| Author |
Message |
J Dirk Carnahan (Dirk989)
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 29, 2002 - 12:31 pm: | |
I have a 79 carbed 308. I have had a problem with a rotor in one of the distributors that was easily and inexpensively fixed. My cam timing seems to be a bit off so it idles a little off, but runs fantastic once you get on the road. I have driven it daily. I drive a lot of miles too. I probably drive 2,000 to 3,000 miles per month. Hot weather, cold weather, snow, rain, whatever. I laugh at people who talk about unreliability and 308's. The carb 308 engine is a VERY simple set up. Any competent mechanic can make it run great. If you are looking for reliability I say the carbed engine is the way to go. You also have more options as far as adjusting and tuning. The only problem is a little more warm up time, but if you can let it run for 2 minutes before you take off its not a problem.
The problems you will have will be annoying, but not major. (Electrical gremlins, slow windows etc.)
Dirk |
Richelson (Richelson)
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 29, 2002 - 11:03 am: | |
I think the carbs allow for more input from the user. More controlability, etc. I think the carbs cars are very reliable. It does take longer on cold days to start them but when hot they start right up. Most injected cars I have driven once hot don't fire right up and you have to turn the key a few times or hold it for a little while until it lights. |
david schirmer (David)
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 29, 2002 - 9:48 am: | |
I have been very happy with my 77GTB. I have gone on numerous long trips without incident. I think the key with either choice is to do your preventive maintenance. Actually that is probably true of any machinery. |
Ken (Allyn)
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 29, 2002 - 8:53 am: | |
Carbs are more fun in the summer, FI is more fun in the winter ;>) |
bill v. (Doc)
| | Posted on Monday, January 28, 2002 - 7:15 pm: | |
Thank you all for the valued input. I'm looking at a '77 GTB and an '85GTS at present. Both in excellent shape--not sure whether to go with the carbed or injected at this point though. Reliability is very important for me as I'll be doing some long-range touring. Decisios--decisions! |
Martin (Miami348ts)
| | Posted on Monday, January 28, 2002 - 1:53 pm: | |
Greg,
I hear you....
...just not "really" necessary. And I do not believe that it is worth paying many thousands more just because somebody collected receipts. Nice to have and I do that with my cars as well but not justified to get much $$$ more for your car.
As I said, what counts are the past 5 years. |
Greg Owens (Owens84qv)
| | Posted on Monday, January 28, 2002 - 12:11 pm: | |
Martin, I have been told that I'm to anal about maintenance and records. My C280 (I bought a 3-year old leased car) has all of its records back to day 1. I think finding a car with all of its documentation was/is important....IMHO. These cars are like driving a piece of art and I like to know the pedigree. |
Mitchel DeFrancis (4re308)
| | Posted on Monday, January 28, 2002 - 10:36 am: | |
Hiya, I bought my 84 308 GTS QV over Memorial Day last year. It took me a LONG time to find the one. I found it in Hemmings, drove up to New York, bought it, and drove it home. Be sure to have a pre purchase inspection done by a Ferrari place. It was the best $300 I ever spent.
I will tell you this now. I have never, ever regretted buying the car. I love it more than you can imagine. Its my therapy. I love my 308!! Good luck. |
Martin (Miami348ts)
| | Posted on Monday, January 28, 2002 - 9:31 am: | |
Carb 308 in good condition around $ 25,000.
QV in good condition high 20s low 30s.
At low 30s you may want to look at some 328s as well. They are at mid 30s right now for decent cars.
COncerning ALL records, I disagree. It is preferred to have all but if you get the last 5-10 years that should do as well. MAyor service is so often and that is really all that counts . If a oil change was done in 1983 is not critical to your purchase decision, but you should know if the belts have been changed in the past 4 years, get my point? |
Greg Owens (Owens84qv)
| | Posted on Monday, January 28, 2002 - 7:34 am: | |
Bill, I recently (Oct 2001) purchased my 308 from a private owner. Mine is a previous 2-owner 1984 Euro 308, 41K miles, excellent condition, all records down to the papers ordering the car, meticulously maintained car. I paid low-30s and feel that I received a wonderful car for the money.
Craig made some very important points. Finding a 308 that has had regular maintenance and has ALL of its records is paramount. Deciding between a carb versus a QV is important because they are pretty different cars.
Prices for 2V injected cars will be less. Glass-carb cars, especially GTBs will be more because of rarity. 85 QVs will bring a little more because they are the last 308s.
There are numerous magazine articles and tons of internet information that talks to the differences from 1975 to 1985. A good book to buy is "Original Ferrari V8". It covers just about everything you want to know about the 308.
Email me if I can be of any other help. |
Craig Hess (Crag)
| | Posted on Sunday, January 27, 2002 - 8:38 am: | |
Bill,
There are many variables to be considered when searching for a 308. I bought mine last October. I found www.hemmings.com (you can also buy the latest printed version, but the internet is updated daily)to be helpful in locating cars and comparing prices. There are lots of sites online that list 308's and then there's always ebay. I found prices that ranged from $28,000 to $45,000. The first decision you need to make is the model you want (i.e., carbs, injection(i), injection w/4 valves(QV)-- GTS or GTB). Once you've zeroed in on the model, you can select a year or range of years that you are interested in. I selected 1985 GTS QV (the last year for the 308) as my target, but I was willing to look at all QV's.
Once you've decided which 308 you want, remember that the key is not how much mileage is showing on the car, but how well the car was maintained. I suggest only getting serious about cars with a documented maintenance history and ALWAYS have a mechanic experienced with Ferrari's check it out. Good luck with your hunt. If I can be of any help, email me. |
bill v. (Doc)
| | Posted on Saturday, January 26, 2002 - 7:35 pm: | |
Thanks very much for the input, John--it sounds like you've landed quite a nice car for yourself. I've just begun looking myself and am beginning to get a feel for the pricing of these models. Continued good luck with your car! |
John Bicsak (Funshipone)
| | Posted on Friday, January 25, 2002 - 9:09 pm: | |
Hello Bill I wish you good hunting. In July 2001 I purchased my first Ferrari in Detroit, Michigan where I live.1984 GTS QV Black Exterior, Tan Interior, one Owner 20,000 miles excellent, Excellent condition,never washed kept in heated air conditioned garage every thing works.I bought it from Jack Cauley Ferrari and it had all service done. As soon as I figure how to place a picture in show area I will show you or you can look up a super webb site for 308`s only at ferrari308.com clike on owners and MIchigan and their it is. I payed $41,000.00 and I bought it to drive like this wonderful winter weekend we are having in Detroit.Again if I can answer any questions just yell. |
bill v. (Doc)
| | Posted on Friday, January 25, 2002 - 7:52 pm: | |
I've begun a search for my first 308 and am considering either well-maintained carbed or QV models. For those of you in-the-know, what would you consider to be reasonable market prices for these models, assuming tip-top condition ? Any input would be appreciated. |
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