Matching numbers and paint thickness ?s | FerrariChat

Matching numbers and paint thickness ?s

Discussion in '308/328' started by PCHMOTOHO, Dec 13, 2018.

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  1. PCHMOTOHO

    PCHMOTOHO Karting

    Oct 7, 2006
    150
    Agoura Hills Ca
    Hello,

    I have a couple ?s for you all please. Vehicle is 86 328.

    First is the engine numbers. Where is the engine number?

    I believe the engine number has nothing to do with the vin number is this correct?

    How does one verify that the engine number is the one that goes with the chassis it’s currently in?


    Also what kind of factory paint thickness readings should I be looking for?

    Thanks in advance. Much appreciated.
     
  2. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 11, 2001
    25,035
    30°30'40" N 97°35'41" W (Texas)
    Full Name:
    Steve Magnusson
    #2 Steve Magnusson, Dec 13, 2018
    Last edited: Dec 13, 2018
    On top of the engine block at cylinder #1 (as is the engine family marking). This is from a 1987 US version 328 (engine family F105C040; engine serial no. 00998):
    Image Unavailable, Please Login

    Correct.

    Ferrari has records for that (but not easy to get). Comparing the engine SN to other 328 using the same engine family made about the same time can give some confidence. Try this website:

    www.328registry.com

    Maybe you'll get lucky and it will be there ;)
     
  3. Brian A

    Brian A F1 Rookie

    Dec 21, 2012
    3,079
    SanFrancisco BayArea
    Full Name:
    1983 US 308 GTS QV
    #3 Brian A, Dec 13, 2018
    Last edited: Dec 13, 2018
    I suppose in the future there might be a matching-numbers obsession that develops among owners.

    Right now, as has been in the past, there is almost no information about what engine went into what car. Matching the numbers is not an issue in the 3x8 world mostly because we don't know.

    It is true that engine number does not march upward in a lockstep with serial number although generally they both move upward over time.


    However, virtually all 3x8s are of such low mileage that it is extremely unlikely that the engine has been changed. The engine in the car is likely the engine it came with. They are a few engine swaps out there though; usually the cars that got high mileage (>100k miles) early in their life. There were a few "crate" engines available. Like any engine, valves can break, head gaskets can blow, and so on but from what I've read almost always the block and heads stay intact and are reusable.
     
  4. PCHMOTOHO

    PCHMOTOHO Karting

    Oct 7, 2006
    150
    Agoura Hills Ca
  5. miked

    miked Formula Junior

    Feb 7, 2001
    821
    Cincinnati, Ohio
    There are some photos around this forum that show maybe 100 engines sitting along the 308 assembly line. The worker just goes over and picks the easiest to reach engine and plops it in the car. No different than brake rotors or headlights. Ferrari would have recorded what the numbers were on each component (engine, trans, interior etc.) that went into a particular car but they hold that info close to their chest. The "numbers matching" category seems to have stemmed from American muscle cars where they stamped the same number on all relevant driveline parts as they were assembled to the car. An easy way to verify if the components were the original "as it left the factory" parts.
     
  6. Rosey

    Rosey F1 Rookie

    Nov 5, 2015
    3,587
    Australia
    Full Name:
    Mark R
    It's very rare to find a 308 or a 328 that hasn't had some paint at some stage.

    Either a full on respray or just a little blow over for stone chips on the front bonnet or bumper.
     
  7. nerofer

    nerofer F1 World Champ

    Mar 26, 2011
    11,967
    FRANCE
    Well,
    For most 328s, the engine number is printed with the VIN on the warranty card, so it's not that difficult to find. If you have the warranty card, that is...
    Rgds
     

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