Brakes and Shifting

Brakes should very good on the car - firm, strong stopping power. Perhaps you've got old fluid, or need to bleed the system (or both.)

The only common trans issue that some (not all) cars require warmup for is a 1-2 shift; some cars grind when cold. If you're getting grinding in those other shifts, I'd start by changing the transmission fluid. If that doesn't correct it, then there's either an issue with clutch adjustment, or the clutch itself.

But do be aware, the car (at least mine) cannot be "speed shifted" in the manner than my modern daily driver can. You need to shift ... not exactly slowly, but a complete deliberate measured approach. The clutch and synchros need a slight delay time to move into position.

 

Could be rear brake adjustment. My ‘82 308GTSi needs rears adjusted occasionally. Other than that the brakes great for the car.

 

Adusted how? I have never heard of disc brakes needing "adjustment."

re the OP, As far as poor brakes, are you getting a good, solid pedal when you apply the brakes? Any leaks in the hydraulic system that could have contaminated the brake pads with fluid?

Re the transmission - My 328 acted pretty much as you are describing until I changed the tranny oil to Redline MTL ( recommended by RifleDriver on this site) and it totally transformed the shifting from the Motul that I had been using. Here's a link to my post re this a couple of years ago: https://ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/redline-mtl-big-improvement.573814/ As a caveat, I ASSUME the transmission on the '82 308 is the same as on my 89 328 but I don't know that for sure. If not, what worked for me might not work the same way for you. As they say, YMMV!

 

I was wondering about that, too.

 

The rear brakes on a 308 do have an adjustment for the parking brake pad. I suppose that might affect how the brakes feel as it would change pedal travel a little bit depending on how close those two pads are to the disc face.

But every caliper I've played with were self-adjusting. At least if they weren't all corroded and nasty inside.

 

The rear brakes do need occasional manual adjustment. I had mine adjusted too tight and the rear brakes were locking long before the fronts. I backed the adjustment off too much and had the “Brake Failure” warning light activate.

Here is a link that describes the rear brake adjustment procedure:

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/adjusting-the-rear-brakes-on-a-308.620470/

 

Ah, yes - the e-brake can occasionally need adjustment,if it's putting improper pressure on the lever. But the actual hydraulic braking system should not need adjustment.

You can even remove the e brake cable from the caliper completely, and will not get a brake warning light.

 

Another comment - even when working perfectly, the 308 brakes require more pressure than 'modern' cars. While they are power assisted, the assist is lower and pressure required higher than newer cars. Your familiar braking effort levels that would give hard braking on a newer BMW etc etc will only give moderate braking on a 308 - press harder, and a 308 will brake pretty well. The benefit of the higher effort is that you can modulate the brake effort much better.

 

Downshift grinding is probably worn synchros. You can learn to double clutch. I suppose your clutch throw could be out of adjustment, but if the clutch isn't fully releasing, you get grinding when trying to put it in gear when stopped. Yes, Redline MTL will stop problem synchros from slipping and causing grinding, unless they are really worn. Too slippery of trans lube is what you DON'T want.

Doug