355 manifolds

[redwedge]

My 355 has a blowing manifold. They've been repaired in the past and now failed - the car's a keeper so I'm looking for a permanent solution. I like the look of the Tubis and the price of the Fabspeeds

Does anyone know of any other options (Ferrari replacements are out of the question), or can someone recommend a specialist who can fab suitable replacements?

[redwedge]

Thanks all for the swift replies. I've had a chance to do a bit more research and email ping pong today, and think I'll be going with Nouvolari, who can rebuild my original headers in 304 (all pipes replaced) and rewrap in the original heatshields for a reasonable cost. I think I'll slap a pair of their sports cats on while I'm at it.

The car is in JCT600 Ferrari in Leeds at the moment for its annual service (I know, but the price was barely higher than an indie and they are close to the car's winter resting place), I'm still waiting for them to get back to me with details of the rumoured "upgraded" Ferrari headers so I'm yet to discuss the options with them, wonder if they'll be happy to send the headers off for refurb or if I'll have to have the car trailered elsewhere...

[redwedge]

Because I know you're all on the edge of your seats and waiting for me to update this thread... after much research, I ended up going with JP Exhausts' refurb option, i.e. new pipes, bosses, flanges and air rails in 304, with the old heatshields welded back on. The price is listed on their website - it's quite a bit more than you remember stup!

The rumoured improvements to Ferrari's OEM headers are just that - a rumour - they're still made by Cadbury's and the current price for parts alone is six grand per pair.

Italia Autosport are doing the work and I have to say they have been first class so far, excellent communication, had the car on a transporter within hours of calling them and gave the car a thorough going over, picking up several small issues overlooked by a previous garage.

Edited by redwedge on Tuesday 8th July 21:14

[redwedge]

Thanks for the advice stup, but engine mounts were done last year when the engine was out... wish the headers had gone at the same time, would have saved quite a bit on labour!

It has been a fairly expensive couple of years where the car is concerned, mind you I've never looked to take short cuts and I don't feel particularly bad about it given the small appreciation in value since I bought it.

It's going to be a long 2 weeks!

[redwedge]

Just thought I would put a quick update on here as I picked the car up yesterday, having had the original melted headers sent to JP Exhausts to be rebuilt in 304. I can't recommend Autosport Italia highly enough - they understand what customer service is and Peter and John were a pleasure to deal with.

I've had the car out yesterday and today - it feels great and still sounds the same, so I'm happy. Also had new front drop links fitted which has cured low-speed rattling over bumps, and they have sorted out the previously weedy handbrake so that it actually holds the car on a hill now. More tellingly, they found (with no prompting from me) an aircon problem that two highly-regarded specialists previously had a go at fixing unsuccessfully, which turned out to be a missing seal.

Time to book a Eurotunnel ticket...