308 front bumper question

I am trying to figure out what 308's dont have the black front bumper that sticks out.
Check out these two pics so you can see what I mean.

'82 GTS has it.
http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-1980-1989/1982-Ferrari-308-GTS-Red-Front-Angle-2-st.jpg

'85 GTS qv is much less pronounced.
http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-1980-1989/1985-Ferrari-308-GTS-Quattrovalvole-Front-st.jpg

thanks for your expertise.

Robert

 

Easy: The QV in the pic has the European bumpers. Much lighter because it does not have the low speed crash shock absorbers, and also prettier IMO.
All Euro 308's have these nicer, less protruding bumpers.

 

Agreed. Euro has about 100 lbs LESS crap simply due to those UGLY bumpers. Euro also has what i consider a more visually attractive front grill, front side lights, and also adds fog lights.

 

Plus some US car owners drill holes in the shocks of the bumbers and "tuck" them in to give them a euro car look.

 

I guess it's just me, but the US version is the first version I ever saw as a kid and I actually prefer the big bumpers...so I bought a US 308. I don't like the Euros as much.

 

Can I buy a 308 Euro here in the U.S. or am I asking for trouble?

 

depends on your states emissions laws, if you have any for something that old. i am exempt here in GA and i would take a EURO over a USA spec any day, any time. the true Euro cars are also dry sump. best.

 

It's not just you. I do too.

 

If the DOT paperwork is in order you will be fine. I know of many, many euro cars here. They're quick too.

 

I bought my '85' Euro 308 GTS QV about 3 years ago and had no problems with the paper work. For me, Euro is the only way to go. They are lighter, faster, the bumpers don't stick out and the mirrors are more contoured to the car. This is the way the car was originally designed.

 

Dry sump was an option over there and it was not common.

 

I've driven Branko's car, which is the same as mine except Euro versus US. His is noticeably more peppy. If I knew then what I know now, I'd have looked for a Euro model QV 11 years ago when I bought mine. Of course, I'm still quite happy with the USA model I do have... it's a joy.

 

I am in this category as well. I prefer the look of the US bumpers, however I happened to pull mine off tonight prepping for paint and my GOD are they heavy!!!!!
Does anyone make lightweight US look bumper for these cars?
I bet some carbon or other composite shells would drop 50-75 pounds off these cars and at the extreme front and rear overhangs it may feel like more.

John

 

Thanks for the great help. Heres the followup question:
This 84 QV looks like it has a more agressive body work under the front bumper, or is just the angle of the picture.

 

see pic
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That's the deeper "standard/euro" version front spoiler. The US version 308 front spoiler is not as deep, but many US 308s have been changed because domestic reproductions of the deep "euro" 308 spoiler were much less expensive than getting a new US one from F (if you busted up your stock US one). My ex'-78 US was changed over before I acquired it. And the domestic reproductions might vary a bit -- maybe it's just the lighting, but the one in the photo you posted does look extra deep. Here my ex-example of the deep one:
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I had the front bumper of my '83 off to get at the bumper shocks and decided to weigh the thing. 19.5KG which works out to 42.978lbs. Call it 43 among friends. That's with the lights. The rear is even heavier.

 

I know my car has the deeper Euro spoiler that was optional from Ferrari. I think that is why so many of the later QV cars have them. The small chin spoiler seems a lot more prevalent on the carb cars.

 

My 84 308 had the deep one and I hated it every day for 7 years until I finally swapped to the small one last Oct. I haven't drug it on anything since. I could hardly get the other out of my driveway.

 

Mine is off getting repaired as I write this. It hits EVERYTHING it encounters, but I cant live without its looks and probable increase in downforce. I will fix it every winter if I have to. Maybe I should mount it with Dzus fasteners as it is a beeyoch to get off.

Different strokes......

John

 

You know, what you could do is have it trimmed a tad shorter. I mean as long as it's already in the shop and all. I bet a half inch would help a ton and still look normal. Don't worry about the downforce thing unless you spend a great deal of continuous time above 130 or so. I don't.

 

Yeah, mine is 3.75 inches off the ground and does not hit 'everything', but there is the odd moment. Had it reparied last year and decided it is simply time to replace it at the end of this year's driving season. Replcement is about $700 for identical unit (not OEM).

As for downforce, not sure it offers much.

What you COULD do is add a metal slat on the front bottom lip so when it rubs on the ground it is metal and not the raw fiberglass.

 

The Euro front spoiler was a factory option on US cars, just as the shorter USA spoiler was a factory option on Euro cars!

 

Yeah, except I just lowered the car a full inch!!!!
OOOPS.

Actually, I am hoping the increase in spring rate helps to counter the 1 inch reduction in clearance. If not, I will just keep fixin it.

As far as downforce goes, aerodynamics begin at 1MPH. I used to notice huge changes in balance in second gear corners from a minor increase in wing angle. In reality the full under tray that comes with the Euro spoiler probably does more than the lip itself.

As someone above mentioned, I have already fitted an aluminum rub strip around the lip. I havent tried it out yet, but I will let you know how I make out once the car is finished.

John

 

Maybe add a couple of "curb feelers" out front to warn of impending scrapes

might even start a new fad with the "bling' crowd.......................