How do these compression readings look? (208 GT4)

It appears to me that the high cylinder is nearly at 150PSI and the low cylinder is below 120PSI. That's beyond what is normally considered to be within acceptable variation. Doesn't mean the engine wouldn't run well but, as you noted, is a bit tired.

 

Yes, the seller (a dealership in Italy) claims the car runs well (of course they do!) Is there any point in still going after this car in this communities opinion? A few of the vintage vehicles I've previously purchased had similar issues so I know this routine - the motor will run OK, but won't be to spec power-wise. Given the rarity of this car, and that it is aside from the compression basically the exact car color/spec-wise I've searched for I'm still considering it but how low a price would make it a reasonable deal? Or do I cut bait?

 

More info from the seller: All belts, fluids, filters, water pump and rubber parts were replaced. Carbs were overhauled.

 

Well, if you really like/want that particular model, there are no drivability or other engine issues (oil smoke, etc), the cosmetics are acceptable and the price is "reasonable," what the heck! You could probably drive it for many thousands of miles as is.

Did you perform the comp test or did the current owner? It would be good to know/verify that the comp check was done consistently for each cylinder - fully open throttle, same number of pulses per cylinder, and ideally with the engine hot (normal operating temp) when the comp check was started. A comp check cold will often differ noticeably from a comp check hot. Since the engine operates "hot" 99% of the time it is running, the hot comp check is a much more accurate test of cylinder sealing.

A leak down test would be an even better indicator of engine health...

Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

Following on from Mike 996 ^…, Theses are old but well engineered cars engine wise .You could easily talk and test yourself out of one .You have to accept they are aged and run with it .
as said , starts , runs pulls no smoke , idles evenly ,fresh fluids which stay level = no topping up , reasonable recent history .
looks loved then go for it .
I bought a 208 GT 4 at auction .Saw it start and run a bit the day before .Saw a similar pile of invoices by a Ferrari specialist for the usual stuff .But I never thought of stuff like compression testing .

Just bid ( and won it ) with a common sense leap of faith .
Southern Italian car recently imported into the uk ( one of two in the U.K. ) with ZERO rust .

It’s was I thought with these cars more of a bodywork thing .Body work corrosion correction being the money pit not the mechanicals .Mechanicals being simply nut + bolt jobs .

That was 4 years ago and it’s since been to a U.K. specialist for its oil leaks - cam seals, drive shaft seals , valve covers , shifter shaft seals etc doing .
It’s bone dry now and runs sweet .Specialist telling me “ hang on to that one it’s a good one “.
This is after a road test btw .

They are not new and the buying parameters are different .Body work / corrosion beats mechanical stuff .

Yes get a vid of it on the road and running and view it’s recent ( back 4 yrs ) history .

Btw it a friendly car to drive the 2.0 L impossible to get out of shape in bends , 160/180;Hp is enough on the twisty stuff .
skinny 195 section tyres all round with what ever Hp make 4 wheel slides easy to control .

Rare as hens teeth has well .

 

Not sure either of these videos prove anything that conclusive?

 

Well you only live once... I came to terms and looks like I now own the 208. Pray for me!

 

Look and sounds good .A bit of smoke at cold start , but pretty normal .Unlike the 3.0 L these 2.0 L on 34 Webber’s need choke to start and run a few mins , so can be a bit lumpy for a min .Once the choke is in ( 2 mins max ) and warm they run sweet .
No clunks on the suspension and from what I saw the steering was not waving .The track rod bushes go in the rack on all of them .When they wear they wonder about on straight roads . That wasn’t .
He did not give a thrashing as cold .He gave it bit more beans mid range shifting near the end .
Oil temp gauge did not move .Could be not warmed in 5 mins likely or you just need to tap the glass .
Pulled away after the camera guy got out ok , no smoke .
Nice OEM single pipe exhaust, .looks unmolested , except previous owner painted the grills , they are Aluminium under .
Easy to remove and strip and rtn to OEM .The wheels are too silver not quite the correct silver grey .But look immaculate.

Silver +. Black full leather nice .A lot of silver are blue inside .
208s came with std 1/2 vinyl / cloth .

https://www.autoscout24.com/offers/ferrari-dino-gt4-gasoline-silver-d0617eb5-6f74-4096-9219-c06099a3137c?lastSeenGuidPresent=false&cldtsrc=listPage&cldtidx=8

Other nuance around 78/79 they had a supply problem with the chrome bumper guy ( Ferrari argued with the guy - nothing new there ! ) and in a pique of fit went to another supplier for fibreglass black bumpers .Again effected a few but OEM .

 

Here a few pics of mine number 714 / 842 .This number is stamped by the coil .
Reg Italy Jan 77 so build mid / late 76 .

It had the nose Dino badge recess filled and a Ferrari badge put on .You can see the indent from underneath that panel with filler where the bolt holes were .

Chrome bumpers , initially black grills .

1/2 vinyl/ cloth interior which I like .

ANSA quad pipe exhaust.I have bought a SS single and will fit it one day .

Also you have identical dash except the alloy colour to a 308 , but no fog lights front or rear. However the loom / harness is there .
So I bought some after market DRL , LEDs and fitted them discretely under the mk2 grill .Just used the existing tied off plugs sat there . The fog light switch turns them on .
It just theses day I feel a bit naked running about without DLR , it’s a tiny car by today’s standards .
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^^ Daylight Running Lights on .

In the U.K. you can change plates easily btw .

 

Thanks for chiming in, one item I did wonder about was why the strip on the front bumper wasn't chrome but you clarified that. And yes a big factor in my being very keen on this particular car was the black leather interior versus blue. I too like the original spec exhaust. I also noted no clunks or rattles of any kind during the drive, car is definitely solid. I was also looking for the stock electronic ignition so glad this is a '79. The dealer seems like a quality shop - they're addressing a number of remaining items at no cost (front subframe resurface/protective coat, right front wheel needs bearings, will buff out some minor scratches). It's always nerve wracking purchasing a car sight unseen, let alone one from a foreign country which will require expense shipping so your words are helping me sleep better

 

Lovely car/color combo. And thanks for the tip on the fog lights!

I'm very excited to finally be a Ferrari/208 owner!

 

Congratulations Fastricky, some colors as mine. Where are you located? I think you fairly local, so we should meet up. Pete

 

Wow, no kidding? And you also have a 208? Yeah I'm definitely down for a car hang, probably will be months before I see mine and will have to wait for the snow/salt to go away but that'd be great. Post up a pic of your car! - Rich (I'm @ 1/2 hour north of you!)

 

Jack up the front and give the wheels a wobble by grasping at 3 / 9 o clock , then 12 / 6 .

Front wheel bearings can just be tightened up often .There is a particular procedure tighten to from memory 25 lbs then back off turning the wheel a little .
There is peening washer to hold the bolt .It can work slightly loose .
Mine were loose I just nipped them up + added a bit more fresh grease under the cap .Been fine ever since .Yes I did hand test the wheel hub temps too , looking for excessive warmness after a run out with minimal breaking .

Hope the transport goes well .

 

Hi Rich, nope mines a 308 but same colors. I’ll pm you.

 

My neck will never be the same.