| Author | Message | ||
| Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Member Username: Hardtop Post Number: 306 Registered: 1-2002 |
James, I like 328's better having had both and they are generally considered to be the most reliable and cheapest to maintain of all Ferrari models. My own experience confirms this. There was a big suspension upgrade in the middle of '88 that makes it feel more modern handling. I just put 17 inch wheels on my 89 and I can handle it with more confidence and therefore more speed than I did the 348, even though the 348 was a factory challenge car. An 89 328 will cost about the same or even a little more than an early 348 but maintenance and probably depreciation will be cheaper. After a Viper, a 328 will feel pretty weak, but power is not what the car is about. Dave | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Intermediate Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 1907 Registered: 9-2001 |
I think you wife might notice the lighter wallet if you bought a 288 gto - they are still out there - 300k or so | ||
| James Adams (Madmaxx)
New member Username: Madmaxx Post Number: 5 Registered: 11-2002 |
I wouldn't be buying a 288GTO (can you even find them anymore?), it would be either the last year 328 or a 92 348 (don't go for drop tops.. so spyders are out). James | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Member Username: Whart Post Number: 611 Registered: 12-2001 |
Funny that. Of all the ferraris i've owned so far, my wife liked the 328 best, too. Just explain that the 288 you are buying is essentially the same car, with a few tweaks... (BTW, i agree with you, that among the more modern ferraris, the 288 is sublime. I'm also told that it is more frightening to drive than the f-40 because of the decade's difference in tire technology). | ||
| James Adams (Madmaxx)
New member Username: Madmaxx Post Number: 4 Registered: 11-2002 |
Good to know! My wife just looked at the 348, and a photo of the 328. She says "I like the curvy one..." hehe. Seriously, I'd like either the last years of the 328 (always had a soft spot... especialy for the 288GTO!!) or a 348. Is a 328 high maint? James | ||
| Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Member Username: Hardtop Post Number: 303 Registered: 1-2002 |
The 348 flywheel is filled with grease to help reduce harmonic vibrations in the motor. Unfortunately, the seals are prone to fail and unload grease all over your clutch parts with the usual results. Hard driving supposedly makes this much more likely to occur I have been told. The current owner of the car I had just had this done. The flywheel can be rebuilt which is still expensive but not nearly as bad as paying 3K for a new one. Clutch parts on earlier cars are really no more expensive than you might pay for a Honda. Dave | ||
| James Adams (Madmaxx)
New member Username: Madmaxx Post Number: 3 Registered: 11-2002 |
Good info, thanks! Why is the flywheel so expensive on the 348 motor? (I know.. it's ferrari hehe). But seriously, does no one make a light aftermaket piece? Just wondering. Overall, the 348 is my favorite car. I like the looks of the curvey 308/328 cars, but something about the short n' stout nature of the 348 just "clicks" with me  I've been told that the cars lack torque, which I can understand due to small displacement. However... they made it seem like it was dog slow. Now, i'm not looking for a rocket by any means (viper is about as torquey you can get on a production car under 100K) but I don't want to be smoked by a ricer or something :p James | ||
| Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Member Username: Hardtop Post Number: 300 Registered: 1-2002 |
I used to own a 94 TB. It was a good problem free car for me during the 2.5 yrs. and 14K miles I put on it. Unfortunately, some others I know were not so lucky. The motor is a gem and very robust. The biggest bugaboos are the electronics and there isn't much a home mechanic or even independent shop can do. Since there is a complete system for each bank, sometimes part switching can help find the offending part. The major service with belts requires engine removal which requires a lift. Also need to adjust the valves every 15K which is labor intensive even with experience. However, you can find a car with fresh service and you won't need to do it again for many years. Regular fluid changes are about all you need which anyone can do. Buy as late a car as you can as there were numerous updates during production. 348's were and are a relatively controversial Ferrari model. The handling limits are quite high but there is more drama at the limit than most cars. On the track, my car was somewhat unpredictable which kept me from fully realizing it's potential. While there are many very happy owners, including a good, local friend of mine, I never really warmed up to the car and actually went "backwords" to an 89 328 GTB which I enjoy a lot more. 328's are really the last Ferrari model where an independent mechanic or shop can maintain or repair anything. If you are looking to spend 60-70K I would check out other models such as the TR and late year 328's. Enjoy the search and make sure you buy the right car for you. Dave | ||
