Starting the 328 the first time in 2008. GULP!

Well,

Saturday was a fairly nice day out and the streets in my neighborhood were dry. So, i took off the battery tender on the car and fired it up. You know that feeling in your stomach and your hand is on the keys and your ready to turn the ignition for the very first time after the car was sitting for 4 months or so??? Wondering what might happen when you turn that key?

Well, it started with no problem, just hearing that rumble of that tubi exhaust was awesome! But of course, during the next 15 minutes of the warm up cycle, you hear every little squeak and clank and tapping noise possible. Wondering if anything is going to blow up and just give up.... Well, i heard all the noises one could hear, but they went away after the car was nice and warm. So, i drove it around the block, didn't want to go too far, some streets still had salt and water and ice on them......

So, if any little critters are still living, they are dead now, i didn't smell anything, except that nice aroma of a warmed up Ferrari. You know, that smell of burning oil.... hahaha

As i drove down the street, i could see the sound of the Tubi knocking ice cycles off of everyones gutters... There is nothing like the sound of a warmed up Tubi Exhaust...

Ok, i got my fix, at least for another couple weeks, because we are going to be digging ourselves out again according to the weather men over the next few days.... great.... thats all we need, more friken snow......

Well, the 328 is back in the garage, with the cover on and the battery tender on it waiting for the next break in the weather...

Tod

 

Don't take the snow plow off the front yet But I do miss those days...

 

Only four more months, and I can say the same...

 

Or you can do what I did and go to the Lamborghini dealship and test drive a Gallardo. What a blast that was going up Rt 83!! Really, now that I have a prancing pony in the garage, time to make it a full farm and get a Bull.

 

I fired up the Boxer on Sunday for the first time since I started the engine out major in November. I'm nearly finished. Just need to fit the rear clamshell and Bumper. I would estimate I have at least 250 hours invested in this winter project see: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=173325&page=6

Added to the project, were mod's to the Borla aftermarket exhaust system. The stock Borla mufflers were replaced with Vibrant mini SS resonators. It sounds great! Very loud and aggressive. I have posted a short YouTube video (idle & revs) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nM-O_1KL6zQ

Our Shih-tzu was in the house when I cracked the throttles. Apparently he got so scared that he ran in our room and hid under the bed.
I guess that means Shih-tzu's aren't crazy about Boxers.

I'll be really glad to see winter leave so I can take it out for a drive. Lower Wacker Drive sounds like a must.

A special thanks to Gerry Geraci for help with the exhaust welds.

Dave

 

Dave, it really sounds wicked!

 

Todd,

I did the same over the weekend up here in Minnesota. Been working on the Winter projects cleaning leather, sticky parts, etc. Mine was just delivered in November so I didn't get to drive it. Took a couple of nice drives out in the boonies, never even turned on the radio. Back under covers now waiting for the new stereo gear to arrive and start on that install project! Warm weather will not be here fast enough.

Steve

 

I just bought a 360 from LFSC 2 weeks ago...it's killing me to not be able to drive it. Have had to increase my psychotherapy sessions to twice weekly until the weather breaks.
I'm looking forward to opening day at Gingerman raceway.

 

I even went to the extent a few years ago and bought an enclosed car hauler trailer. I was going to haul my car down south over these winter months to be able to drive it. I have yet to try doing that. HAH! If all this snow...cold.... keeps up here, i may just jump in my truck and grab my trailer and 328 and head south..... I also really want a nice warm sunny day so i can put the car in the driveway and do a complete detailing on it, wash....wax....inside and out..... You know, get out the tooth brush and clean the wheels bolts too....

 

Dave, Nice work! Can't wait to see and hear her on some drives...... To top it, you did it in that dinky garage of yours!! WOW!

I would have found a way to pull the car into the living room at least and work on it there, but i guess thats why i am single? HAH! I know that wouldn't have flown too well with a wife.... HAH!

Tod

 

Well, risking a few reactive comments....

I prefer to wait until the salt dust has been totally washed away by the spring rains, before bringing baby, out to PLAY. The possibility of that dry salt dust working it's way into unexpected places, just bothers me.

