288 GTO on the Grand Tour 2011 from London to Barcelona, I think? Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
That was my car and you are correct it was on the Grand Tour 2011. London to Barcelona. Sadly the car developed and issue that we still haven't completely cured unbelievably. It has a misfire of sorts in high gears when reaching the point where the turbos come in, ie they don't spool up properly. The engine won't rev past 4500 rpm cleanly. It was doing it in all the gears and then we had it semi sorted, now it's just 4th and 5th. Still it is pretty annoying. Am hoping this time around we will get it pretty much sorted. Part of the problem is I don't drive it often enough so it can take a while to realise that the same problem exists. Slightly annoyed that the people who look after the car have had two attempts now to fix it, although to be fair the problem only occurs when the car is really hot so they couldn't replicate it the first time and we assumed it was dodgy fuel from the continent.
Have a look under the distributor caps. The housing is made of magnesium and very bad coated. Had the same problems years ago... When the distributor gets hot, the magnesium oxide sweats some water out and fouls the ignition. Than you have to eleminate all oxide by drilling and milling. Than coat everything again. Just an idea...
I am relatively sure I know what this is. The clue is the fact that it occurs just as you acquire boost and the turbos begin to spool up. Please e-mail me over the weekend. You really must cure it fully, because once cured, these cars are simply a joy to drive!
I took this shot in Carmel, 2012 if anyone wants to embed it for me. Kind of neat to see both GTOs on the street together! http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8073/8265566163_fe61b4637a_b.jpg
Interesting. I don't have a GTO or any remedies to suggest, so my interest is strictly recreational, but why not post the possible solution here so others may reference it in the future? There was already a recent discussion about this thread being a catch-all for 288GTO info, why not pack it with as much info as we can. I, for one, am keenly interested in hearing what the solution might be. Just an idea...
Good idea. Here below is the GTO-related part of my correspondence with the owner, who I feel sure might not mind. Mind you, the best recommended approach is for all systems to be fully diagnosed, and all we are doing here is trying to be helpful with suggestions. "Jamie, my thoughts are that there are 2 basic components that could cause this kind of 'hiccup' above 4,000 rpm just as the car is coming on the boost, the first being the obvious - the wastegate is not functioning properly and shutting off well before full-boost can be achieved (and that could be a faulty diaphragm), and the second could be the old Marelli injectors need cleaning & re-calibrating (& tuned back into the ignition). Or it could be a combination of the two! Either way, I feel sure this can be rectified and it really should be a rocket without hesitation all the way to fill-boost (the needle should go almost all the way to the right). Good luck, but insist it gets sorted. Very Best, Joe"
Don't mind one bit. Might sound funny but I was momentarily sceptical about posting up a 'problem' with my car. Just in case it in anyway detracted from future value. I know that probably sounds cautious, paranoid even. Then I thought, I'm unlikely to sell anyway and added to that I probably am being over concerned. Lastly, everyone on here just seems genuinely passionate and interested so it is about sharing your experiences with like minded people. It's great frankly. I cannot tell you how different it is from other forums. Such as that cyber hell hole pistonheads. I don't know where those guys who comment on there get dragged up from but it's literally impossible to not get into an argument when on there. There is just such a nice for frlendly attitude on here and I applaud all of you. Thanks. Honestly I'd got a bit disillusioned with forums up until now. The upside is I'm happy to post up everything - car related only you'll be pleased to hear.
Ian Poulter just picked up the first 288 made; 1 owner since new! Wonder what the price was on that? Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter) 12/15/12 9:06 AM The first ever production 288GTO going to bring it home to Orlando. Very very excited. 1 owner from new 1984. Special pic.twitter.com/moUGZVHj
Looks like Ian has fitted stabilisers, probably his first rear wheel drive car that doesn't have traction control!
? Hartley (who sold it) certainly knows its provenance and is well-versed in selling super cars. I think he has the resources and contacts in Maranello to determine if it's the first or not. I don't think he would risk lawsuit etc if it weren't the first
I think the issues you experience are common with many GTOs at some point in their almost 30-year-old lives. Discussing & resolving them in an enthusiast community only enhances the car's provenance I would think. As to values, their overall trend is not affected by basic servicing issues. Note that I always have collectors looking for GTOs. Thank you for sharing!
Lets not jump to any conclusions. 52465 is way off the first production car. But, Hartley may possess some documentation that says its the first 'something', first production car to Italy for example (it was indeed delivered there), who knows? Also, I have seen noted people, even factory-connected ones, claim something in good faith, only to be far off, so lets not assume because of his standing the information proffered was confirmed in order to avoid legal liability. We are all human! To that end, Ive sent Tom an e-mail seeking clarification of both production status and number achieved and hope to share soon. Either way, another fabulous 288 GTO finds an enthusiast home. Best,
I have written to Hartley, as perhaps you noted above. Meanwhile... http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=141924117&postcount=6498 http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=141924390&postcount=6505 http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=141924330&postcount=6502 The Hartley car appears to also have 24k+km...
Joe Thanks - this is interesting. (Not trying to start a fight etc). So based on the last link - It says this is the first GTO produced. Is that correct? Or am I reading it wrong? Honestly - just splitting hairs here; it's a beauty regardless. Just a good winter topic! Thanks. Kevin
