Nate did an amazing job on this C/4 engine, after being apart for a number of years he went through all the boxes and created this 4 overhead camshaft monster. He did a great job on detailing the engine too, all the parts are plated in the correct finishes and his wrinkle finish on the cam covers is outstanding.  These engines have so many castings that bolt together and are sealed with some flimsy paper, it takes a pro to seal these things and there isn’t a drop under this engine.

Signs of things to come. Later we found 35˚F temps and 7" of snow

After a drive to Long Island to pick up cars, and Philadelphia to drop off an incredible Velocette Thruxton motorbike, we finally made it to Hot Springs, Virginia and the colossal hotel resort, The Homestead. The hotel is rich with history and while lobby alone is massive, a series of parlor rooms runs its length such that any small group can get away and feel as if they have their own private space. (Gallery after the jump) » Continue reading “Mountain Mille – Day 1″

Last week I visited a friend and drove this amazing 1971 Ferrari 356 GTB/4 Daytona around town and was blown away at how nicely it performed. The odometer shows around 20,000 miles and based on the overall condition of the number of original components, I believe it. Since the car has had one conscientious owner for over 30 years it has a complete handbook set and full tool roll and has been serviced to make sure its in top condition at all times. Most Daytona’s are missing the original Magnetti-Marelli ignition boxes or Digi-Plex units but this car has them fitted on the front wheel arches in the engine bay.  My friend is selling the car so if you are interested let me know and I can make arrangements to have available for viewing.

Daytona

We cleaned out the attic over the holiday and discovered a number of items that we’ll be putting on eBay in the coming weeks. Currently listed are a Bosch Voltage Regulator (black box BOSCH) 6v 12v volt for returning your classic back to the original configuration – or just the look.

A Ferrari Bonaldi Brake Booster for rebuild will only stop you in your tracks in it’s current condition – not working – but in very nice cosmetic shape.

A rare Ferrari 275 GTB and GTB/4 Egg-Crate Grille Brandoli reproduction isn’t easy to come by and is in good condition.

Marchall 660 Fog Lights for Ferrari 250, 225, 212, 166 will actually look at home on a variety of other cars including Porsche 356, Mercedes 300, etc.

Still looking for someone to explain to us why Ferrari went from the compact light weight and wonderful shifting transmissions in the early 166/195/212/225 cars to enormous and heavy cast iron transmissions on the later 250/330/365′s. Here are photos of the 330 2+2 5-speed and a 166 5 speed. There is about 100 lbs difference in weight and a considerable size difference. Did Ferrari use some truck or tractor transmission for these later cars?

The blue 330 GT 2+2 that came in earlier this year ended up needing an engine overhaul but I was fortunate to be able to drive the car prior to breaking it down. The transmission shifted perfectly but on acceleration/deceleration the shift lever moved back and forth significantly. As some may remember, this same thing happened to a 330 GTC transmission a few years ago and it turned out to be a loose ring nut on the main shaft.

I was certain that we had the same issue on this 330 2+2 and when I took off the top cover, it was instantly obvious that the ring nuts at the back of the main shaft holding the gear cluster on were totally backed off. They are doubled up to jamb together to prevent loosening plus there is a locking tab for extra protection on backing off… but still, someone managed to mess this up. Thankfully no damage was done to the internals.

Huge Ferrari transmission

Early Ferrari 5 speed aluminum transmission

loose ring nuts on a Ferrari transmission

Here is a recent shot that I took at the shop.

The Blue Boxer is finished right now after a full re-paint, new adjustable ride height shocks and a major service.

The 166 is getting ready for assembly to make sure all of the trim fits and panel fit.

The 365 GTC/4 on the lift it getting closer to finalize the restoration. We are making sure all of the electrical things work and just sent the ignition key steering lock off to have a new key made after breaking the old one in the switch.

The Daytona was painted and assembled by another shop but came to us to diagnose a poor running condition.

I have never advertised anywhere that I make Air Conditioning systems for Ferraris but somehow people continue to contact me to build a system for them.

A man in CA. heard that I have the jigs and know how to get all of the parts to equip his car with a very original style system with the original type hose ends and cotton braided hose. We also built brackets for the original style York compressor. Through various contacts, I located all of these parts, sent many things off for cadmium plating and sent off a diagram on how to wire everything and route the hoses and wires.

One thing that is missing to complete a system are the dashboard vents that double as temperature switch and fan speed switch. I am in the process of tooling up to re-make these vents and knobs that will work with modern replacement switches.

If you know anyone who needs these vents let me know. It will cost a small fortune to make the molds for these and I will also have to make the chrome trim pieces so I would like to have some interest to help out with the cost.

OK, the wait is over, the HP and torque results for the 3 Ferraris was as follows.

330 GTC. 287 HP and 284 Torque. See the video here.

Daytona Coupe 337 HP 315 Torque. See the video here.

365 Berlinetta Boxer 328 HP and 288 torque. See the video here.

I will work to put the graphs on the blog later this week so you can see the HP and torque curves. It was interesting to see the peak torque curve on the BB to be at under 4000RPM!

Here is the third and final car on the chassis dyno. An early production Daytona.

Power specs here!