Ok, so let's play a mental game here. If you were inclined to build a solid, modern 328, and were not worried about originality, what would you do? Mission parameters: Motor/Tranny has to stay Ferrari, no radical body mods, goal is a car that can be driven daily reliably, in all weather. It does not need 700 horses My thoughts, all advice/additions welcome. Linking to threads is encouraged Engine Scott's adjustable cam pullies with the updated belt design EFI or carb conversion Single distributor conversion? Is there an advantage once the cats are removed? Urethane motor mounts Transmission Can't think of anything. Suspension QA1 adjustable coil-overs + heavier springs Verell's paperweights and bushing (I have an early 328) Would upgraded sway bars help? What about bushings? 550 wheels or 355 wheels Brake upgrades? Anything out there for a non-abs 328? Electrical Fortunately, the 328 is pretty solid, no Birdman box needed Modern gauges with a voltmeter HID projector headlights I hope hope hope Climate control Sucks. Maybe this guy has something going Ok, what did I miss?
Buy an F430?.... Seriously..... Ilike everything you've mentioned... I'd go to a distributorless ignition and fabricate a true dual exhaust. I'd also build up the transaxle assembly and possible see about fitting a six-speed gearbox. I'd revise the gear ratios for more top end. I like the discussion of redesigned 308/328 rim we had on here a while back and would like to have a 17" or 18" set of those. I'm sure i could think of a few other things.
Do the EFI conversion, and a distributorless ignition setup. The increased fuel economy and cost of replacing distributor caps and rotors should pay for itself before too long. I'm still a low-boost turbo fan. 7 psi should get your 328 to about 360hp, which is just about right for a 3200lb car on the street. QA-1's are what I have on my 308. I like them. I would like aftermarket sway bars next. I bought a poly bushing set too, but haven't installed it. Will early 328's use the same brake upgrades that 308 do? There is a 308 kit from Brembo at Tire Rack (I can get it a little cheaper than that). Does this mean the house deal didn't fly? Aaron
Tillman, maybe you should take your car to Robert at Shadetree and have him work some magic on the A/C. I recall that another member of our board had him custom build a system for his Fiat 124, and from what I'm told, you could hang meat in that car. Once you've been the guinea pig, I'll let him work on mine! How about sound insulation? I drove my car yesterday after a few weeks of it sitting idle, and it always amazes me when I get back in it how loud it is. In every respect. I'll admit that my daily driver doesn't have that problem, so maybe I'm over-sensitized, but a noise decrease would make for a more comfortable daily ride.
I did everything they sell in mine and it made very little difference. It does help some when the top is on and the windows are up, but I rearly drive it that way. When I ever get to pulling the car apart for paint, it's all coming back out.
C'mon guys, you're not seriously complaining that that V8 is too noisy, are you???? Like going to a rock concert with your fingers in your ears.... Hans
The A/C answer is easy, the execution may not be, however. You simply need the biggest evaporator and condenser you can fit, along with a big enough compressor for the volume needed. Now, making that fit might be a different story. I would think, however, that some of the newer after market systems the hot-rodder and pro-touring crowd use could be easily (a relative term) adapted. Shiny Side Up! Bill
LuckyDynes has the COP working (finally!) on a 308. Not sure it's worth the time/money vs other options. Looks damn cool. Still working it, but making other plans just in case Been thinking about this stuff: http://www.agriemach.com/product_info.php?products_id=795 Russ also has been there, done that with his Mondial. Thanks everyone, keep it coming.
It would easily tow my single stand up jet ski. Would look pretty cool backing down that boat ramp too. Haha. Aaron
This one actually made me laugh. Good one Mark. I was thinking about posting this one (tongue in cheek): Subject: Help troubleshoot my '78 308 My '78 308 seems to have acceleration problems. It idles OK and sounds good, but when I accelerate from a stop it seems to go slower than the cars around me. I try and push the pedal down more and it seems to just make more noise. It seems that it also takes longer for the transmission to shift from gear to gear. This happens especially around modern sportscars, but sometimes around SUV's and minivans too. The braking and handling seem OK, but this acceleration problem seems to have me befuddled. Any help appreciated. Henry
I just drove a 900 mile stint yesterday so here is my suggestion. Cruise control. ________________________________________________________ I actually think that may be too close to "breaking the rules" of Ferrari modification. Gene
Well over the line. Cruise control is why Gawd invented Toyotas. The 3x8 practically begs for stick coils (plug mounted) -- distributorless. But I'll mention the one thing that virtually every EFI conversion overlooks: On Board Diagnostics. The big shortcoming of CIS to a "driver" Ferrari isn't just the lack of throttle response from that pie dish in the intake -- it's that, if it ever breaks, even ${DIETY} can't fix it again, in less than two months. EFI systems tend to slap on a gaggle of sensors at every conventient point -- but the more sensors you add, the more likely that one of them won't be working. Computer programmers have a term: GIGO -- Garbage In, Garbage Out. A modern EFI system designed for the street knows to check which sensors to ignore (and then turns on the "check engine" light to get it replaced).
Aha - found it! I've been searching for this quote as I've been seeing it in Spasso's signature and wanted to see the context. Pretty good. All the best, Andrew.
The ideal 328 would be about 3" longer, a 1-2" wider & maybe 1/2"-1" taller. Just all over slightly bigger but in the same proportions as the original. It'd have an extra 75-100hp & a 6th Gear for cruising. Less body roll slightly stiffer suspension without losing too much of the compliance of the suspension & bigger brakes. If its a GTS it'd have a stiffer shell without increasing the weight. Maybe slightly wider than standard tyres on 17 (maybe) 18" rims & a touch lower. (oh and it'd do at least 30mpg )
Or you might just go easy on the Boeuf Wellington. Seriously, the 328 is already a *big* machine for a sports car. I'm 6'4" (193cm) and I find the 328 quite comfortable. One thing: I'd really like a targa top that folds for storage. Which you won't get by making it bigger and heavier. Okay, I see the issue: My 328 is nearly invisible to the monster SUVs running around the roads. And no matter how efficient your mileage may look on the sticker, everyone gets zero MPG sitting at traffic lights. But are you arguing to make a 328 less of a sports car and more of a mundane-mobile? I don't mind having a Ferrari that shows people that there can be a different standard from "hide in a big folding box".
The ideal 328 would be about 3" longer, a 1-2" wider & maybe 1/2"-1" taller. Just all over slightly bigger but in the same proportions as the original. It'd have an extra 75-100hp & a 6th Gear for cruising. Less body roll slightly stiffer suspension without losing too much of the compliance of the suspension & bigger brakes. If its a GTS it'd have a stiffer shell without increasing the weight. Maybe slightly wider than standard tyres on 17 (maybe) 18" rims & a touch lower. (oh and it'd do at least 30mpg ) I.E...a 355 ;-)
Absolutely not !! I want it faster (certainly no heavier) & better performing but at the same time just a touch more roomy for longer journeys. Oh and the seats, I'd kill for a really good seat that looked right!
