Ready for simple mods to '90 348

I've had my 348 for a year now and am considering some slight modifications. It had 18K miles when I bought it and still had original tires. Belt service just completed. The only thing I've done so far is new tires and rear wheel spacers.

Here's what I'm considering next:

Exhaust - cat delete and/or new exhaust, Tubi or similar. The original mufflers are friggin massive so I think they need to go. Does deleting the cat do much on these cars? (I'm in a state that doesn't test.)

Seats - The original seats are in great condition but uncomfortable. I'm 6'1" 195lbs but my ass goes numb after 30 min. I have a 2 hour drive through the back roads of western PA to the weekend retreat and would love to make this my go-to ride. I'm looking for a simple install adjustable-back seat.

Alignment - The stock setup is known to be, let's say, less than ideal. I've searched the forums and can't seem to find a good set of numbers. I know I need to assess the ride height and will more than likely need to lower the front end and I want to increase the caster for more on center feel at speed. I need to do more research on rear toe and camber before making changes. Anybody have some hard numbers to start with?

Red Line in the gear box.

Paint - I'm considering having the lower black painted red.

Other than that I'm happy with the car and hope to pile up the miles.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Very nice... search the forums for "my gear oil experiment".. interesting info.

I have tubi with test pipes.. sounds great...just saw a post with someone offering a capristo for cheap.

As for seats.. be glad you don't have the kevlar versions... they are worse. Grab some lumbar cushions or swap out with regards.

How far in PA? I'm in western MD. You should come to reading concours... search it in regional forum for PA.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

 

Is that your Duetto? Great color combo!

 

I'll look for the capristo.
I thought about lumbar cushion.
I'm actually in NEOhio and drive to Western NY. I'll look uo the reading concours

 

I finished that multi year project last year. Bought it site unseen years ago and it was a mess. I did all the mechanical and metal work but shopped out the paint. It's a factory bright silver with ox blood interior.

I see your looking for an Itegrale and a red/silver 348. There is a low miles Integrale on Bringatrailer right now. My brother imported one from England last year and says it is favorite to drive over his GTV-6, 328, and Alfetta sedan.

There was a nice red/silver 348 for sale in Naples Fl. but the only thing I can find now is this: 355 http://www.gulfcoastmotorworks.com/vehicle-details/1999-ferrari-355-gts-f1-coupe-d50dd3379d15438bbd5a619588c69ca7/

 

Nice choice in cars. Not to hijack, but the similarities here are too uncanny to not show and tell. Here are mine. The Alfa is a '69, with a hotrodded 2L. Interestingly, these are both Pininfarina designs, 22 years apart.

I also agree with your choice in modifications. I'd also like to paint the rockers red, get more lumbar and thigh support, and get more noise out of the exhaust. I say go for it, and then report back with the good news to spur me on to do the same.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Nice combo! In my book, it''s alway OK to hijack a thread with Alfa related stuff!

I hope to have the time and cash to do the 348 mods while at the same time doing an engine swap on a 75 Alfetta sedan. Lots of cars and little time.

 

hah. Hilarious. I have an S3 Spider and an Alfetta GTV. (and a Milano Verde which I may sell soon.). Only thing missing is a 348....but NOT for long!

Nader I think I saw you driving the 348 the other day eastbound I-90 near Eastgate.
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Your photo shows how awesome and perfect the black lowers look on a red 348.
.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Not to Me they don't. I've never liked the black lower panels and engine cover, even when the cars were new as it looks a bit cheap, like a base model trim. The colour coded panels make the car look like a more expensive model.

I'm surprised to hear complaints about the 348 seats. I'm 6'2" (and a comparative lightweight at 75Kg [165lb] ), and with the drivers seat up against the rear bulkhead, I never had any problems with the seat being uncomfortable - In fact, I found them to be more comfortable than those of any other car that I've owned so far.

 

Yes, the color-coded lowers look "newer" but the matt black has a nice dramatic effect when presented correctly.
.
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

93 and newer Speciale had the lower matching body trim. I agree with the period correctness to a degree.. but heck I'm running 360 wheels on mine.

