point in driving that much further to drop off the 355. You can send me a PM if you prefer to oust your opinions in private.

Regards,
Rik

 

Thanks! I will contact both KHPC as well as a Grimaldi. Perhaps make an exploratory trip to Grimaldi to have a chat with them. Always a good excuse to get the 355 out for exercise. ;-)
Regards,
Rik

 

Hi Chris,
Thanks for the advice. However, the only ferry going to Harwich leaves from Hoek van Holland (Hook of Holland), which is three hours from where I live. It takes me only one hour to drive to Calais and then another 45 minutes to get to Folkestone. Furthermore the ferry crossing from Hoek van Holland to Harwich takes between 6 and 8 hours. I think driving to Grimaldi will be the quickest.

Regards,
Rik

 

Thanks Neil,
That's another possibility. QV are the guys that got me a replacement exhaust manifold in no time flat last year when the passenger side one on my 355 blew a leak. Anyone else using QV for their Ferrari maintenance? I have checked their site and their prices are reasonable.

Regards,
Rik