1979 308GTS - My first Ferrari experience | Page 3 | FerrariChat

1979 308GTS - My first Ferrari experience

Discussion in '308/328' started by BenB, Feb 16, 2023.

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  1. Newman

    Newman F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner Professional Ferrari Technician

    Dec 26, 2001
    14,521
    Canada
    Full Name:
    Newman
    BenB likes this.
  2. BenB

    BenB Karting

    Dec 14, 2007
    101
    Illinois
    Full Name:
    Ben B
    Newman likes this.
  3. ChevyDave

    ChevyDave Formula Junior

    Dec 21, 2019
    459
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Full Name:
    Dave W
    Drive the PI55 out of it for 50k miles then rinse and repeat. ;)
    - Dave
     
  4. BenB

    BenB Karting

    Dec 14, 2007
    101
    Illinois
    Full Name:
    Ben B
    Paul suggested having my starter & alternator tested before the engine is installed, as they're much easier to access now. Both were working when the car was together, but their 45-years old and I'm sure they're original.

    Here's the starter. Nearly a half-century of gummed-up crud, despite only 54k miles on the car. It will be replaced with a new efficient high-torq unit that will also save a few pounds.

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    I'm sure my window motors will look similar when I get to them.

    The big question (to me) is what will a 340+ hp 308 be like to drive? Will it be worthwhile?
    I was driving a Viper GTS a few days ago & was thinking how bulletproof and solid feeling it was, but also how twitchy the steering was, the harsh ride, and how the massive tires & neutral alignment grabbed at every dip and bump in the road. Great car, very powerful, but also a little taxing to drive any distance. I really think the 308 will be much more enjoyable as a sports-touring car. And it's probably the same when compared to a more modern Ferrari with massive power and tires. Maybe these little 308s are the "sweet spot" in enjoyable exotic cars. Am I wrong?
     
  5. BlueMax

    BlueMax Formula Junior

    Aug 6, 2006
    309
    Norfolk, VA
    Full Name:
    JR
    I don’t think you’re wrong, but then I am biased. Look, my wife’s Subaru ascent, with a turbo charged 4 cylinder, probably has better acceleration than my 308 ( mine isn’t at 340hp, but a more modest 303hp). But no car puts a smile on my face like the 308. The sounds, the feeling, the handling, how connected you are to the road, while still having a fairly comfy ride compared to a lot or harsher spring rated cars.
     
  6. Newman

    Newman F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner Professional Ferrari Technician

    Dec 26, 2001
    14,521
    Canada
    Full Name:
    Newman
    Right fuel tank rubber pads were loose and missing texture, one of the three vent tubes was missing and one was bent and cracked as expected when we tried to straighten it out. An old a/c condenser line from a modern car was the right size so number 1 and 3 tube were replaced.

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