What determined which lower rear valance 308's wore? | FerrariChat
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What determined which lower rear valance 308's wore?

Discussion in '308/328' started by ZikZak, Feb 20, 2024.

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  1. ZikZak

    ZikZak Karting

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    #1 ZikZak, Feb 20, 2024
    It seems that the 308 wears at least three different common lower valances:

    The first is the euro, single exhaust valance featured on the early euro cars. This presents as a solid valance that spans the rear of the car and wraps around to complete the lower rear wheel arches, with a cutout for the single-pipe, single-tip exhaust of the euro ventros and early steel cars. It also features an oblong cutout that runs inbound from the exhaust cutout and occupies roughly the center of the valance.

    The second is identical to the first, but features two cutouts to accommodate the dual-pipe, quad-tip exhaust of later cars, with each cutout sitting on either end of the longer, oblong cutout.

    The third is the notorious "diaper," which is more a large, black screen than a valance. Unlike the other valances, the diaper cuts the valance in two, with the screen independent of the lower valance. Panels sit on either side of it and wrap around to form the lower rear wheel arches.

    For those with the second valance, is it steel or fiberglass?
     
  2. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #2 Steve Magnusson, Feb 20, 2024
    There's another different one on US 1977 308 (without cats but with air injection) IIRC. The "diaper" is 1978, and after, US version 308 (with cats and with air injection).
     
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  3. bitsobrits

    bitsobrits Formula Junior
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    #3 bitsobrits, Feb 20, 2024
    When I bought my car with that early "fence" design, I sincerely believed someone had fabricated it in their garage. Only after some study and photos of other early carbed US cars was I convinced this was in fact a Ferrari made part. A huge miss on Ferrari's part, and I'd like to think an insult to Fioravanti. But still better than the "diaper". And, btw, it was my first mod to remove it.
     
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  4. ZikZak

    ZikZak Karting

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    #4 ZikZak, Feb 20, 2024
    What is the "fence" design? Googling only returned pictures of 308's next to fences :(.

    There also seems to be a valance without any exhaust cutouts (but still with the oblong window positioned centrally).
     

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  5. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #5 Steve Magnusson, Feb 20, 2024
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  6. rjlloyd

    rjlloyd Formula Junior

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    #6 rjlloyd, Feb 20, 2024
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    The style with two exhaust cutouts is fibreglass from factory. I had mine replaced during body restoration


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  7. bitsobrits

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    #7 bitsobrits, Feb 20, 2024
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  8. ZikZak

    ZikZak Karting

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    #8 ZikZak, Feb 20, 2024
    Oh yes - that does look home-made.
    This is the best of the variants (which apparently numbers at least five), I think.
     
  9. gdl203

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    #9 gdl203, Feb 21, 2024
    I love the look of this one. That is not original, is it?
     
  10. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #10 Steve Magnusson, Feb 21, 2024
    That's the 1977 US version 308. Can't disagree that looks like something taken off of a barbecue grill ;).
     
  11. gdl203

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    #11 gdl203, Feb 21, 2024
    It does look delicious. I wish they had kept that design for the US QV.
     
  12. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #12 Steve Magnusson, Feb 21, 2024
    They really couldn't -- adding the cat(s) between the engine and the muffler pushed the muffler more rearward = diaper required. Although the diaper is kind of terrible, I give them pretty good marks for making it look as good as possible -- at least it doesn't look homemade.
     
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  13. Dockboy

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    #13 Dockboy, Feb 22, 2024
    That is the way my car was originally. '77 w/ air pumps.

    After removing the pumps and replacing the muffler with a Euro GT4 muffler version, the tips were angled upwards much more than the stock muffler. Creating "cutouts" for the new tips impinged on the center opening of the stock valance, so I built my own rear valance.

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  14. Dal308

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    #14 Dal308, Feb 22, 2024
    I normally don't like modern wheels on a 308, but they look nice. What are they?
     
  15. Dockboy

    Dockboy Formula Junior
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    #15 Dockboy, Feb 22, 2024
    They are 17" Lesco's. Not made anymore.

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