Thinking of going to a Euro backend

I have my own thoughts on this but I was wondering what others think about going to a Euro back end on my 308. Is the US back end too big looking to most 308 owners? Would the back end look better with the muffler showing? Or leave it the way it is now, the way it came. It's got a polished Tubi and a few guys suggested I change the backend to Euro. Anybody got any thoughts on this. Looks like about 1K to change it over.
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If my installation on the 1976 is any guide you'll need the center pan section of the rear valence (with the oval opening) and also the trim piece that finishes that edge.

I purchased both parts new from Ferrari UK years ago, to rewind a hatchet job on my #22641.

There's an earlier version of the shroud that's not a visually prominent as the "hamster balls" version.....

 

I'm a fan of keeping our 308s original. Your car looks great!

 

Leave as is would be my vote....

 

Thanks. I'm not sure if I will do this or not. I'd get all the correct parts. Venders I know have what is needed. I don't do anything goofy. I have the same feelings about too many mods to a original car. I did change a few things, but can easily put back to stock. Some of the changes I have already taken off and put the original parts back on. I don't want to change the back end and then take it all back to stock again.

 

I'm not a big fan of the diaper on US cars... and those beautiful exhaust tips are half hidden because of it. Would you also push in the rear bumper or convert to a Euro version? If so, then you really should do the front end too, because the car's I've seen with just one end converted look unbalanced.

 

I like it just the way it is--leave it like that.

I'm so jealous of the Tubi...

 

I really don't think one looks any better than the other and its probably best to keep a US model intact. Be careful of "the grass is greener" syndrome. Most people wouldn't notice the styles were different unless it was pointed out. But once you start thinking that the Euro style looks better, yours will look worse and worse to you until you "fix" it.

 

Just my 2 Euro, but change it. Ferrari made those modifications because they had to not because they wanted to. No, it's not going to be US spec original, but neither are any 246 Dino's that have been restored to date either (when was the last time you saw a platinum winning Dino with original US spec bumpers??). Do the original design justice and make it how it was designed to look, not how it had to look.

 

Both bumpers are in by 1 1/2 inches. If I do a Euro back I will also do the front. Take off both US bumpers and change the grill. Using all the correct parts. Got all the parts close at hand. I'm not sure if it would be worth it. Work or money wise. Hate to change too much.
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+1

 

I like the way you think. Well put. Thanks

 

+2!

And remove the federal side marker lights.

 

That too. Do it right or not at all.

 

You will notice the weight difference too. By the time you are done it shaves a good 80-85lbs off the car.

 

I’ve been having the same debate in my head recently so I am interested to see what people say.
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The rust on my car’s rear quarters will need fixing next year which would be the perfect time to change back and front to Euro look. However, I have been gravitating to keeping it US-spec (although still not 100% decided). I can’t help thinking that in my case, it would end up pretending to be something it’s not since it’s a 78 GTB with a US-spec engine.
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Then again, the Euros are lighter and as mentioned, they look the way Fioravanti meant them to look so I say go for it!
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I don’t mind the US look too much once the bumpers pulled in. To me the worst parts of the look are actually the square side reflectors and the fact that the profile of the indicators does not match the profile of the US bumpers… that last one annoys me every time I walk past the car in the garage hehehehehe.

 

all good points above.

Below is a reference pic of US spec Dino bumpers. How many can say they have EVER seen a current Dino with these hideous things installed. Ok, the 308 is not that terrible in comparison but it's still pretty bad compared to Euro spec. Also shown is a pic of Paul's brilliantly restored US spec 308 which he also opted for Euro spec bumpers. Fantastico
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Is that a picture of Paul N. old 308?

Just beautiful. And i love how he did the tips on a slight slant.

 

I plan on taking it a step further then just adding the euro backend and add a diffuser. Hopefully get rid of the air pocket that develops at the back.

 

I removed my diaper. It is in the garage. I also removed the rear bumper spacers.
I have a black 308GTS. Most people do not know the diaper was removed.

 

I also left my diaper off cause I like the looks of the SS exhaust, but I can put it back in mins.
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Love the euro look...

 

you doing this yet???


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These are great pics. Gives me a good idea on how mine would look. Will be a fall project if all goes well and I have the time.

 

I don't understand the question at all when these cars are so cheap for what you get. Buy a Euro car so you don't have to worry about this question. Make it perfect, then in a few years decide to keep them both or sell the one that isn't your dream.