Lamborghini Diablo SV Service

Preserving the Beginning

Some cars are more than projects. They’re milestones. This 1998 Lamborghini Diablo SV is one of those cars. It was the first Diablo purchased by Scott, the owner of Wistar Motors, back in 2017, and it represents the beginning of a journey that would ultimately define the direction of the shop. Because of that, this car carries a level of sentimental value that demands more than routine service.

When it came time to refresh and service the Diablo, the approach was simple: do it once and do it correctly.

A Thoughtful Tear-Down

The Diablo SV’s V12 is a mechanical time capsule — raw, analog, and truly old-school. But with age comes wear, and even well-kept cars eventually require attention beyond surface-level maintenance.

The service began with a partial engine disassembly, allowing access to components that had been sealed and untouched for decades. Old gaskets, hardened by time and heat cycles, were removed and replaced with all new gaskets throughout, ensuring long-term reliability and proper sealing moving forward.

This wasn’t about chasing power or modification it was about restoring confidence in the car mechanically, preserving what Lamborghini originally engineered.

Care where it counts

While the engine was apart, we turned our attention to the details.

The valve covers were refinished, restoring their appearance while maintaining their original character. Subtle work like this often goes unnoticed at a glance, but it makes all the difference when the engine bay is viewed as a whole.

During the service, a broken headlight motor was also replaced — a small component, but a critical one on a car defined by its pop-up headlights and unmistakable presence. The thermostat was replaced as well, ensuring proper cooling and consistent operating temperatures.

With components refreshed and addressed, the engine was carefully resealed, eliminating leaks and protecting the integrity of the engine for years to come.

Dry Ice Cleaning: A Finishing Touch

To complete the process, the Diablo received a full dry ice cleaning of the engine bay.

Dry ice cleaning allows contaminants, grime, and old residue to be removed without damaging finishes, wiring, or delicate components. The result is an engine bay that looks fresh and intentional.

It’s the kind of finishing step reserved for cars that matter, like this one.