Lets imagine for a moment that you have free reign to improve and or change anything about the 308 that you'd like. What would you do? Keep in mind I'm talking about doing this from a factory perspective where it's done to perfection, no hack jobs. Perhaps you went back in time as part of the design team or doing a modern day Singer version of a 308. Ideas?
125 more hp a/c like a Toyota brakes with the pedal feel of a new Porsche Then I would be done. Perfect.
Interior ergonomics - general plus switch placement and gauges arrangement A/C Better interior venting - a/c and non-a/c Body color nose vents for US market QVs Electric windows that have a reasonable speed Bigger gas tank capacity The body shape is iconic so leave it alone Jeff
Agreed. At least the windows are an easy fix. I love the body also but I wish it had a little bit more coke bottle.
1. specify only one brand, type & weight of oil, all others void the warranty 2. switch from timing belt to timing chain 3. don't use sodium valves That way we have much less to debate here
Stay in the 70's and 80's I cannot even imagine having to lease $100,000 worth of diagnostic equipment to service it. I have a 2005 suv in the shop this very moment. It has been there for two weeks because something is coming out of sleep mode killing the battery and it has been a serious ***** figuring it out because it only does it once every so often. I don't need another headache like that with my 308.
Next question (another thread maybe?); is there a market for a Resto-mod 308 based on most of the improvements already suggested? And, at what price?
Leave it alone. If you want better performance, buy a newer Ferrari. If you want better amenities, reliability, cupholders, and cruise control, buy a Toyota/Honda/BMW/MB/etc etc. BTW: if you stay in the other car sections for any length of time, you'll see lots of the same issues bothering those folks that endear the 308 to us. It's a Ferrari thing.
Yeah, if I had a 308 all I'd want, as far as upgrades go, is better A/C. Although it's probably easier to move up north instead.
Move the pedals more to the left like a normal car, and make the steering wheel adjustable. Euro bumpers worldwide and a nicer lower rear valance. More modern interior switchgear. Body colored grilles on the hood and above the lights) and deep Euro front spoiler with driving lights standard for all cars worldwide. On the mechanical side, limited slip differential, ABS, and more horsepower. Other than that, its perfect.
Can this take a slightly different tack ? There are rebuilt seventies 911s, Beecham & Eagle E Types which have limited 21 st century updates to try to retain the essence of the original How short would the list be ? windows ventilation & brakes I'm not sure much extra range is required - isn't up to 250 enough ? Are the ergonomics really that bad ?
I think it would be a hit but it wouldn't be a smart move financially due to the time involved. Now if someone did their own for fun that would be a different story! Like artwork, it would be difficult to get a minimum of $50 an hour. Ask me how I know! At the end of any project an hour is an hour. You had to make so much just to cover your rent. Getting people to pay 100k for a rest-rod 308 would be tough. Look at the Singer 911's. They are critically acclaimed yet very few people don't balk at the price. Doing something right takes time. Time equals money.
