Mondi Buyers Guide

Come to think of it, a clutch in a T doesn’t require engine removal, so sorry about that!

 

Gotcha - where can one learn more about your solution ?

 

The interior is a big part of what attracts me to the T, that and Motronic engine management which I have a large comfort level with from owning Porsches and BMWs of the same vintage. Returning to the interior - is the T a 'facelift' on top of the same basic architecture or are the changes 'deeper'. For instance the evolution from the Carrera 3.2 to the 964/993 is what I would call 'deeper' changes in as much as there were changes to the HVAC system design, ventilation motors and other features that make a substantive difference to usability and comfort.

 

That’s always the comparison that I make. The 3.2 vs the 964s and the mondial 3.2 vs the T. I know the 964 was 85 percent new under the skin. I don’t know enough about Mondials but I doubt the T was changed as much as a 964 was.

 

One advantage with the T interior is that the gauges you need to keep an eye on are right in front of you on the dash. On the older models, the steering wheel can block quick vision of some of them, most notably the oil pressure gauge. The whole dash/console layout is just cleaner and more functional.

 

Thats one issue but not the main one. The 3.2 cars were some of the best and most trouble free Ferrari ever built and the 3.4 cars occupy the other end of the spectrum.

 

Thanks!

I'm discovering with the JH what I already knew, I'm a driver, not a wrench. Trouble free needs to be my mantra. At 67, I don't need no mo troubles!

 

I don't think I could drive in a position where the wheel obscured oil pressure in a 3.2.

 

Perhaps it has to do with where we have the steering wheel placed and our height? For me, the stock steering wheel doesn't obscure the oil pressure or any other gauges on my 3.2. The oil pressure/temp, gas, and water temp gauges are all nicely placed to the right of the wheel with the speedometer and tach directly in front. Perfect positioning. Everything is perfectly visible with the exception of the odometer. I'm very pleased with the dash layout of my '88 and like it more than my old air-cooled 911s.

2cam

 

Agreed! I purposely sought out a 3.2 for the reasons stated above from a mechanical simplicity perspective. Plus, I really liked the body/interior styling of the 3.2 over the T. It just seemed more true to the original design. From an interior perspective, I like the earlier steering wheel from the 3.2 versus the T, but do like the T seats more. In fact, I've thought of picking up a set of T seats to put in my 3.2.

Agreed on the comparison between the 3.2 to T and 3.2 Carrera to 964 evolutions. Neither was revolutionary, but took an existing design and made some significant updates. Like the T, the 964 gained power steering and a larger displacement motor. The 964 moved away from the torsion bar front suspension to coil-overs for the first time. Much like the impact of the T's reorientation of the motor/trans, the move to coil-overs completely influenced 911 design moving forward. The 964 also incorporated an airbag for the first time and had AC that would actually work. Both received revised FI systems with their new motors. So, yeah the comparisons do seem appropriate.

2cam

 

I suppose it matters on what feels comfortable for you. If I wanted to lower the steering wheel more into my lap the gauges would be more visible, but then the rest of the feel would be weird. I'm about 5'8", so maybe it helps if you are also six foot three, lol.
The red digital clock also seems to be obscured in my driving position.

 

I'm sure Brian is talking about me. I've made no secret that I own two Mondial 3.2 Coupes:

1. A very late 88 (standard ABS and no center warning light console) with 4500 miles. Red/tan and utterly perfect, essentially a brand new car.

2. An 86, red/tan, with (now) 60K miles. You can read about it in my road trip thread to the FCA Nationals in Scottsdale. Almost all original paint, but has some rock chips and other imperfections. Interior is also original and nicely worn in. I bought it to drive, which is exactly what I'm doing.

#1 is not for sale, and #2 could be for sale, but I'm not advertising it. I'm a dealer, so I can't keep everything. But I'd sell pretty much every single one of my cars, inventory or personal, before I sold #1.

 

Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login I just drove an '88 1200 miles in Texas, it is a 15,000 mile car-essentially new. We drove it hard but appropriately and had a ball. I am surprised I liked it so much. driving position is good for me[5'7], instruments are good although I would have preferred that they were white/black, heater /ac controller is very nice compared to earlier cars with the famous levers, and it was trouble free. It has enough power to have fun without scaring yourself.Malcolm

 

Luchenbach Texas... Good place for a country song. [emoji4]

(I grew up in Texas.) [emoji16]

Sent from my Moto E (4) Plus using FerrariChat.com mobile app

 

Is the AC more effective in a Mondial 3.2 than a 308/328? Wondering if the larger cabin and increased distance to the engine might help reduce cabin heat generally.

Jon

 

I personally don't know, other folks should be able to answer that here.