Rust never sleeps, as someone once said.... I can wait.

Regards,
Bill

 

Great job Dave!!! Here I am still wanting to get at those fuel lines. Seems like every weekend it is something. Too cold, busy doing something else........

Sounds great!

What I really want to know is: Did you have one bolt left over and don't know where it goes?

 

Do you guys ever worry about any residual salt particles after a short run like that? Is there anything you can do about it?

 

Nope and nope!

 

Well, i walked around the block before i drove it. The streets are dry, a few puddles, but i avoided those. once i got back to my garage, the only salt residue i found was on the tires and it was dry. I am not worried about that, once it gets nice here, the car will get a complete wash, inside and out and detailed. Plus, it's only a car, meant to be driven. I hear they drive year round in Europe, snow...rain...sleet...heat... ect.....

Now if you saw my truck, it's normally blue, right now it's white with multiple shades of blue from all the salt caked on it.... It's pathetic looking.... But way too cold to temp a washing, then the doors and locks would freeze.... HAH!! I know you guys in So. Cal. don't have to worry about any of this crap....

 

EVERYONE REPEAT AFTER ME...

"Dave, you are THE MAN!"

... when do I get that ride??????

 

Glad to hear you got to enjoy it.
My cars are still hibernating in the garage waiting for the heavy spring rain to clear the streets.

 

Shhew!!! Started the 348 for the fisrt time since Nov. Started right up. No rattles or squeels. Warmed up normally. Moved out of garage. No leaks. Will have to go for dinner tonight in the car!

Got to get the car down to Oswego for dyno and change to challenge muffler. Anyone interested in Dyno run let me know. May cost a little, but we could get it cheap I think.

 

Drove mine yesterday... still a bit of salt residue... but what the heck.

Did not want to have my last thought before being whacked by a drunk driver coming home from work at 1am be "dammit.... why havent I driven that damn thing in months..."

Few squeaks, few rattles... but she is 24 years old. But, man, those little noises make me PARANOID! There is a mental anguish with driving a Ferrari that I imagine your average Porsche driver does not get to "enjoy".... wait till next year for the major service? what was that sound?

 

Took my 328 out on Monday, fired right up and no problems. Drove like a dream. It is in now for a leather face lift. I should get it back on Friday.....I hope. Power slides nicely around wet corners.

 

I know what a failing water pump sounds like now! Hopefully this Saturday I'll get the 308 out for a short drive. Put on a hyperflow over the winter (Tubi wasn't loud enough ) and we'll see how it sounds now. I wonder if there is a support group for winter Ferrari withdrawl?

 

Had to jumpstart again today. Then drove it for 2.5 hours. No problems.

 

Dave, I have been watching your progress throughout the winter, an amazing project. Your YouTube video is very cool, love the sound.

I make it a practice to take my car out each month during the winter. A 30 minute drive on a clear sunny day does wonders for both me and the car.

Also, I completely chickened out and took my car to Ed’s for the major last week. All seemed to be going fine until he discovered the distributor mounting flanges were not updated for the new oil seals. The flanges are being machined to accept the new 47MM oil seals. I expect to pick-up the car in about 10 days.

In addition to the major, new coolant lines, replaced worn fuel lines, new clutch, and new flexible oil lines. I’ll be ready for some serious driving this season.

 

I was at Ed's today, and your car is still up in the air, literally; he does that to prevent any accidental abuse!

I know the heads are out for machining. The cam covers and belt housings have been detailed and look great!

By the way Gerry, you have a very nice 328 throughout.

Hopefully, this driving season my eyesight will be good enough that I'll be able to join all of you again.

 

As your car comes out, mine will go in for new parts and upgrades.

There are a lot of "exotic" or "European" car shops in Chicago who pride themselves in painting the company logos all over the garage door including the Ferrari insignia. Every time I drive by a place like that it is filled with GM and some Honda and an occasional Beemer or VW. At the same time Ed could actually paint a Cavallino on his door, seems that there is now at least one Ferrari in there year round.