Content Wrapper

I am STILL doing the major service on my 88TR.....NO hurry. However, this thread applies to those that do their own major service, regardless of model.

One thing I noticed was that a fair number of bolts, and nuts, where partially stripped, due to the previous major services.........mine had 4-5.......ALL by a Ferrari dealer. It seems that someone didn't care about taking the time to make sure the nut was started properly.

Be prepared to get the following items: a set of metric taps and dies. I bought a metric tap and die set from Greenfield (the best).......however, I could only get a course set. Ferrari uses some course threads, but many are fine thread.........I then had to buy a number of individual HSS dies, and taps, (from Germany) from another source, due to the "fine" thread bolts, etc. I recommend only "high speed steel", and NOT those offered by Sears, Hansen, etc.......these are not the best!!!!!!.....they just don't last. While most of the nuts and bolts are not stripped, they ARE corroded, to some extent........using a tap, or die, does wonders to them on re-installation.

Another thing to buy is a Heli-Coil set. This is for the broken, and stripped studs, that one runs across. I just buy a kit, as needed, for the studs that need replacing, as I run across them. Eventually, I will have them all.

I also bought a number of different kinds of nuts, to replace all those that are rusty. One can't re-tap the lock-nuts, because the tap takes part of the nylon out........so these are just replaced, as needed. I buy the zinc coated ones.

RE Copper washers: Due to the age, I find it just easier to replace all that I run across. These can be obtained for MUCH less than those bought from Ferrari.

RE O-rings: I have ordered them from a Ferrari source........but, when then come in, I measure them, and order from a generic source, also metric, to keep on hand.

RE hoses: While they did not leak, upon removal, I couldn't believe how hard they where, from age..........I stepped on one, and it hardly bent!!!!!! It is best to replace these. The water hoses can be matched with regular hoses, while the fuel hoses, I prefer to buy the metric (thanks David........Jim is very knowledgeable, and helpful).

While looking at the bolts that hold the sub-frame, of the TR, in, I couldn't help but notice how a number of them are "junk". This is due to previous majors, where they where just "pounded out". I ordered generic replacements......these weren't cheap.......about $4 each, and the car uses 16 of them. I will replace those that are damaged.

All in all......doing the major, by oneself, is NOT for the faint of heart. However, if done right, it is ALWAYS better than the Ferrari dealership. Keep in mind that the dealer does NOT want to replace everything that is needed right then and there.........that is because he will have you back for the lesser items........items that will make him MORE money, than if he replaced them during the major.

To those that think that a Ferrari dealer will do a major better than the owner, I can only say; "You Are Wrong"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Of course, I am referring to the owner that does it RIGHT, and NOT to the one that just has to skimp, due to financial reasons........this type of owner is dangerous.