Someone explain Ferraris to me...

[Neutron]

What's with the EXPENSIVE service intervals? Do they have timing chains made out of plastic? I mean the Z06 runs circles around most of them and has nothing like this in the least..

Edumacate me cuz I really don't know...

[jeff w]

At least for the mid engined cars the shop drops the motor to do just about any service. Since it's a ferrari they can charge and arm and a leg for it too.

[Neutron]

Originally Posted by jeff w

At least for the mid engined cars the shop drops the motor to do just about any service. Since it's a ferrari they can charge and arm and a leg for it too.

Sounds like a design flaw to me.

[jeff w]

Originally Posted by Neutron

Sounds like a design flaw to me.

The mid engined porsches are the same way

[Neutron]

Originally Posted by jeff w

The mid engined porsches are the same way

I think they are officially REAR engined and I've never heard of them having as EXPENSIVE service as F-Cars...

[jeff w]

Originally Posted by Neutron

I think they are officially REAR engined and I've never heard of them having as EXPENSIVE service as F-Cars...

prolly true on both accounts. the F-cars high service cost is most likely because they can get away with it.

[Neutron]

Originally Posted by jeff w

prolly true on both accounts. the F-cars high service cost is most likely because they can get away with it.

I find this hard to believe.

Rich people didn't get rich by blowing their cash on unsubstantiated expenses.

[jeff w]

Originally Posted by Neutron

I find this hard to believe.

Rich people didn't get rich by blowing their cash on unsubstantiated expenses.

From a quick google search

Having worked on Ferrari's for the past 25 years I sure see alot of bad information 5k is not a simple tune up. If people maintained their Alfa's like ferrari's are they would be spending much more on them.
From Ferrari chat


(All prices are approximations; prices include appropriate parts and labor)

*15,000 mile (MINOR) Service for 308's, 328's, Mondial 3.2's, & QV's = $1195.00
(348's and Mondial t's are $1495.00 & F355's are $1995.00 due to parts cost and added labor)

{Documentation of every service comes complete with full write-up, pictures, and receipts for your records}

-Replace Spark Plugs (NGK or Bosch)
-Change Oil and install new Filter
-Replace Air Filter
-Change Transaxle Gear Fluid
-Replace Fuel Filter(s)
-Bleed Brake Lines
-Replace entire 3 gallons of Coolant
-Replace A/C Belt
-Replace Alternator Belt
-Replace Water Pump Belt
-Check Lambda System
-Check Fuel Injection System
-Check Air Conditioning System (possibly pressures)
-Inspect Distributor Caps / Rotors / Ignition Wires
-Inspect all Bulbs
-Inspect all Motors
-Pressurize Coolant System (check for leaks, replace hose(s) if necessary
-Check CV Boots
-Thorough Inspection of entire car



*30,000 mile (MAJOR) Service for 308's, 328's, Mondial 3.2's & QV's = $2995.00
(348's are $3995.00 and Mondial t's & F355's are $4995.00 due to parts cost, engine removal, etc.)

{Documentation of every Major Service comes complete with a full write-up, pictures, and all receipts for your records}

-Replace Spark Plugs (NGK or Bosch)
-Replace Timing Belts and Tensioner Bearings
-Replace Cam Seals and Housing O-Rings
-Replace Valve Cover Gaskets
-Replace Distributor Seals and Housing Gaskets
-Replace Distributor Cap Gaskets
-Replace Cam End Cover Gaskets
-Replace Air Filter
-Replace Fuel Filter(s)
-Replace A/C Belt
-Replace Alternator / Water Pump Belt
-Adjust Valves (where applicable)
-Torque Cam Journals
-Torque Heads (check only)
-Set Timing
-Bleed Brake Lines
-Change Oil and New Filter
-Change Transaxle Gear Fluid
-Replace Coolant
-Inspection/Service of Air Conditioning System (recharge "R12" extra on 308's/348's but "R134" is included on F355's)
-Inspect all Lines (fuel, oil, water) and replace if necessary (extra charge for parts)
-Check of Lambda System and Bosch Fuel Injection System (make adjustments if necessary)
-Clean Engine Compartment
-Pressurize Coolant System, check for leaks
-Inspect CV Boots
-Inspect Fuse Panel
-Inspect Tires / Adj. Tire pressure

{The items below are inspected and advised to the customer at no charge. If any item(s) require service, the customer will be advised of the cost.

-Inspect Water Pump
-Inspect all Seals (shift shaft, main, timing gear assy)
-Inspect Ignition Wires / Caps / Rotors
-Inspect all Bulbs, Lights, Electrical Motors
-Inspect Clutch Pedal play (adjustment setting if necessary)
-Inspect all Suspension Bushings / Connections
-Inspect all Exhaust Joints / Connections for leaks
-Inspect Brake Pads and Discs
-Inspect Wheel Bearings



*3 Year (Timing Belt Change Only) Timing Belt Service for 360 Modena's = $1595.00

{Documentation of every service comes complete with full write-up, pictures, and receipts for your records}

-Change Both Timing Belts
-Set Timing Belt Tension (reset tensioners)
-Check/Set Cam Timing
-Replace all Accessory Belts
-Inspect Idler Bearings
-Change Coolant



