308 Engine

That does look nicely done.

 

Is that one of Scott's Nicks Forza builds?

 

I recognize that workshop - Auto Elite, NJ. My 2v heads are sitting finished on a bench there and engine to follow in the next weeks.

 

Very nice !

 

Are those valve covers and cam covers painted?

 

congrats: this is how a 308 engine should look!

ciao

 

looks like they are painted or powder coated if you compare with the bellhousing.

 

Not a fan of painting these engines, in my opinion they should be left true to how they were originally made.

 

I did see this engine partially completed and although I can't recall exactly but I believe bare alloy, no paint, just clean.

 

Agree. Vapour blasting of castings is the right way. Thats what I did but I got a deduction at concours owing to painting the exhaust!

 

Super and it looks great. Can you please give us a little insight at to the cost of the rebuild. It would be great to have a recent picture for those who are considering having this done and how to budget for it. Thanks

 

My engine looked just like this....40 yrs ago. Man those headers look great

 

My 2v heads rebuilt by Vinny at Auto-Elite, NJ (this shop). New stainless steel valves, seats cut, new guides, mating surfaces cleaned up. Delivered my block there this weekend for refresh/rebuild depending on what needs doing. The finished engine will then be returned to my '75 Gt4, it's original home, for sale in spring.

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Super pictures...
Speaking of cool engines, I just saw a used F40 engine in a crate listed on the Eurospares UK website. For some crazy price too.
Anyone need an upgrade?


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The engine looks really nice. I do see one issue. The oil drain line from the air/oil separator has a dip or low spot in it (1st photo). This will decrease the effectiveness of the separator. The oil line should continuously slope down. Otherwise, it looks very nice.

 

Just remember that in the original release from Ferrari of the 308 engine, the valve covers where painted black.

 

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More gratuitous engine pics. My 308 engine a few weeks back at Auto Elite, Nj. Liners replaced due to scoring/pitting. Will be re-assembled with new bearings/rings etc. Lots of work involved but will be good for a long time.


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First pic is one of the original liners showing wear marks. Second pics is Vinny, Mr. Auto Elite who has been working on these engines for a long time. I really appreciate his approach. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login


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The casting process and maybe the alloy is different for the parts mentioned. The front valve cover on a US spec car looks diecast to me, the rear is sand cast if it has the integral reaction rod boss - diecast otherwise. Euro is diecast front and rear and the bellhousing is sand cast. The drop gear case looks like a high silicone casting like the block and gearbox. Ive seen silver bellhousings and grey bellhousings. Sometimes the colours are a close match and other times not even close.

 

Was that a wrinkle finish or smooth ? I've never seen valve covers painted black from the factory.

 

The brochure I have it's hard to tell but I think it's wrinkle so that's what I did. My high resolution pictures no longer load on the new site otherwise I'd show you. Go to #21039 Restoration to see it.

 

The photo of the (1974) 308GT4 engine in the 359/85 Ferrari Engine Book shows the cam covers painted black:
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I believe the black crinkle on valve covers is what was shown on the 1974 Paris Show Car (308 GT4, S/N 07202), recently restored by Al Ierardi in Naples, Florida.

What actually went into mass production was engines with bare aluminum valve covers. Hence, the show car is alleged to be the only one with black crinkle finish.

 

The car looks more finished with the cam covers in black crinkle with the bright domed nuts.