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Possible Carb Conversion

Discussion in '308/328' started by GeorgeDodson, Oct 14, 2008.

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  1. GeorgeDodson

    GeorgeDodson Karting

    Feb 12, 2008
    193
    Oak Ridge, TN
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    George Dodson
    #1 GeorgeDodson, Oct 14, 2008
    I have the heads of of my 81 308 GTSi due to a slipped timing belt bending (slightly) the exhaust valves. I noticed galling in the exhaust cam bearing surface on the head and some slight scoring of the cam bearing surface on the front bearing (timing belt end). I have been working on this and wondering if the fix that I made is good enough. I consulted with a sponsor of this forum and he said that to weld up and re-machine the head would be "very expensive". I think that the same would be true of the cam and that ti would be cheaper to simply replace it. In the mean time, a set of heads from a 78, complete with 2 ea. 1978 2 valve cylinder heads, 2 valve covers, 2 intakes, 4 carbs, water cross over pipe with the weber throttle linkage and 3 extra weber carbs for parts came up on e-bay. I am new to Ferrari's. Are these heads bolt-on replacements for the GTSi heads? Any advice that you have would be a big help. I have written to two forum members off-line and they were helpful but I thought that I'd open this up for general comment. Thanks.

    Regards,
    George
     
  2. Modeler

    Modeler F1 Veteran

    May 19, 2008
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    a.n.other
    #2 Modeler, Oct 14, 2008
    Last edited: Oct 14, 2008
    First thing I'd be doing, if I didn't have example heads to compare, is take a look through the parts suppliers to see if the head gaskets are the same, part number etc.
    I'd also be comparing distributor advance curves and timing to ensure no massive differences need to be dealt with that could add to costs and complexity of the project. Fuel pump rate and pressures and line filtration would also need comparing to ensure the installations are within needed limits.
    Timing belt front and rear cover mounting is another area I'd want to ensure attached similarly to both head types.
    All that springs to mind. If anything else occurs I'll add it later.
     
  3. WJHMH

    WJHMH Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #3 WJHMH, Oct 14, 2008
  4. Modeler

    Modeler F1 Veteran

    May 19, 2008
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    #4 Modeler, Oct 14, 2008
  5. GeorgeDodson

    GeorgeDodson Karting

    Feb 12, 2008
    193
    Oak Ridge, TN
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    George Dodson
    #5 GeorgeDodson, Oct 14, 2008
    Yes, that is the package that I am bidding on. I wanted to make sure that it is compatible and was wondering what else, other than a fuel pump and air filters, that I will need. Sources for these parts would be good too. Thanks.
     
  6. snj5

    snj5 F1 World Champ

    Feb 22, 2003
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    #6 snj5, Oct 14, 2008
    2v head should be compatable w/ 2valve block
    Will need a Facet or Pierburg fuel pump
    Great time to put in new fuel lines.
    Air cleaner of choice: stock or individual

    Will have to decide if you stick with current electronic ignition or revert as well to the previous distributor.

    I think you will be happy with the result.

    If you can swing a couple of thousand $ more, since the heads are already off, a nice lite port, polish and valve job will make a big difference.
     
  7. GeorgeDodson

    GeorgeDodson Karting

    Feb 12, 2008
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    George Dodson
    #7 GeorgeDodson, Oct 14, 2008
    All,
    Thanks for your comments. I was amazed at the speed of the bidding in the last 20 seconds. I couldn't keep up. By the time I entered a bid,, I had been outbid. This was my first time in a last second shootout. As they say, "I learned a lot". Back to the fuel injectors....

    Thanks again.


    Regards,
    George
     
  8. Pizzaman Chris

    Pizzaman Chris F1 Rookie

    Mar 13, 2005
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    #8 Pizzaman Chris, Oct 14, 2008
    George,

    Sorry to hear you didn't win the Auction.

    Good luck with the 308 and don't give up.:)
     
  9. snj5

    snj5 F1 World Champ

    Feb 22, 2003
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    #9 snj5, Oct 14, 2008
    +1
     
  10. GeorgeDodson

    GeorgeDodson Karting

    Feb 12, 2008
    193
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    George Dodson
    #10 GeorgeDodson, Oct 15, 2008
    Give up? Never! On the other hand, I will likely re-install what I have and wait for another time and opportunity to pick up a carb setup. When I used to live in Boston in the 80's and 90's, I had summer and winter carbs. I liked the way that the SUs ran in the summer, but switched to the Weber in the winter. It's not a car, it's a hobby. The really not so funny thing is that after getting the 308, she ran so well that I didn't really have anything to do on her and I missed working on cars, since my daily driver Miata is basically bulletproof. Now I have 308 guts all over her third of the garage. Be careful what you wish for.

    Regards,
    George
     
  11. luckydynes

    luckydynes F1 Rookie

    Jan 25, 2004
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    pit bull
    #11 luckydynes, Oct 15, 2008

    Putting carbs on will definitely end this LOL.

    You thought about EFI? You can do it without even pulling the intake with no permanent mod's the way I did it.

    Can understand not wanting it if you're not into all the electronics "stuff" ... trust me ... there'll be plenty of things for you to pull your hair out on LOL.

    Glad you like playing with her.

    Cheers,

    Sean
     

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