*30,000 mile (MAJOR) Service for 360 Modena's = $2995.00

{Documentation of every service comes complete with full write-up, pictures, and receipts for your records}

-Change Both Timing Belts
-Set Timing Belt Tension (reset tensioners)
-Check/Set Cam Timing
-Replace all Accessory Belts
-Replace Both Idler Bearings
-Change Oil and Filter (incl. cleaning screen)
-Change Gear Oil (incl. cleaning screen)
-Change Air Filters
-Change F1 Pump Fluid (if applicable)
-Change Brake Fluid
-Change Coolant
-Change Spark Plugs
-Check R134 Pressures
-Inspect Brakes
-Inspect Hoses
-Check Power Steering Fluid
-Check Alternator
-Inspect all Lines (fuel, oil, water) and replace if necessary (extra charge for parts)
-Check Oxygen Sensors
-Clean Engine Compartment
-Pressurize Coolant System, check for leaks
-Inspect CV Boots
-Inspect Fuse Panels
-Inspect Tires / Adj. Tire pressure
-Inspect Water Pump
-Inspect all Seals
-Inspect Ignition Wires
-Inspect all Bulbs, Lights, Electrical Motors
-Inspect all Suspension Bushings / Connections
-Inspect all Exhaust Joints / Connections for leaks

[Y2Kvert4me]

Originally Posted by Neutron

I find this hard to believe.

Rich people didn't get rich by blowing their cash on unsubstantiated expenses.

No, but once rich, they do indulge in their toys.


I guess the simplest way to say it is expect the cost of ownership to be in proportion to the cost of admission.


Ferrari's have become MUCH better than they were in terms of service requirements (starting with the F360)...but the cost of the knowledgeable mechanic, and the cost of parts contiue to be quite high.

[Neutron]

Originally Posted by Y2Kvert4me

No, but once rich, they do indulge in their toys.


I guess the simplest way to say it is expect the cost of ownership to be in proportion to the cost of admission.


Ferrari's have become MUCH better than they were in terms of service requirements (starting with the F360)...but the cost of the knowledgeable mechanic, and the cost of parts contiue to be quite high.

Another example is Lamborghini. The Gallardo is an exotic that runs circles around most F-cars and doesn't have these extravagant service needs..

[jeff w]

Originally Posted by Neutron

Another example is Lamborghini. The Gallardo is an exotic that runs circles around most F-cars and doesn't have these extravagant service needs..

It doesn't? I would figure it would.

[Neutron]

Originally Posted by jeff w

From a quick google search

Needs a new timing belt every 3 years? WHY??

[jeff w]

Originally Posted by Neutron

Needs a new timing belt every 3 years? WHY??

Could be the material they use, I don't really know. When I was looking at 944 turbos I found that the timing belt needs to be checked 4 times per service interval and the tool to check belt tension could only be purchased thru porsche for $500.

[Neutron]

Originally Posted by jeff w

Could be the material they use, I don't really know. When I was looking at 944 turbos I found that the timing belt needs to be checked 4 times per service interval and the tool to check belt tension could only be purchased thru porsche for $500.

Maybe they need to backwards engineer a new Lambo.

[zz4vetteguy]

Hit up LeeC4ce he is knowledgeable in the way of the Ferrari.

He spent a couple seasons on the pit crew for Ferrari of Washington and knows a little about the cars, and knows (and introduced me) to people who know a LOT about the cars.

Here is a little behind the scenes of Ferrari/Lamborghini/Maserati of Washington





Ferrari wheels anyone?

[Neutron]

w00t. Very pics.

[Y2Kvert4me]

Originally Posted by Neutron

Needs a new timing belt every 3 years? WHY??

Because if you think routine service is expensive, you don't want to know what a broken belt in an Italian engine with 48 valves will run you.


FWIW, I do have a bit of experience with the cars, as my boss was a big collector of them. F40, F50, GTB/4 Daytona, some 60's Testarossa race cars. A 360 spyder for a DD. I did some routine maintenance on them, but for the serious work, they were transported out to a real F-car mechanic (not any around here...Chicago area is about the closest)

Unfortunately, his age and health got the best of him, and he sold off the collection a few years back. Right about the time he had an Enzo on order (but canceled), and was also looking at an authentic 250 GTO (that one I got to see, but he didn't buy it).


The Gallardo is just an a rebodied Audi...It really cheapened the exoticness of Lambo IMO. And Like I said, the newer F-cars...360,430 really aren't so bad on the maintenance service costs. They did make the cars more reliable and easier to service, but the Italian parts will never be had cheap.

[Neutron]

So Ferrari is trying to make their cars less costly to maintain, eh.. Sounds like they're playing catch-up with Lamborghini..

[Y2Kvert4me]

Originally Posted by Neutron

So Ferrari is trying to make their cars less costly to maintain, eh.. Sounds like they're playing catch-up with Lamborghini..

Sounds like they haven't been bought by a mass-production car company.

[Neutron]

Originally Posted by Y2Kvert4me

Sounds like they haven't been bought by a mass-production car company.

Still by many people Lamborghini is a more exotic and better car.

I'm one of them.

Maybe Ferrari needs to get bought out to improve their cars.