| Author | Message | ||
| Howie (Brokerofexotics)
Junior Member Username: Brokerofexotics Post Number: 222 Registered: 11-2001 |
Keith, I have a buyer's guide article on the Mondial Cabriolet that should be helpful. I can fax it to you if you wish. Feel free to e-mail me privately with your fax number. Howie [email protected] | ||
| J. Grande (Jay)
Member Username: Jay Post Number: 798 Registered: 10-2001 |
It is a great book and it has lots of comparison pictures so you can inspect year to year changes. Also gives full production numbers and serial #'s for each series of cars. | ||
| 89TCab (Jmg)
Member Username: Jmg Post Number: 322 Registered: 9-2001 |
From the cover, the claim is full coverage for "The Restorers Guide to all models 1974-1994. 308 GT4, 308/328 GTB/GTS series, Mondial, 348 series, 288 GTO and F40" Since I have only focused on mondial section, I can't tell you if indeed the coverage is as complete for the other cars (it does seem to be) but for me, the info contained made searching for a car and having knowledge of what to expect year-year easy. - JMG | ||
| Ron R (Ronr)
New member Username: Ronr Post Number: 7 Registered: 10-2002 |
What's the Original Ferrari V8 (Blumel) book about? Sounds pretty well known around here. What year model does it start with? | ||
| tCoupe (Allen)
Junior Member Username: Allen Post Number: 80 Registered: 3-2001 |
For me the 30K major is a dealer service job. Had it done on the "t" 22,000 miles ago then took care of the routine maintanence myself. It's been trouble free since I took ownership over 3 years ago. I think doing the 30K has played a big part on staying trouble free. I'll be looking into another 30K major service within the next 12 months and definetly will book it into the dealer service department. Routine maintanence I enjoy doing myself. | ||
| Keith A. Widom (Kw4ferrari)
New member Username: Kw4ferrari Post Number: 9 Registered: 11-2002 |
Thanks David, definately something to consider. The 3.2 may be the way to go on getting into a Mondial...especially if it is a cab. I am still on the fence on the coupe or cab. As I had stated earlier, which ever model happens to come first as the better deal all the way around, thats the way it will probably happen. Are all 4 models plagued with elec panel issues? How often do you change your TB, 30K-40K? Do most of you guys do your own service? Keith | ||
| David Harris (Dakharris)
Junior Member Username: Dakharris Post Number: 156 Registered: 6-2001 |
Keith, the Mondial has a circuit board that goes bad. It creates a lot of inconveniences, like the car losing all juice without notice while driving down the road. The 308 doesn't have the same problem. I had mine rebuilt and now the car runs like a dream. Unfortunately, it took a long time to figure out what was wrong and then a lot of money to fix it. I'm parital to convertables and can count the number of times I've driven mine with the top up on one hand. Although I have a QV, I like the 3.2. It has slightly more power and the styling is a big improvement. The 8 is now pretty old and there were no Cabs. The T is a much better car, but all those options will make it cost more to buy and to maintain. When it comes time to change the timing belts on a T, the engine comes out. On earlier models, the right wheel comes off to make the change. I would recommend finding a car that needs all of the routine maintenance, buy it cheap and then make sure everything is done correctly.  | ||
| Keith A. Widom (Kw4ferrari)
New member Username: Kw4ferrari Post Number: 8 Registered: 11-2002 |
oops..sorry...the computer had a "moment" Keith | ||
| Keith A. Widom (Kw4ferrari)
New member Username: Kw4ferrari Post Number: 7 Registered: 11-2002 |
Actually, my plans were to update the wheels to a newer style. 17's or larger. Because I do not know what tire sizes the Mondial will accept yet and how much actual rubber can be "shoe horned" in under the car. I like to have at least 2"'s of side wall wrapped around the wheels. Can the 3.2's be modified in anyway in bolt on performance? Keith | ||
| Keith A. Widom (Kw4ferrari)
New member Username: Kw4ferrari Post Number: 6 Registered: 11-2002 |
Actually, my plans were to update the wheels to a newer style. 17's or larger. Because I do not know what tire sizes the Mondial will accept yet and how much actual rubber can be "shoe horned" in under the car. I like to have at least 2"'s of side wall wrapped around the wheels. Can the 3.2's be modified anyway in bolt on performance? Keith | ||
| Keith A. Widom (Kw4ferrari)
New member Username: Kw4ferrari Post Number: 5 Registered: 11-2002 |
