CAlling 328 GTS 89 owners .... very welcome new addition - 89 328 GTS

Hi Alan. Beautiful 328. I too have an '89. I don't consider myself an expert by any means but if I can awnser any questions I'd be happy to help. This community is full of guys that can and will help.

 

Congrats on your 328! I'm sure you will enjoy it. Its interesting to see that although your car is not a US spec car, it has the U.S. spec style side mirrors. My 328 is also an 89. What questions do you have about the car. I'd be glad to help you if I can.

Best regards,
Dino

 

A VIN number would be nice.

 

+1, I've had my '89 for about a year and a half now, would be glad to help in any way I can.

 

Thanks for that information.

Do you know why they didn't have ABS? Did any other cars come to OZ with ABS at that time? I am curious if it was some sort of law of yours or a decision on the part of Ferrari or the Ferrari importer.

BTW If you are interested your car was built in March 89.

 

Nice Ferrari and welcome to the '89 club!!! Yes, these are little bit different from the earlier 328s. I have mine for 10 years but I'm still a newbie.

I love those wheels!

 

Congrats! Mine is '89 (#80938)- built Mar '89. Your observation on steering and tyres are "normal" for the car...at least that's my experience the past 6.5 years. Have had Goodyear and Pirelli tires (33/37 psi) -same feel.

Ron

 

# 80184. January '89 - same month and year as my first born son. I've had it for about four years. I had an '87 for a couple of years before this one. Yes the steering effort is pretty taxing at parking speeds but you get used to it.

 

How does the 328 compare to your 348? On paper the 328 dosn't seem to be at much of a disadvantage. Is there a substantial "seat of the pants" performance difference ?

 

Congratulations !!!! Beautiful Ferrari...

My 328 is Serial # 79984.

Interesting to see the close proximity of the numbers.

Thats how close they were together during production... Very Cool..

ENJOY !!!

 

Nice Car!! My 89 328 is vin#81851 June

 

Great inputs, and if you don't mind sending me a PM with some more data, I am on the same path and intend to keep my 348 as well. Really appreciate the inputs and look forward to speaking with you.
MB

 

Yes, the steering takes a while to get used to. Suggestions/observations:

* when starting from standstill, don't try to turn the steering wheel. Get the car
moving, if only at a snail's pace, -then- turn the wheel. Much easier. Damned
near impossible to budge the wheels/tires if the car is not moving.

* for normal steering, adopt the 'Italian method' - hands in a 'V' shape on lower
half of wheel. Turn left by moving wheel mainly upwards via right hand. Turn
right by mainly moving left hand upwards. Avoid 'straight arm' approach or
anything where your hands are at the top of the wheel. Think as Guido would

 

I hope you will share your thoughts with us as they pertain to the performance differences of your two cars. I'm considering adding a second F-car to my garage ; maybe a 355, but I also think a black 348 spyder would be nice.

 

I think I would do well to drive them both before I make up my mind - I can be kind of impulsive at times . Based on what I'v read the 348 would be easier on the wallet from a maintenance and repair standpoint. As for your observations so far, I agree the 328 is a suprisingly nice car on the highway. My wife and I made a 1200 mile round trip last month and felt better and enjoyed the drive more than we have making the same trip in her Caddy STS.

 

Welcome to the 89 328 club! I’ve had mine since July last year, VIN number 83003. I am no expert but will answer any questions I can. I agree with the other opinions on the steering, it is very stiff at a standstill. I think yours is normal.

 

Very nice... Have Pap go and inspect that car.. He will tell you what to look for. I showed him mine when We flew him over here a few years ago...

 

My 328 steering is exactly the same - a serious handful when not moving! One thing I've noticed with mine on cold starts which might be helpful...

When starting, if I turn the key to the on position while I put on the seatbelt or in any way have the key on for several seconds before actually turning it to the "start" position, the engine has to be spun for 5-10 seconds, maybe more, before it will actually start and run. And at that, it will run rather roughly for a bit. If, on the other hand, I get in, get situated, and then turn the key from off directly to start, it will start immediately and smooth out within a few seconds.

I'm ASSUMING that leaving the key on for any period prior to starting applies electric heat to the KJet's warm-up regulator which then reduces the enrichment needed at start though I haven't checked to be sure that's the reason. I was a little concerned about this initially but once I realized out that my 328 does not like having the key on at all prior to start, and starts immediately otherwise, I quit worrying about it.