Idiosyncrasies of 308s

Let's throw out some idiosyncrasies of the 308s. We all can learn something from each other. It's what makes our cars special! Hope you all join in with your own idiosyncrasies.

Here's my first...

308 Ferraris in general is that all the second gear synchros are tight when the transmissions are cold. So when you first start off it's always best to shift from 1st to 3rd and visa versa again when the transmissions are cold. You don't have to do that but it's highly recommended to prolong the life of the synchro. Once the transmission fluid is up to operating temp, they loosen up and all is good. Once you get the feel of it and treat it accordingly and you'll be fine.

True or false?

 

It is completely and absolutely without a doubt, totally impossible to do anything remotely related to preventive or routine maintenance to the “front bank” of cylinders with any ease of application. I don't think you could even get a good clean shot at the front bank with a magnum handgun and armor piercing rounds.

 

hot-running issues

 

Teaching yourself to shuffle steer from the bottom of the wheel.

 

Safely handle hot Starbucks coffee and shift gears.

 

Fixed

 

Hearing the annoying "Squeak Squeak Squeak" of the targa top which is worse in cold weather. Can't fix it, have to live with it, best to remove the top and drive! Still love the car though!

 

Things get hairy after 130MPH.

 

Trying to get out of the driver's seat.

 

magnum comments

 

Funny posts above...all true, but I have some tricks:

I get in and out by supporting myself completely with my left leg. It looks like I'm easily getting in and out, but the left leg gets ALL the weight with a slow bend of the knee.

In the GTB, the spot between the back of the passenger seat and glove box is an easy access area to hold the Starbucks cup without spilling. Just set the passenger seat to the correct cup holder position, and you're good to go.

I replaced the fuel accumulator and no longer have hot start issues (but I also realize that 308s can have hot start issues for reasons other than the fuel accumulator).

Yeah, the Magnum comments I haven't figured out anything for that one.

 

For the Magnum comments I bought myself a Detroit Tigers hat, so when people yell "Magnum!" I just put on the hat and shades and smile. Just need to grow a Wetpet mustache now and I am the man...

MB

 

+1

 

Things which have no fix:

Handbrake function is marginally adequate.

Trip storage area is less than minimal.

 

Low flow AC.
Center rear view mirror pops out from my head hitting it all the time when cleaning the inside of the windshield.
Barely visible turn signal indicators in the dash panel (I fixed that with LEDs)
Slow windows (I fixed that with the double relay mod)

I'm sure there are more

 

for some reason in nor cal, its always the pedal bikers that shout "hey magnum". and they are always wearing yellow jerseys with thier nutsacks all bunched up riding in a peloton, so i always yell back "hey lance"

 

"Is that one of those new Mustangs?"

 

$250 distributor caps and $100 rotors.....

In car engine maintenance requires you be a yoga master and have hands the size of a small child.

 

Turning circle,every car and his dog wanting to race for pole position at the lights,being asked "How much did it cost/How fast does it go"

 

The reverse tail lights

 

Cure to this is drive everyday and get out 3-5 times per day.

Pretty soon, as mentioned a few posts above mine, you can get out on your left leg only.

Now you will have a giant, Schwartzenegger left leg a spindly right leg unless you work it equally, but whatever.

Doug

 

You're gonna love me after this one. Einszett Gummi Pfledge, a seal conditioner and restorer you can get at places like Autogeek or other detail places online does wonders for door seals, targa top seals, etc. My targa was noisy as hell as were the door seals on my Audi S4 before I was introduced to this product. It softens the rubber and really makes it quite quiet. I've never had a product work better than I had hoped than this one.

Cheers,

Warren.

 

In the world of vintage tape recording equipment there are several rubber products that allegedly "restore" the belts and rubber pinch roller. The products make therubber softer and more supple...and ruin them in fairly short order. The same is true of belt dressings used for cars. They temporarily "improve" the function but damage the parts you are trying to "fix."

If you've used it for say a year with no bad reaction, then it's probably OK but it's worth noting that a lot of these sort of products do more harm than good. I don't like the squeaking either but it's gone with the top off!

 

I also have the same second gear synchro issue. Its not so bad in warm weather though.

I will have to go and find one of those Detroit Tigers caps though - thats a good one.


PDG

 

Regarding the squeaking targa roofs, try each of the following, separately:

1) DRY type silicone spray. Not silicone oil. Make sure it says "dry" on the can. 3M and Zep are easiest to find. This is also one of the safest/best things you can put on rubber seals to protect and preserve them.

2) Baby powder. Brush it on dry with a dry paint brush, and then brush it off, leaving just a thin residue. Talcum powder makes a great dry lubricant. If you ever see a brand new rubber seal looking a little powdery, that's what it is.

- TK