Do what you like at the end of the day unless you are preserving her or going for the Ferrari classique certification.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

 

Same here. I pained the lower part and the deck lid white.



Kai

 

Your wheels look awesome!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

While I respect black lowers and think they do look good on red cars, I don't think it looks good on other colors.

I've always liked the black engine cover though--adds a bit of contrast and visual texture.

 

Here's something you might think about doing that is relatively easy to do. It's a huge upgrade in injector technology. Everyone should really do it. I have no relation to the people selling these other than they are who I bought mine from.
1991-92 Ferrari 348 TB 3.4L V8 Genuine Bosch Direct Replacement Fuel Injectors

 

I'm really curious about this. What's your experience with these updated injectors?

 

I know it's a matter of taste. To me the black lowers make the nose look longer and thinner, and to me a dated look. My front air dam has a few chips and needs some attention so I think I"ll go red all the way around.

I also like the look of the 360 wheels.

As for the seats, I need to sit in a few to find a good fit. Having put a full racing seat in my 3.0 GTV-6 street/track car, I know that a good seat can transform how a car transmits subtle handling characteristics to the driver.

 

Ok, now post pics of the GTV6!

 

I would personally paint match the lower aero parts, they really make a difference. As for the exhaust, let me know what you're looking to achieve from it. I would love to help out any way I can, even if it's just to steer you in the direction you're looking to go!

Ferrari 348 exhaust, Intake and ECU upgrades

 

In a Ferrari, you must start with a ride height adjustment--these cars are already absurdly low to the ground (about 4.2"). Ride height sets the roll centers, and the roll centers set the oversteer/understeer relationship.

Once the ride height is set, the next most important adjustment is setting the corner weights. What you want is for the left front tire to be carrying the same amount of weight as the right front tire with the tires at operating pressures (37-40 PSI hot) with 1/2 a tank of gas, and with the drivers weight (195lb) in the driver's seat.

Once those two adjustments are made, standard caster, camber, and toe settings will a) work just fine, b) give long tire life (but not 20 years---).

This kind of work is 1/2 a day in the shop, not 30 minutes on the alignment machine; expect to pay proportionately.

 

Last week I took my 92 348 tb to the dealer for a badly needed alignment, no unusual tire wear, just really squirrelly handling at highway speeds. I asked them to check the height and corner-weighing as well, but the latter they don't do anymore ("it's a racecar setup").

While the 4-wheel alignment made a huge difference it's nowhere as good (and stable) as the 90 348 ts that I sold last year.

Hopefully I can rent the scales and DIY the corner weight adjustments (won't be the first time).

 

There are a ton of opinions on the color matched panels and 360 wheels. There are quite a few people who voice their dislike of those two modifications. I have them both and I love the way my car looks. I did end up having the rear wheels shaved down 17mm and also installing a little bit bigger brakes in the front because the stock front brakes look downright silly with the 18" wheels.

As far as the seats go, it's your car and enjoy it however you wish. I personally would look at the Recaro Specialist and see if they are more comfortable for you. They also look close to stock. I haven't been a fan of the street 348/355s with the race style seats.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Must do's for your car, unless you want to keep the stock concours look for points. Which we Stooges detest.

Exhaust upgrade - anything but the 2-can system your car has.
Paint the lower trim and the rear deck body color
Wheels, upgrade to either 355 or 360 versions - safer, better handling and more tire choices. Don't forget spacers on the rear - check with Ricambi on this.
Throttle bodies - have them bored
Fuel pressure regulator - make sure you have the later model installed 3.8 bar

Optional stuff:
Check with Tim or Eric about replacement chips - there is a difference and you can increase the rev limit.
Have the intake plenum/runners bored and polished
Free flow cats - you have several choices for this.
Porterfield brake pads - Ricambi
Seats - Corbeau has some nice ones that are very light

This is a pretty good setup that will vastly enhance your driving experience.

 

Or add these http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/ferrari-parts-collectibles/552062-512-tr-wheels.html (8x18 and 10.5x18).