| Author |
Message |
Dr Tommy Cosgrove (Vwalfa4re)
Junior Member
Username: Vwalfa4re
Post Number: 119
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, April 28, 2002 - 8:41 pm: | |
One way to tell at a glance if it was non-cat from the factory is the engine cover. If it has two separate black vents only it never had cats. If it has one single U shaped vent it has(had) cats. The lower vent that joins the two on each side was added to vent the added heat from the cat at the rear of the engine. That is also a quick way to tell if it is a Euro version as well.
That big HP drop from the claimed 240 to 205 didn't happen until the fuel inj. was added in 1980. A 77 and a 78 should be rated nearly the same. |
Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Junior Member
Username: Hardtop
Post Number: 116
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, April 28, 2002 - 7:53 pm: | |
Terry,
The 77's had air pumps and thermal reactors which meant heavy exhaust and lots of heat. Of course the belt could be removed and euro exhaust would help power and heat. I don't think there is much official info on the cams. Perhaps someone here has actually measured them. Electronic ignition will probably help it run better and you could mess with the timing for better power/response. I didn't bother with any of this stuff when I had a 77. No matter what, 308's are not fast, but the 76-77's were really cool.
Dave |
Terry Springer (Tspringer)
New member
Username: Tspringer
Post Number: 30
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, April 28, 2002 - 7:28 pm: | |
Thanks for the help on determining year model.
Is the '78 really that much lower on power? The car Im looking at has a Tubi exhaust. Does this help with power? Were the cams different from 77 to 78? Any other internal engine differences? I understand the '78 had Cats, what did the 77 use for emissions and is it easy to get rid of?
Terry |
Paul Newman (Newman)
Junior Member
Username: Newman
Post Number: 156
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, April 28, 2002 - 7:07 pm: | |
I believe the cams were crappy in 78 up. The euro's were best, then early US, then 78 was crap as far as cams go anyway. |
Mike Fisher (Mikef)
Junior Member
Username: Mikef
Post Number: 61
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, April 28, 2002 - 6:59 pm: | |
I have a 77 308GTB #22405, built in September 1977. So, I am sure #22265 would be a 77. Look on the number plate on the drivers side door jamb and it should have the month & year of manufacture. |
Barry Wolinsky (308gtb)
Junior Member
Username: 308gtb
Post Number: 80
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, April 28, 2002 - 6:25 pm: | |
Terry,
This website, The Ferrari 308 GTB Register, is very informative and should help in your search for an early 308 GTB.
http://www.r-design.net/308/index_e.html
There's a section on serial numbers which can help date the car you're interested in.
Barry
|
Steve (Steve)
Junior Member
Username: Steve
Post Number: 148
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, April 28, 2002 - 4:55 pm: | |
Terry this would have to be a late 77 if that. I have a 77 GTB with vin. # 20927 that was built in 2/1977. This being the case your car was built 1338 later but I don't know the numbers produced in 1977. Mine is a US version with twin dists. and the small exhaust shield as Dave mentioned. Also I have a "Non-Catalytic" plate riveted to the lower driver door post. I seem to recall that there is vin # information on a website that tells you the vin #'s built during the early years. Good luck and buy the way I love the carb's . |
Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Junior Member
Username: Hardtop
Post Number: 112
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, April 28, 2002 - 4:27 pm: | |
Terry,
Assuming it is a USA car, the biggest difference is that 78's have catalytic converters. If you are unsure, look at the fuel filler and see if it is the old wide mouth that took leaded gas. Also, if it is a 78, there should be a label at the filler saying unleaded gas only and, perhaps inside on the dash at lower left. From behind, 78's have the big, ugly exhaust cover that became standard that year. 76-77 have smaller, better looking covers. I believe euro cars have only 1 distributor and no air pump, plus cool headers. I'm not positive, but I think that vin# would be a late 77 model.
Dave |
Terry Springer (Tspringer)
New member
Username: Tspringer
Post Number: 29
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, April 28, 2002 - 3:18 pm: | |
I am considering a 308 GTB for purchase. Its supposedly a 1977 which is what I want because in Georgia a '77 does not need an emission test and I believe the '77 was rated at 240hp while the '78 was reduced to 205hp.
Whats the real scoop on the difference between a '77 and a '78 ??? I seem to find conflicting stuff.
This particular car was apparently imported into the USA in January of 1978. Serial number is 22265. How do I tell if this is a '77 or '78 model car. Its advertised and I assume titled as a '77.... but how do I know for sure?
Also, how would I tell if this was a Euro car?
Any help is greatly appreciated!
Terry
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