Hello, Does a 355 challenge grill fit on a 348TS? If it does, what else would I need to get besides the grill? Thx. Randy
There used to be a 348 version available. It was made by an FChatter named Husker. Not sure if they're still available.
I just noticed one of my old threads comes up quite high when googling "Husker 348 Grill." Years after the fact I finally put after pics as well. http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/348-355-sponsored-bradan/281899-fun-games-huskers-lemans-grill.html#post144924992 Last I heard these were still available as "special order items," but that was several years ago. I think I've got Husker's contact info somewhere buried away. If interested, I'm sure I could send him an email requesting current status or availability. Just let me know!
Ah yes the lemans grill. I remember the early development threads about that Although a few years on now these days, i personaly would not put a challenge type grill on a 348. IMO and maybe IMO alone, the classic and unique rear end of the 348 is a classy tail job. I foresee that people will be swapping the grills back to original any time soon. Although finding standard rear 348 grills on ebay seems to becoming harder.
Definitely not just your opinion-- to me the rear of the 348 is its best feature. Looks much better than the 355's to my eye, but then again I also love the TR so I'd have to love the straked tail of the 348 wouldn't I?
I admit, I waffle on this one, which is why I kept all the original bits after conversion. I can always revert, unlike those that sold the OEM grill. However, I STILL have nightmares from 8 years ago about the original grill. Tasks as basic as a carwash/clean/dusting was a more labor intensive undertaking with the slatted OEM grill, where the "355 conversion" could be handled in 2 min wipedown. Am I the only one with this opinion? The OEM grill had to be done "frame by frame," and even then there were enough flat surfaces that even with the most attention spent to drying everything there would still be spots on the flats. 355 challenge style removed the flat surfaces of the grill... ...and this doesn't even start to address the issue of early OEM setup and melted tail lights. Yeah, I just pulled my old OEM lights out of storage. Now I remember my primary reason for the conversion! lol In any case, despite the hates! I love my little 26 year old Fezza, and even though I've put in a number of mods to offset the quirks (there is much flack to be fielded on this topic) I wouldn't have it any other way! 90 pound exhaust? No problem, update to the later model "single can" version! Melted tail lights? No problem, try a 355 conversion? Warped front hood air grill? No problem, look to the 355 swap yet again! Wheels? Spacers and 360 Starfish? You guys get my point. Sacrilege for some, but as long as one keeps all the OEM gear for a rollback if desired, why not?
To be fair, that did seem to be the design intention of the original. The slatted rear grill was the perfect match for the slatted side strakes, and the slats in the rear engine deck. It was clearly a complete package with a ton of attention to detail. Don't let the 348 haters tell you otherwise!
Ha! Youre preaching to the choir, Jason. While I love the look of the rear of the 348 I hate cleaning it. Seems like thats the section that collects the most dust and its the most tedious to clean on top of that. So from a purely practical sense I can understand your wanting to move to a simpler design. And heck, its your caryou can do whatever you want with it. To me the main thing is that you kept the original parts and that you can return it to stock whenever you want. I like mods, but preferably reversible ones. BTW, Ive said this here several times before but it bears repeating in this discussionI didnt like the 348 at all when it was first introduced. It looked nothing like the curvaceous 308 and 288 that I so highly revered, and I especially disliked the wheels. But in the end the whole package began to grow on me even the wheels thanks in no small part to how much fun they were on the track. The point being that its easy to see how the 348 can be an acquired taste, but a pretty darned good one once you get to know the car. I absolutely love the rear slats, but every time I set out to clean them it takes lots longer than expected. In the end I guess thats not such a bad problem to have though. Best Regards, ///Mike
Yeah I was a 355 guy until I drove the 348 Now I just love that car, makes me feel like a chubby kid with the fastest go cart on the block LOL
100% (except, I've always loved the 348). Actually, there are only a few screws holding the rear grill in place. So removal for effective cleaning is very easy. And a nice/simple repaint if necessary. . Image Unavailable, Please Login
In retrospect I wonder what was wrong with me back when I didn't like the 348. Back then I worshipped at the altar of the 308, so the 348 was too radical of a departure. Still remember the first time I drove one-- I was asked by someone at a Ferrari track event to give rides in his car. As he handed me the key I asked which one was his, and when he pointed at the then-rather-new 348 I remember being disappointed. The disappointment didn't last long when I found out how cool it was at speed but gotta admit it took a bit longer to fully embrace the looks when compared with the iconic 308. But now that I'm a fan I'm a *huge* fan. Great point about the ease of removing the rear slats. Almost did that the last time I cleaned it and when all was said and done I wished I'd done so because it would have been quicker. Need to remember that if I ever drive mine again...
Ok don't kill me but here we go again. One with the third light delete and one with it. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Hi Al, your conversion is def well done. It always looks great in pics. PS. Not sure if you remember but I bought the red floor mats from you via e-bay. They are in my nero 348 Spider now.
I remember hope your enjoying the mats and the 348 Spider. And thanks for the compliment. I too have held on to all parts, just in case
I've always preferred the standard slatted 348 tail light treatment first and foremost, followed by the Speciale. The f355 style conversions, imo, just don't look quite right without the additional height and shaping of the integrated lip on the f355 deck lid and rear quarters, plus those slats are one of the major identifying features of the 348 and testarossa. However, I've always thought that the below modification was sort of cool in that 348 race car/hot rod style, marrying the slats with earlier round tails. Wouldn't do it to mine, but think it works well for a round-tail mod. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