Actually, my plans were to update the wheels to a newer style. 17's or larger. Because I do not know what tire sizes the Mondial will accept yet and how much actual rubber can be "shoe horned" in under the car. I like to have at least 2"'s of side wall wrapped around the wheels. Can the 3.2's be modified any in bolt on performance? Keith | ||
| J. Grande (Jay)
Member Username: Jay Post Number: 770 Registered: 10-2001 |
Kieth, the T would be more difficult to work on than the others because of the logitudinal engine. Still doable though. Forza is available at Chapters and other well stocked book stores. Original Ferrari V8 has appeared on ebay quite a bit but also available at good book stores. I also like the Mondial "Look" Try to get one that has the 16" rims rather than the metrics! | ||
| Keith A. Widom (Kw4ferrari)
New member Username: Kw4ferrari Post Number: 3 Registered: 11-2002 |
Jay...without a long dissertation as to why I like what I like, the Mondial has timeless lines, while some other models have a dated look. I am very persnickety about cars that I would own in general. Given that there are so many out there and so few that I like...this includes the ones I can't afford either. I tend to be drawn to the European styling. Let us not cunfuse the fact that some old classics wouldn't appeal to me...like an old Jag, etc. Anyway, the 4 seater doesn't make a difference to me...the car is really a 2 seater when it comes down to it. Having the option of going with the cab is a plus...one of the things that originally attracted me to the car. I just won't mind it, if I find a sweet little coupe that hops up in my lap and begs for me to take it home. ;) As for the suggestions on the reads, where would I be able to pick up a copy of the Forza and the V8 book? Amazon by chance? One last thing for now, I have no problem doing all the maintenance on the car myself and certain repairs. As for the 5 year type services. Is it something that I can do myself, is it necessary to drop the rear end and engine? Has anyone performed these proceedures in their semi well equipped garage? I will be looking into the 3.2's and the T's...any prone probelms with these models? Lots O' questions.. Keith | ||
| Edward G. Salla (350hpmondial)
Junior Member Username: 350hpmondial Post Number: 201 Registered: 2-2002 |
I like the 308GT4 too, But it's not a Cabriolet. I enjoy a drop head, best thing around. I also like power, mine has a little turbo. (See other strings) But for the best value, I'd go with an 85 Mondi w/ the 308 QV engine. Hummmmm I guess I got one. I know of a red 8 that is always for sale in Denver, I last remember 23k, Mine is always for sale too, 39k. (It is presently in California for my monthly trips back to sanity.) Happy Hunting.  | ||
| Ken (Allyn)
Member Username: Allyn Post Number: 562 Registered: 10-2001 |
10%???? wow, I should have bought a Ferrari!! I'm up to 125% on my Lotus Europa! LOL But I started at a much lower cost. | ||
| J. Grande (Jay)
Member Username: Jay Post Number: 759 Registered: 10-2001 |
Kieth, just a question...why a Mondial? Is it that you need the back seats? If so, Have you looked at the black sheep of the Ferrari family, the 308 GT4? | ||
| Keith A. Widom (Kw4ferrari)
New member Username: Kw4ferrari Post Number: 2 Registered: 11-2002 |
Right on! Thank you for the quick input guys. It's a start and a good direction to head for me. To be honest, I was thinking of the 3.2 or T, though the T may be stretching it at the moment. If it were to be my only vehicle, it would be no sweat. Yea, the cabs have fun written all over them, but again, coupes have their plus' as well. FWIW (and hopefully you guys can appreciate this)I have a Porsche 928 that I do all the work on. I have had it for a couple of years and absolutely love it. I went through the same process with the 928 and ended up with a concours' car that will run with the best of them. One rule of thumb that I learned, was to take 10% or so of what you have to spend, and stash it. Buy a car and use this cash to help get it up to snuff. Though there wasn't a whole lot to do to the car, I made certain modifications that... well, let's just say that the legal highway speed limit in the US feels like the car is idling. Anyway, the Mondial will be a great compliment to the 928 in the stable...or is it the other way around? ;) If anyone has more input on the Mondial's, please let it fly! Keith | ||
| WMontgomery (Fiorano1999)
New member Username: Fiorano1999 Post Number: 17 Registered: 11-2002 |
Simple. If you can afford it get a t cab with the usual records, tools, current belts, yadayadayadyada. I'd stay away from Valeo my preference. Yearly maintenance won't break you. Just save about a grand a year for teh five year major. Will | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Intermediate Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 1828 Registered: 9-2001 |
