THE BLACKHORSE 358

where?

 

Why are the pictures horrible. you would think that this guy would atleast buy a new digital camera to show off or document the work. I'm a little leary on this.

 

Leery? Of what? That it's not a 355 driveline in a 308? It's not like you're bidding on anything on ebay...

This has been discussed before as it's been evolving.

The pics are obviously from a cellphone, and an attentive reader will note that the author of the post isn't the creator/owner of the vehicle.

 

most excellent project, thanks for the update.

 

Thank you for the pics and please keep updating the progress. I love reading about this car.

Not hard to believe. Not much different than yanking the 6 cyl out of your 66 ChevyII and shoving in a big block. I'm sure more technical and expensive, but along the same lines.

 

The pics look like they were maybe taken from either video, or from a camera phone. No biggie--I'm curious to know more about the project. Keep 'em coming.

 

Why? It's been discussed here before (pics gone, server crash, yadda) Darned cool mod, and surely less pricey than the 4.1 conversion

See also this 308/288 conversion with a 355 motor about halfway down the page

 

After looking through those posts it did raise alot of eyebrows when this was first brought up. The only reason I "whined" about anything you would think who ever is building this monster would be proud and would be tapping this vast resource that F-Chat has become. I think the idea is wild and whatever floats their boat(they are footing the bill so who cares what I have to say). I would love to see more pictures of this it does make me curious of the fabrication that had to happen for this.

 

It was extremely interesting to see that a member had a link to a rebodied Ferrari featuring 288 GTO bodywork and a 355 motor. Apparently that car is located in Japan. Does anyone have more information about that car or know how to contact its owner?

This car, the only "358" in the Western Hemisphere, is the only Spider version in the world and the only car which retains its original Ferrari steel body. Here in SoCal, where its ordinarily sunny everyday, the benefits of the Spider are self-evident.

It would be nice if say Forza or another magazine did a side by side test, an "East Meets West" comparison of the to custom cars. Let's see who builds a better Ferrari! The Japanese or this American shop!

Either way, there are about 4000 Dino 246, 127 Daytona factory spiders, 54 California Spiders and 35 250LMs. There are only TWO 355 powered 308s in the world and only ONE 355 powered 308 SPIDER with an original Ferrari steel body. That's what we call rare!

 

Try talking to the Ferrari Club Tokyo. It appears to be one of their events.

Is the Blackhorse car a 6 speed?

 

I saw this car last summer and yes it is the complete 355 Engine and tranny in the subframe.
It preserves the 308 axle centerline by fabrication of a subframe mount on the 308 chassis that attains the correct dimensions. This will allow the 355 subframe to be as easily removeable as ever!

 

Just an update, now that the 358 is driving around LA, the decision has been made to build a custom twin turbo system which takes advantage of modern turbo design. Specifically, Garrett's GT series, which feature ball bearing turbines and substantial aerodynamic advancements. All of this results in much faster power delivery and nearly no lag. (Unlike the F40 and 288 GT0 which both suffered from terrible lag.) The twin turbo system, with intercoolers is expected to make about 500 hp with more torque than the current Ferrari 430. Add this to the fact the "358" weighs in at about 2600 pounds, or 600 pounds less than a 355 and nearly a thousand pounds less than a 430 Spider and you see why this car will be one of the fastest Ferraris out there. Blackhorse plans to offer the twin turbo system for sale in kit form.

 

You should put one of these into a modified Mondial:
http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33819
More room and a better chassis.

 

OOH how can I get a 358, seems like the perfect f-car, classic looks, nimble and modern go. How Much?

 

be careful of too much of a good thing. i saw a custom mod 360c twin turbo at track this year and it seemed like quite the high maintenance item. big pit crew, tons of monitoring computers, caught on fire, burst into flames, etc. good luck!

 

geez, what's a little fire, dude. stop whining!

doody.

 

beautiful work! Excited to follow the project!

 

That's cool and all, but if they are going to call it the 358, then they need to spend the $45 or so to have a fellow F-chatter (not me) make their chrome 358 emblem to replace the old "308" badge:

http://www.emblemart.com/

 

So could a 348 drivetrain be installed as easily, same wheel centers?

 

I’m sure you can, but I not sure why you would bother. At 300hp, it’s a ton of work for the gain. A 260 hp 328 engine is a bolt in, add EFI and it makes 290-300hp. So all the work to force in a 348 engine and driveline get you nothing over the much simpler 328 bolt-in conversion. The 355 or newer engine at 380+hp are the ones that start to make some sense, but it’s still a ton of work.

 

Some of the posts above sound skeptical that the 358 exists. I saw this car in the earliest stages and it exists. Carl at Blackhorse does appear to be very busy and people seem to like him. As a Diy'er I have never used him but many are satisfied with his work. He is very busy despite the Fchat resourse. Everybody who is anybody in the Ferrari world is not necessarily on Fchat.


Anyway, how does this car pass Cali smog? While it can pass a sniff test it will fail in every other way. Is the owner going to use this as a track car only? Also, light car big engine does not mean fast. You still need balance and handling which the 308 lacks. So....lets stiffen that baby with a stiff A$$ rollcage and go to Willow Springs!

 

When those skeptics see a 308 flash by with an F1 8500 rpm scream they will turn green with envy. As for handing, the 308 is an excellent handler IF you change your swaybars, springs and shocks. The 355 motor being mounted North South lowers the center of gravity SEVERAL INCHES. The 355 motor also weighs less than the 308 motor. This 308 has truly inspiring handling. When finished, it will go to the track and it will hunt down unsuspecting 430s. This will not be a Vector: A car that's never road tested or seen driven at speed. Y'all will see the true capabilities of the Ferrari 308.

No. It will wear its 308 badge proudly. No "358" badge.