[scraggman]

I am looking to buy my first ferrari, a 1975 308 gt4.

Any ideas as to what I could expect to pay out for major services, eg cam belts etc?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[scraggman]

engine out ??

also, is it an engine out job to replace the cam belts?

 

[Magoo]

Scraggman, I guess I should let Peter GT4 answer this but he can add a lot more later on. Peter has done just about every type of maintenance on his GT4 including engine overhaul. To answer the basics of your questions I can tell you if you are not a DIY, Do It Yourself, kinda guy and you depend on the dealer for your services expect to "PAY." A major maintenance with timing belts, tensioners, valve adj, tuning the engine, carbs, timing, points plugs oil, filter change etc. These major services can run anywhere from 3500 upward to 5000 dollars depending on the dealer. If you can DIY, your costs will be much less. Yes the timing belts can be changed without removing the engine. One of the nice things about the 308s.

 

['75 308 GT4 (Peter)]

I can't really add more to what Magoo said. The only reason I have the Ferrari is I can work on it myself. If I relied on the dealer, it would've bankrupted me years ago.

If you need to see a shop for anything more than fluid changes, try independants first. They aren't cheap, but certainly less expensive than the dealer. It may be a GT4, but Ferrari shops charge the same, whether it is a lowly GT4 or a 250 GTO!

Looking for GT4's can be tedious. There are a number of bad cars out there, take any prospective car to a shop (Indie or dealer) for a thorough check. Buy the best you can afford and stay away from cheap cars (under $18000. Unless, you have a complete shop, skills and be prepared to do it ALL).

 

[scraggman]

Assuming adequate manuals are available, I reckon I should have no problem changing belts etc myself.

THe only previous experience I have is on vw beetles, so my experience could be described as somewhat limited.

I imagine that the engines themselves are pretty basic in todays terms, ie. no computers etc so good old fashioned tools can be used for the timing etc.

Parts wise, I'm led to believe that a few parts crossed over from the fiat models, so replacement shouldn't be to pricey.

My only concern really is the belt changes, though as long as there are clear line up markings I can't forsee too much of a problem.

Thanks for your help!

 

[Magoo]

If you have mecanical knowledge, the correct workshop manuals and have had experience changing timing belts before you should not have a problem. Don't expect Fiat parts to bail you out often. You have to get the best prices on Ferrari parts and there are members on this site including myself who can help you with the best parts prices