308/328 Owners.

External Since: Feb 19, 2007 Posts: 1

Hi,

I was planning to purchase a new C6 corvette but I recently
encountered a pretty nice 87' 328 Ferrari. Its just had its 30,000
mile tune-up at some considerable cost. I realize as far as
performance goes its nothing spectacular, but surely its one of the
prettiest cars ever created including other more expensive Ferraris.

I was curious, what sort of maintence costs does the typical 328 owner
experience? I plan on putting about 3000 km or so on it during the
summer. From what I've read its an typical interference engine and as
such needs regular timing belt changes and valve adjustments. Anything
else?

Thanks

Chris

External Since: Mar 28, 2005 Posts: 200

<machinamentum.RemoveThis@gmail.com> wrote

> I was curious, what sort of maintence costs does the typical 328 owner
> experience? I plan on putting about 3000 km or so on it during the
> summer. From what I've read its an typical interference engine and as
> such needs regular timing belt changes and valve adjustments. Anything
> else?

I'm not aware of them needing regular valve adjustments, but then perhaps
the good people that service mine do it and don't say. Belts are every other
major service, though in theory with contemporary belt materials they should
last longer (I wouldn't take the risk). At around £1500 ($3000) for a
typical major service (the price list always says about half of that, but
'there's always something' with cars this old) they are among the lowest
cost Ferraris to own, but when parts are needed (unless you can get
re-furbished items) you are in for the same sort of costs as parts for a
430. Fortunately independent garages, owner's clubs and others can take keep
the costs down.

A couple of the more technically capable people in this group service their
own 308/328s (to varying degrees) and I understand that basic tasks are
do-able if you know what you're doing, are brave, or simply foolish.

Even the youngest 328s are a couple of decades old, so
suspension/joints/bushes/etc will need looking at, and of course there may
be something lurking below the paint
http://sky.prohosting.com/mcpd/Photos/respray/respray.htm

A Corvette is car, a Ferrari is a legend. Buy one and you will never regret
it.

-Paul