308 GT4 - Battery and Filter

Christopher, for the oil filter, is yes, the Baldwin B253 is still the case and the UFI filter is what Ferrari suply and use for the 3x8

 

The tall battery nut is, I believe, the original fitment. It's shown as such in the parts list for the early GTB cars at least.

 

If your UFI oil filter isn't leaking there is no reason to worry about it. If you are buying a new UFI oil filter make sure it is either the ...00 or ...02 (the ...01 has a bad design that can cause the sealing gasket to leak). Either the Baldwin or one of the "good" UFI is OK IMO, and I'd buy whichever is cheaper depending on where you are on the planet:

Baldwin B253 = good
UFI 23 162 00 = good
UFI 23 162 01 = bad gasket seat design (that can tear the gasket during installation)
UFI 23 162 02 = good

(Just adding the UFI numbers without the spaces for searching: 2316200, 2316201, 2316202)

 

dyerhaus, regarding filters, I'll echo what has already been said. Many years ago UFI redesigned their oil filter and soon after this forum erupted with reports of gaskets being spit out causing massive oil leaks. To their credit UFI fixed the problem and issued a new part # for the "re-redesigned" filter (UFI 23 162 02).

I always use a Baldwin B253, easy to come by at a good price especially if bought in quantity. Look to online sellers usually servicing the trucking and construction equipment industry. My last filter purchase was from Zoro (discount division of Grainger) when they ran a large discount code special they even had the air filters (Baldwin PA2094) as well. The Baldwin like the UFI has a standpipe inside which helps the filter retain the oil when the engine is stopped rather than let it drain back into the sump. Many manufacturers have filters that fit the 308/328 engine, few have a standpipe in their product. My 1957 Oliver tractor, who's filter is also upside down, incorporates a standpipe as well.

Don't forget your fuel filter. Ferrari used 2 types on the carbed 308, to get the proper one you will have to determine which your car is equipped with. It's easy, the manufacturers name is embossed on the housing. For Baldwin fuel filters FISPA type = PF834, FIAMM type = PF866. The filters do not interchange, the PF834 is 108mm tall, the PF866 is 75mm tall.
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You'll get a mixed bag on that. I had a bad short-life experience with an (expensive) Optima Red Top, and won't ever buy another. I've gone back to moderate-performance, conventional lead-acid as the best value (high-performance lead-acid batteries can have short-life issues, too).

 

Fuel filter is next to pump on chassis rail drivers side, behind rear wheel.

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It depends on how you use your car - if the battery is disconnected when car is not in use then just get any decent regular battery (such as in your day to day cars) similar to current fitment - it should last years then in five years or whatever you won't begrudge the cost of replacing it

 

For what it’s worth, I swear by interstate batteries. Yes there’s all this optima and anti gravity, anti matter, mumbo jumbo, but I’ve run interstates in all my collector cars for 25 plus years and never had a single issue or leak. Keep them properly charged, and they’ll serve you well. I also take great care in prepping the battery box area with good acid proof padding in the case of a leak. If the battery calls for venting, then be sure to follow that process as well.

 

That's an AGM battery (i.e., expensive), not a conventional lead-acid battery (but battery prices, like everything, are up). Go to your local autoparts store website and search on "34R battery" for more sane options.

 

You have a moderate displacement, moderate compression engine (not a high-compression big block) = you don't need 800 CCA. Any 34R battery is way more than you need IMO.

 

Fuel Filter

I have a similar setup for the fuel filter. I ordered one from ricambiamerica.com

It is a cartridge filter with a rubber gasket that fits into the top housing.

To install, pinch off the hose from the tank and the other one to the fuel pump. Put a bucket under the pump. Loosen the top center screw and the black round container will come down. It will be filled with fuel up to the top. Empty it out. Now you can lift out the filter cartridge and remove the black gasket inside a grove on the silver top mounting plate. Insert the new gasket. To seat it, I use the black base to push up the gasket into the groove. The cartridge filter has a large spring, permanently attached to the bottom. However there is a smaller spring with a rubber washer that rests on the bottom. You have to reuse this. It’s a little tough to push up the black container against the spring pressure and get the bolt started. Once started just tighten it up.

Battery

I’ve used Interstate batteries with good luck. You can save some money by going to an Interstate distributor. Call ahead with the battery you want. They often have “like new” batteries that they can’t sell as new. They usually will test them for amperage rating. The many I have bought are usually at least 90% of capacity. They are also much cheaper.

 

I ordered from Ricamblamerica.com. They sent a UFI unit for my 1978 308 GTS. Cost was $35.


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Superformance have fuel filters for GT4 and other models.
Peter

 

Don't rule out Walmart, Sams Club or Costco for batteries.

 

I don't think you need to get fancy with batteries -- any modern brand name battery will last many years as long as it's used regularly or put on a maintainer when not in use. I have a lot of cars and equipment, and have been averaging 7-9 years out of basic lead-acid batteries.

Interstate is a very good battery. We used to have a bait shop in town that was a dealer for them, and I bought numerous batteries there over the years. All have been rock solid. The two Interstates in my boat are going on 7 years old now. I was pleased to see an Interstate battery in my 328 when I got it last year.

What sucks lately are OEM batteries on many modern cars and trucks. Lucky to get 3-4 years out of those it seems. In recent years, I've had GMC, Honda, and Subaru OEM batteries crap out early (sometimes within the basic 3/36 warranty, so at least the replacements are free). The batteries in my BMWs have been OK though (which is good, because they are unique to BMW and big $$$).