mjfeeney said:
Thanks for the warm welcome. After looking at $5k clutch kits and such, I figure you probably wouldn't save any significant money by going outside of the dealer anyway.
Hi Mike,
On the contrary, very significant savings can be realized by ordering through many non-dealer distributors. T. Rutlands provides many items for far less than a dealer like rebuilt 308 long blocks for 7800.00 USD, rebuilt steering racks for 599.00 instead of the usual 1000.00 plus or even little things like electric window switches for 34.00 instead of double that elsewhere. A clutch kit for a 308/Mondial should be well under 1000.00 as opposed to the 5,000.00 you've seen.
Owning an older Fcar is advantagous in terms of aftermarket and nondealer OEM/NOS parts and prices. Most of my club members with the older cars will go anywhere BUT the dealer and get the part in half the time for half the price.
When it comes to Ferrari unique parts that can be had nowhere but from the dealer I would say FerrariUK can't be beat! Where do you think the dealers get their parts? Either there or from the factory.
For the sole purpose of sharing vital information and not to detract from this site in anyway, here is a link to some reputable and fair sources for Ferrari parts and services.
http://www.ferrarichat.com/sponsors.htm
Please note; For those of you in Europe or Asia, this is also a good source for parts at reasonable prices.
http://www.andale.com/stores/sf_home.jsp?mode=1&sfUrl=hgparts
Don't be afraid of a well maintained Ferrari. In many cases the parts are no more expensive than those for a new BMW, Acura or Lexus, sometimes less..
Another note about engine fires, usually fires on the older mid-engined Ferraris are caused by dried out and cracked fuel and vent hoses that are 20 or 25 years old. Change them and the chance of fire is EXTEMELY LOW.
I carry a Halon extinguisher behind my seat and a 5 lb ABC in the rear trunk for the worst scenario.
If you want to talk more feel free to PM me!