328 GTB/C Competition

Hi all,

after having posted some pictures of my 328 GTB in another unrelated thread I received numerous PM's who asked me to deliver additional information on this project. So, here goes for all those who love their 328 but would like a little more oompf without compromising the looks.

The car was originally a red/tan 328 GTS (Euro) with completely burned engine and rear end. Only the block and one cylinder head were useable but in the end were not used in this car. The rear chassis and body were completely destroyed by the heat and had to be removed. Also, the interior was half destroyed due to the foam and water from extinguishing the fire.

The car was completely dismantled and shipped to Italy where Baccelli (Maranello) cut off everything behind the rear window. The chassis tubing and body panels were remanufactured, a GTB roof was installed and thus the car now carries a GTS chassis number, but functions as a GTB. Needless to say, the italians were amused to add a roof whereas they are used to converting coupes into convertibles. Interesting side-effect: A GTS caries additional tubing along the sills because of the missing roof. When installing a GTB roof these sills plus roof make this straucture extra stiff compared to a regular GTB. Good for heavy track use.

In the front we wanted extra ventilation, so we installed 308 fender grilles. Also, the original grill was replaced by a stainless steel version sans lighting. Only the indicators were kept. Thus the somewhat "BB-look" in the front. The fuel filler was replaced with a competition filler.

The car is painted in green metallic which by the way was once an original Pininfarina color in the 60's. Needless to say, the color polarizes the audience, but I wanted something which sticks out without beeing cheesy. Also, a NART emblem was fitted instead of the usual chrome prancing horse on the rear.

In the meantime an engine was found in Belgium and also completely dismantled. Everything in the inside was replaced: New pistons with a higher compression were installed, high performance cams were made from the originals, all valves were polished, intake channels enlarged and - at a later date - the orginal injection replaced by individual throttle units. This was a little tough to do for a 328 since the intake manifolds differ from those of a 308. In the later, you can simply replace the carburators with the new injection throttle bodys. But in a 328 that does'nt work. So we took an original intake manifold, cut off the upper half, and remanuctured a new manifold from solid aluminium by hand. Because we wanted to keep the look of the car stock, we did not want to cut open the bonnet. In order to fit the injection system we installed the units with slight angels. Fortunately, this did not affect the performance at all. Behind the engine we installed a much larger oil cooler which is fed by the intake openings on the side of the car. Finally, a complete stainless steel exhaust system was installed.

The gearbox was unaltered execept for short ratio straight cut gears installed where power is transferred from the crank to the gearbox.

On the dyno the engine puts out 315 (real) hp at the axle at 7.200 rpm, not the small italian 270 hp. Want ot hear something gruesome? A perfectly standard Euro 328 GTS with all inspections maintained "by the book" delivers no more than 235 hp on the dyno. Its surprising how fast these cars are nevertheless......

In the interior we started from scratch. The goal was to create a track car but with usability on the road. Sort of like the RS cars by Porsche. Thus we installed racing bucketseats, racing harness, competition pedals, threw out all the switchgear and replaced the center console with a slimmer unit between the seats. Power windows were kept, but only because we could'nt find an appropriate alternative solution. Door panels were replaced with a more functional look. All original instruments were kept, but shift lights and a timer were added, as was a competition steering wheel. Also, in combination with 4 piston caliper racing brakes by AP (front and rear), a front/rear valve was intalled (great when the track is wet). I like it comfy, so we did lay a carpet as well as diamond-shaped leather padding (à la 250 GTO) along the rear firewall. Adds a little historic competition touch.

The entire suspension was kept mostly original, except for the adjustable shocks and springs. That really does it, by the way. if you ever find your stock untis shot, don't replace them with OEM parts. See if you can get adjustables. The bushings were replaced with harder units, and the geometry was set for track use.

So how does all this work? On the track with standard wheels and Yokohama competition tires the car always surprises everyone. With 17 inch wheels and slicks it really goes! Its not so much the power, but the way the package works as a whole. The ride is crisp but not harsh, steering is more direct and feedback is much better thanks to the shocks and harder bushings. Power is prompt and continous all the way to 8.000 rpm. It probably could rev towards 9.000, but why? Already its easy to chase 355's and sometimes even 360's on the track, cars with 380 or 410 hp! Overtaking heavy Maranellos on the outside of a curve is also fun. And often Porsche RS drivers find it hard to believe that they are in fact beeing chased by a 328, a "Thomas Magnum car"! But obviously a 328 can be a very well balanced and quick car once you put some time and money into it. Also, once you get to really know these cars on the track, you can push them into limits you will never reach on the road. I think they are predictable and even somewhat stoic. Never have I found myself in a Oh-my-god kind of situation. Sadly, the factory never really explored the reserves of this car (except the GTO). Too bad they never considered a "328 GTB/C Stradale" as they did with the 360.

I have had this car on the track since 1997 with 21.000 km in the redline and the only thing which ever broke was a thermostat - $5.

Jens
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Andrew,

yes I think I will be in Spa - hopefully weather this time will be better than last year!

Steven,

the shocks were made by a specialist who usually does work for racing motorcycles, thus there is no brand. I know that in the US nicksforzaferrari.com offers a package which appears to be similar to mine. However, if you want I'll check if we can replicate a set for you.

cheers,

Jens

 

Rick,

yes I thought about creating a package for the injection and the suspension. However, demand in Europe appears to be too weak in order to calculate a decent price. Apparantly there are'nt too many european Ferrari drivers who are willing to invest in their 328, least put them on the track. Sounds like in the US demand could be high enough to justify a small production....obviously that would depend on the price.

The most complicated piece to refabricate would be the aluminium intake manifold. Possibly we could take the original and make a mould for further production - there is a company in England which is able to cast such items.

The suspension is easy to duplicate.

Steven,

I'll check on some data on the springs and shocks and will post them here.

cheers, Jens