Please Confirm Correct 328 Undercarriage Battery Bay? | FerrariChat

Please Confirm Correct 328 Undercarriage Battery Bay?

Discussion in '308/328' started by pj57, Dec 8, 2019.

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  1. pj57

    pj57 Karting
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    Dec 13, 2012
    75
    Austin, TX
    I’m unfamiliar with 328s, so I’ll defer to the experts. Car pictured is a low-mileage ‘89 328 GTS that I looked at with a friend who is looking to buy. He will PPI with a Ferrari indy if things get serious. My main question is whether or not the battery bay is uncovered as the photo reveals or is there a cover missing? Everything looks original and all screws are in place, so my thought is this is correct. Just seems odd to have battery exposed to elements. PJ
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  2. thorn

    thorn F1 Rookie
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    Aug 7, 2012
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    There's a cover that's missing.
     
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  3. pj57

    pj57 Karting
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    Dec 13, 2012
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    Austin, TX
    Anyone have a pic of the cover installed? Thanks
     
  4. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
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    Nov 29, 2001
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    Mitchell Le
    Nothing is missing in that picture for an 89. In fact the slotted vents plate seems to be missing on my car.
     
  5. thorn

    thorn F1 Rookie
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    The 89 is simply exposed on the underside like that? I find that baffling, considering earlier models aren't. Road debris would be a hazard to the battery.
     
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  6. pj57

    pj57 Karting
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    #7 pj57, Dec 8, 2019
    Last edited: Dec 8, 2019
    Above are photos supplied by a dealership showing the underside of three different 328s (first two photos and last two photos are of same car). Unless all had intentionally removed the battery cover, it would appear Yelcab is correct - there is no cover! The anomaly is the very first photo of the post that shows a presumably factory installed louvered panel where none of the others have it. Didn’t think I’d be starting a research project, FYI, I recall that the ‘89 GTS I was looking at was February, 1989 production.
     
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  7. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
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    If it doesn’t have a cover originally, I’m pretty sure it can be easily make one if need to.
     
  8. Saabguy

    Saabguy Formula 3
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    Mine has no louver and that one looks suspiciously like a Lowes vent bent just so.
     
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  9. JV's89

    JV's89 F1 Veteran
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    My '89 has the louver too.
     
  10. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
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    62492500 GRILL , unsured if that is used on all models or not. Can easily be made with a Home Depot screen. I think it is there just to protect the ABS pump located right above it. I don't have one, and unlikely to spend $100 for one.
     
  11. waymar

    waymar Formula 3

    Sep 2, 2008
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    So... my 308GTSi (1982) has a solid aluminum panel. Is there a benefit to having more air flow exiting under the car?
     
  12. Saabguy

    Saabguy Formula 3
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    Probably, if it goes under the car there is less heat to go over the car into the cabin. I still plan on fabricating a flat or louvered panel (Can you say A/C intake from Lowers?) to help pull some hot air out. of course I plan on finishing some body work on the E-Type too so don't hold your breath for pics.

     
  13. Freddie328

    Freddie328 Formula Junior

    Jul 29, 2013
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    Interesting. The battery was exposed on mine, but had the grille. Dealer I bought it from said there was a missing plate and made one from aluminium. That was sixteen years ago. Never had an overheating problem.
     
  14. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    Hes wrong. No cover.
     
  15. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    The louvered panel goes under the ABS unit. Supposed to be there.
     
  16. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    They are all like that
     
  17. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    Does your car have ABS?
     
  18. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    Not supposed to. The cover is under the steering rack and water pipes.
     
  19. thorn

    thorn F1 Rookie
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    How odd...well, today was a learning day. Apologies to the OP for causing unnecessary concern.
     
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  20. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    That is where most of the air from the radiator exits. None of the 308/328 had that covered.
     
  21. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    You came here to ask the experts. Boy did you come to the wrong place.
     
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  22. thorn

    thorn F1 Rookie
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    Mine (85) doesn't have a large hole behind the front spoiler; it's all covered underneath. Is is a US vs Euro difference, or some other factor?
     
  23. pj57

    pj57 Karting
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    Dec 13, 2012
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    Yelcab had the answer right away. The only remaining issue was the louvered panel which so far looks like an ABS model only part.
     
  24. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    Show us a picture.

    Thats where radiator air gets out.
     

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