F40 Mileage and Engine Rebuilds

Some people on here over use the term "rebuild". A true rebuild is machine work, crank work, rings, bearings etc, etc. A major service, which is closer to what an F40 might need is not the same. Either way, you have to remember the F40 engine is not typical. So it will require more "work". I say go for it, you will love it!

 

I don't really understand the question: I bought my first F40 with 5000 km, I made within two years 20000 km with it, both on tracks and on the road, even using it for some events everywhere in France or luxemburg at this time, never any problems (excepting normal works such as one turbo, tyres, one bearing on a rear wheel,... normal mecanical set up).

I sold it after a clear and complete inspection done by a weel knowned expert (putting some post here sometimes): no problems.

I really think that in US, a lot are buying cars to put them in the garage thinking to resell it one day for a better price, I really consider a car as a car, and a ferrari to be used on roads and tracks, it has been designed for that, so no problem to use them, same as a plane, you just have to change pieces sometimes!

Enjoy your car and life, and stop to think about their value in few years!

c'est la vie!

 

At about 8k miles mine was showing 2 worn valve guides, so I would say a valve job may be in order. The valve guides in the F40 are not the sintered steel ones like in the 360s. Compression/leakdown with heads off was very good, so rings were fine. I suspect a lot can vary depending on how long the car sat, my car had good miles but were put on very early, then the car sat for awhile, so mileage may not be the best indicator of regular use. Also if the previous owners redlined the car a lot then I suspect the valve guides wear out sooner? A car that sits a long time ends up with dripping injectors, and the unburnt fuel in the cylinders can cause problems with the cylinder walls and rings over time.

So I guess there is no easy answer. I suppose if it was owned by a little old lady that warmed it up properly every time, only drove it to the corner grocery store every week end, then it could last 50k miles or even more. On the other hand ..

 

Drew: It was Steve Hill who posted this, and as I recall he was told this by engineers at Maranello.

Perhaps Steve will chime in...

 

I should further point out that I am very sure the engineers were suggesting this from experience as this was told him in recent times I think.

However, I am quite sure they meant this with regard to an F40 engine being used as many are in Europe: hard & fast!

 

as it should be!

 

I would imagine, as frefan has alluded, that "it depends."

That being said, constant use (heavy or otherwise) is always goign to be best for the car. With the right kind of use (and this doesn't preclude really jamming on the car), everything I've learned would suggest that you do not need to anything close to a rebuild at the 15k iteration.

 

I'd think warm-up and shut-down tumes would be a major influence on the engine life of any turbo charged car.
Lots of folks like to just turn on and go but don't realize that special care prior and after are required.
Use the time wisely for your pre-flight, check the tires, steering check, do a once over, etc.

 

I suppose.

The FXX cars are having engine rebuilds at 6k...

 

Interesting (I didn't know that), but relevant?

 

Roll Tide!

 

LOL, I agree not really relevant with the twin-turbo'ed V8 of the F40.

And I do think 15k is a bit low! Ive owned cars on their original clutches after 30k miles. I am a real believer that some people take better care of these cars than others, and can nurse them along for many many miles. From startup procedure (as Scott Mac says), to warm-up, to operation of clutch & gearbox, shut-down, routine servicing etc, it all makes for HUGE variances from car-to-car...

 

Not surprising. The 360 GT's have rebuilds at 4000 km's under race conditions. Michelotto want $120k Aus for that so I wouldn't want to be paying the bill for an FXX rebuild!

 

Completely agree. Which is why it makes such a difference to track the cars that have great histories. As they say, no two are alike.

 

You have to "buy" the previous owner!

I note the car's home/surroundings, inspect the car, drive it, and review the records. All will speak to you and give great clues, providing you don't miss them! SPEAK to the previous owner whenever possible...