thanks Todd - Todd's wife is pretty cool - anyone that allows a bunch of strangers over for breakfast on a sunday morning has to be pretty cool. I digress. Anyway my advice is to get the most modern car you can afford. If your price range is 18-25k then a mondial 8 or QV coupe might be for you. If you can afford 25-32 then a QV cab/coupe or 3.2 coupe/cab may be best. If you can afford 35 to 50 then maybe a t is right. Please note there are very few T coupe - all are 89s. As has been mentioned the T's have the strongest engine, looks are all basically the same from an 8 to a T, the tops on the cabs are a little challenging no matter what model, T share parts with the 348, the 3.2s share parts with the 328. Most find the 8s a little light on power (low 200s hp) the qvs are a little stronger (220?), 3.2 (260) and T (300). Remember these cars weigh more than their two seat cousins. Sorry to jump around. | ||
| 89TCab (Jmg)
Member Username: Jmg Post Number: 317 Registered: 9-2001 |
I went through the same thing a when I was searching for a Mondial. The Cab was a must but which year? That was the question. The T is the most modern of the models which makes sense as it is the newest. For me, that meant I could get access to things like ABS, adjustable suspension and modern day power. (Older Ferraris tend to be knocked for the HP output when compared to cars of today...) The best thing you can get is a copy of Original Ferrari V8 (Blumel) and the Ultimate Portfolio - Ferrari 328, 348 & Mondial (Brooklands). There is usually one or two one ebay at any given time but "V8" will give you detail on what changed between each model and "Ultimate" is really a collection of magazine reviews covering 86-94. Between these two resources, you will have a pretty good feel. The Forza guides mentioned are issue 19 for the Mondial Cabriolet buyers guide and a more recent one that escapes my immediate desk here on the Mondial Coupe. (I am sure that it will be in the next post or two...) - JMG | ||
| Todd Gieger (Todd328gts)
Junior Member Username: Todd328gts Post Number: 245 Registered: 6-2002 |
Welcome Keith. Any minute now, Tom D (Tifosi)should be showing up with his cape on and an "S" on his chest to rescue you...Cool guy, knowledgeable and my wife even likes him!  Cheers, TTG | ||
| J. Grande (Jay)
Member Username: Jay Post Number: 757 Registered: 10-2001 |
Kieth, welcome to the site! First, there is a huge difference between all of the Mondials you mentioned, the biggest being the T. The Mondial T has the 348's logitudinal engine and tranny configuration and is probably the most sought after Mondial. People always say that the other Mondials are slow and heavy, but it all depends on what you want it for. I rented a Mondial 3.2 on my wedding day and it was a blast to drive around in, and of course it has that glorious exhaust note! The mondial 8 has the same engine as the 2V 308's, The QV the same as the 308QV, ect. Personally I like the styling of the cabriolet better than the coupe and would probably go with the T. There was a buyers guide in Forza on the Mondial which was pretty good. Also the book Original Ferrari V8 by Kieth Blumel is excellent. I believe that the tops on the cabs had some issues. There are a few people on this board with Mondials that will be able to help also. | ||
| Keith A. Widom (Kw4ferrari)
New member Username: Kw4ferrari Post Number: 1 Registered: 11-2002 |
Greetings! I'm new to the list and looking to enter into the Ferrari realm. Forgive me for any ignorant statements or questions I may post, but this is where I start my learning curve. I have been casually looking at Mondials for the last year or so. I have always liked them and luckily for me, they fall into my price range at this time. From what I gather, there are 4 generations of this car...8, QV, 3.2 and T. I would like some input as to which models may be better, in so much as changes, options or problems, than others. I strive to be a wise shopper and have been successful in the past with my other Euros in the "Carridge House". I haven't decided if I like the cab or coupe as of yet. I have seen a few representatives of both that were quite impressive. So please, if you will, help me on my way to ownership. Possibly recommend a site, book or even meet up with me, to assist me on my quest. As with all vehicles, a PPI will be in order before finalization of a deal. Additionally, what can I expect as far as maintenance on a yearly basis. Thank you in advance! Keith Widom Los Angeles |