MajorCommonTransmission

Ferrari Dino: Stiff into second when cold, graunching when warm — worn synchros and an expensive rebuild

Stiff into second when cold, graunching when warm — worn synchros and an expensive rebuild is a common transmission fault on the Ferrari Dino on the 1969–1974 cars, and we rate it major. Putting it right costs $6,000 to $18,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 5 documented faults on the Ferrari Dino.

Vehicle: Ferrari Dino
Years: 1969–1974
Fuel: petrol
Gearbox: manual
System: Transmission

This page covers the Ferrari Dino as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All Ferrari Dino faults5 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

We do not hold a verified photograph for this fault yet. We would rather show none than show a picture of something else.

What goes wrong

The Dino's five-speed gearbox is stiff from first to second until the oil is warm, and that much is character. Graunching into second once the box is warm, or difficulty selecting gears — especially on downshifts — means the synchromesh is worn, usually from being forced when cold, and the guides are clear that the fix is an expensive rebuild. Drive it long enough to get the gearbox properly warm before you judge it.

What you would notice

Second gear stiff when cold — normal — but still baulking when warm
Graunch or crunch on the way into second or on a downshift
Gear selection needing force
Whine that changes with road speed

How to check it

Where to look. Five-speed transaxle behind the engine

Expect first-to-second to be stiff for the first few minutes and note whether it frees once the gearbox is warm. Once warm, change up and down through every gear, paying attention to downshifts into second and third, and listen for any graunch. Listen for a whine that changes with road speed. Ask whether the gearbox has ever been rebuilt.

What it costs to put right

$6,000 to $18,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

Ask the seller

“Does second gear free up once the car is warm?”
“Has the gearbox ever been rebuilt?”

Now check the Ferrari Dino you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.

Not sure what you would be paying for? See what a full KickTyres check includes.

Where this comes from

The failure described above is documented in the sources below. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them.

Goodwood Classic Solutions — 'Dino 206 GT/246 GT Buyer's Guide'
Retro Rides — 'Top Tips for Buying a Used Ferrari Dino 246 GT and 246 GTS (1969-74)'

Ferrari Dino buyer questions

Is stiff into second when cold, graunching when warm — worn synchros and an expensive rebuild serious on a Ferrari Dino?

We rate it major and common on the Ferrari Dino. The Dino's five-speed gearbox is stiff from first to second until the oil is warm, and that much is character. Graunching into second once the box is warm, or difficulty selecting gears — especially on downshifts — means the synchromesh is worn, usually from being forced when cold, and the guides are clear that the fix is an expensive rebuild. Drive it long enough to get the gearbox properly warm before you judge it.

How much does it cost to fix on a Ferrari Dino?

$6,000 to $18,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which Ferrari Dino years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 1969–1974 Ferrari Dino. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.