What all to do in a PPI? | FerrariChat
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What all to do in a PPI?

Discussion in '308/328' started by Jeebs, Feb 3, 2005.

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  1. Jeebs

    Jeebs Rookie

    Feb 3, 2005
    4
    Pensacola, FL
    Full Name:
    Jeebs
    #1 Jeebs, Feb 3, 2005
    I want to have a PPI done on the Mondial mentioned in another thread I am considering buying. Problem is, there is not a Ferrari dealer anywhere close to where the car is located, and no specialists that I know of. What all is included in a typical Ferrari PPI for these cars? I would assume compression and leak-down testing, oil pressures, listening for any "noises of doom" coming from the engine, and a thorough visual checking of things. What all else is invloved, and what in particular to an early Mondial should I be looking for? Thanks so much guys!
     
  2. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jan 26, 2005
    22,596
    Gates Mills, Ohio
    Full Name:
    Jon
    #2 Bullfighter, Feb 3, 2005
    Jeebs,

    I'm kind of the same boat you are, looking to buy my first. One of the 308's I was looking at was for sale by a reputable high-end car showroom, but not a Ferrari dealer. I made some calls and found the recognized Ferrari mechanic in town (Cleveland, in this case.) He inspected the car for me, and as a bonus referred me to the best independent F-mechanic out in San Diego, where I live - valuable contact as I'll probably need this guy if/when I buy.

    I don't have a complete checklist for you.

    The independent in Cleveland charged $400 for a very thorough PPI, or as low as $100 for a walkaround and test drive (without compression/leakdown). Depending on how much peace of mind you want, that compression/leakdown test seems like your best insurance against the most expensive failure. I can handle a new clutch. Not sure I want to rebuild the engine a couple months after buying the car.

    FYI, Ferrari-Maserati of San Diego, near where I live, told me they no longer do PPIs - liability concerns. So being near a dealer isn't an automatic solution.

    I'm not the most experienced guy on this forum, but it seems to me you just need to find who the best independent mechanic is and start there, maybe through a post here called 'Need Ferrari mechanic near (your town)...'

    I've already talked to the independent mech. out here, for advice about what model and year to buy, how much a service would cost, etc. For cars as old as the Mondials, 308s and 328s, you're going to feel a lot more confident if you find the mechanic before the car, even if you plan to work on it yourself.

    Another note based on your other post - I'm very leery of cars with rust. I know, I live in California, so it's easy for me to say that, but if the credit-card sized corrosion is inside out, you're looking at getting the door stripped to bare metal and then repaired, or else maybe a new door skin. Can't argue with the price, but rust can be tenacious once it starts. Depending on what level you want to take the car to, it could take more restoration investment than the car's worth.

    Hope I didn't discourage you... this didn't sound too good but my experience with rusty cars (having lived in Ohio and watched cars disintegrate from the road salt) is pretty substantial!

    Jon
     

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