| stu cordova (Balataboy)
Member Username: Balataboy Post Number: 289 Registered: 4-2001 |
James, Welcome! The best advice I can offer is to pick up a back issue of Forza - number 30, June 2001. This issue includes a 348 buyers guide that is very complete and extremely helpful. Call 415-382-0580 to order the back issue. While your at it, sign up for a subscription as well. A must magazine for the Ferrari owner! Good luck - Stu | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Member Username: Whart Post Number: 609 Registered: 12-2001 |
The 348 was my first ferrari. I would opt for a later car, which limits you to a spider, or a limited number of so-called "speciales" which did incorporate suspension and other improvements and which i believe were available in gts form. Don't know how much chassis flex with the gts version of the car, but i know there were rumors of roof-lid leaks. As to doing the work yourself, dunno. Can't do alot to "tune" the engine, there are some aftermarket chips,exhaust, etc. I've watched the subframe being dropped on the engine for a belt change, and it doesn't look like that big a deal,so perhaps you could save money on so-called "major" service, involving belts, which involves nominal parts, and much labor. Car is fairly torquey, nice steering (no power assist, like the later 355), and looks pretty cool. One thing you may want to do is have the front spoiler modified (i had mine cut back about 1/2 in.) cause you will inevitably crack it, if it hasn't been damaged already (it is way too low). That car, more than any other, seemed to love P-Zeros, and although the shift was a little kluggie, it ran great when you gave it revs. Look for a car with unimpeachable history, and service records. I haven't heard too many horror stories about the drive train on these cars, but invite others to comment.You may want to search the archives for earlier threads on the 348 and its variants. good luck. PS If you drive a Viper, you're gonna find the 8 cyl. ferraris to be a little lacking in the torque dep't. You might want to drive a couple first, and then see if you wouldn't be happier with a bigger gun, eg a TR. | ||
| Frank K Lipinski (Kaz)
New member Username: Kaz Post Number: 36 Registered: 11-2002 |
James - You came to the right place. Martin checks here all the time, but he went to Las Vegas & won't be back till Thur...so keep an eye on this thread. Aslo go to the techinal section & scroll down on vairous 348 stuff. On the bottom of the page there is a search engine and you may want to use that also & plug in 348. I just bought my first F-car. Will be here in two weeks. This is a great resource to learn about the cars and what to expect. As I understand it, the 348 & 355 share the same platform. Engine is different & 348 does not have power steering. Martin can give you all the particulars....also he can help you locate a good clean one for sale.. Best of Luck. | ||
| James Adams (Madmaxx)
New member Username: Madmaxx Post Number: 2 Registered: 11-2002 |
Thanks Hopefuly he will chime in James | ||
| bruce wellington (Bws88tr)
Intermediate Member Username: Bws88tr Post Number: 1165 Registered: 4-2002 |
james i own a tr so my expertise doesnt bring out the 348 info you want..best person to ask here on f-chat..is martin348, he knows his •••• and a funny guy too... good luck and welcome to f-chat you will learn alot as well as being entertained.. bruce | ||
| James Adams (Madmaxx)
New member Username: Madmaxx Post Number: 1 Registered: 11-2002 |
Hi guys I'm very much considering buying an older (92?)348. I've always loved them. I'm selling my viper soon, and was planning on buying GTS.. but now i'm thinking of trying something else. What do I need to know about ferrari ownership? I've lurked a bit in the past, and found (like many high-end cars) that the stereotypes are mostly un-true about the cars. Well.. atleast that is how it seems I love to work on my cars myself. I've got as many tools as most shops do, and am not afraid to work on cars. Can much of the routine work be done at home? On average, what is the yearly maint cost for a weekend-drivn 348? What should I look out for when buying a 348? Thanks! James |