Driving, running & servicing - 360ngt, 430gt2, 458gt3

[mrt1040]

Hi Everyone,

My names Mark, this is my first post on your forum.

So I'm looking into buying an ex-Ferrari race car for track day use, I'm trying to decide between 360 ngt/gt/gtc, 430 GT2 or finally a 458 GT3. I was wondering if anyone on here can advise on what they're like run, maintain and drive. I can't find definitive info regarding engine, gearbox etc rebuild milage intervals and costs. Is it only Michelotto who can carry out the rebuilds?

I found the article on here talking about the 360 ngt #2028 and it mentions the 360 needs and engine rebuild every 5000kms, and that's done at Michelotto in Italy. Is that correct?

I really appreciate any help and advice you can spare.

Thanks Mark

[challenger24]

Hello Mark, first "welcom on board"!

Good question, will answer later what I think, but I am sure you will get a lot qualified opinions

[mrt1040]

Thanks Challenger24
Looking forward to the replies, and owning one of these cars soon

[challenger24]

Here is all you need

360 GT, 458 GT2, 458 GT3, 348 CH, 355 CH

[Chrixxx]

Hello Mark
Welcome and let me try to give you some feedback based on my experience. You mentioned 3 of the most exciting Ferrari GT racecars but you need to be aware that its not a arrive, turning the key and drive. These Cars are real race cars with all the advantages and disadvantages.

I have extensively raced 458 GTE and 458 GT3. I also have experience with the 430 GT2. No 360 GTC but this car and the parts are rare so i wouldn't recommend it for track days.

360 NGT and GTC are the ones less developed as this project was some kind of initial fire for Ferraris V8 GT Program with Michelotto (after the F40 era) for customer cars. The real NGT and GTC cars need engine rebuild after 5k KM so do 430GT2 and also 458GTE. These are Pro Cars for Pro Drivers maintained by Pro Teams with Budget.. its not only engine, its also Gearbox, Driveshafts etc which needs to be replaced and maintained constantly. Calculate running costs of 40-50eur per kilometer and u are on the safe side.

The 430GT2 also has manual sequential gearshift. Easy to do mistakes and if u r not experienced you will be slow but spend like hell.

458 GT3 is easier to manage. Costs are less than half, laptimes equal to GT2/E but also here i highly recommend to get support from a race team. If u do on your own you are not focussed on driving. Sometimes there's an alarm light in the cockpit and u simply ask ur engineer what to do by radio. If you on your own i might stop the car without knowing what to do.

Dont let anyone touch your car without experience nor let anyone rebuild engines which is not Michelotto. You simply destroy the value of the car. Especially the GT2/GTE cars are increasing in value and the Michelotto logo on the rebuild bill is mandatory.

You didn't mentioned 458 Challenge so I don't recommend it as this could be a track toy as well. But its not a race GT car they way I think you're looking for.

Where you based Mark? We do alot of tests / racing in europe and u might want to spend a few hours in our garage for i can show u what you need to know?

[mrt1040]

Challenger24 I'd take one of each if I could

Thanks for the reply Chrixxx. I'm U.K. based, 10 mins from Silverstone.

The reason I'm only looking at race cars, is this is a bit of an investment as well and I think they'd make a better long term prospect. I'm not looking to race the car, just drive it on track days (slowly I imagine )

Do you know what a 5000km engine rebuild costs on the 360/430? I'm guessing I should be ok getting transmission rebuilds in the U.K. If I'm honest I thought the older cars would be simpler to run and maintain as they'd have less systems on them. They also seem to have more racing history then the more modern 458 gt3's.

I read on an 458 gt3 for sale ad that the engine only needs rebuilding every 15000kms is that correct? The thing that concerns me most about the newer cars, is how complex the electrical systems are, and hard they might be to diagnose and repair if you encounter problems.

Cheers

Mark

[Chrixxx]

Mark, we're testing next Monday (08.05) in Silverstone. If you can pass by I'll show you around. We also race there 13./14.05. some of our staff has technical background on all of the cars u consider. They can answer your questions

Just come to the AF Corse Pits and look for the fluo red 458 GT3

[mrt1040]

Hi Chrixxx,

If you're sure its not a problem, I'd love to come over and take a look at you're GT3 on Monday while you're testing.

Thanks

Mark

[challenger24]

I think it's always a question what you want to do. Engine rebuilt is not a problem, most of the cars are built for long distance racing, so if you only do trackdays is not a problem. Chrixxx?

Greetings from Vienna

[Chrixxx]

Hi Chrixxx,

If you're sure its not a problem, I'd love to come over and take a look at you're GT3 on Monday while you're testing.

Thanks

Mark

PM sent