Two pics AFTER waxing job. First pic shows trees that are about 20+ feet away. Keep in mind the car is RED, but where is the red paint in the first pic??? See the blue sky and trees instead Second and third pic: the color and clarity of the blue and the Ferrari crest about 15 feet away, but mirrored on the car. NOTE: tire on floor -- reflection on car. Enjoy the Drive, Steven R. Rochlin PS: These pics are BEFORE i aligned all the gaps in the car.
I have an '84 308 GTB QV that is a US car. It drives great, and it EASILY passes emissions inspections -- a growing problem these days for many Ferrari owners. The '84 and '85 US cars had the best emissions equipment of the 308s, and put out the lowest emissions numbers, as a rule. The importance of this will depend upon your state's current and future requirements. Here in the northeast the emissions requirements seem to get tougher and tougher every year. I have several friends here in the northeast that are struggling right now with making their failed Ferraris pass emissions, one is a Euro (no cats), the others have some other issues. Borrowing and temporarily installing whole US exhausts, temporarily optimizing the Fuel/Air mixtures, etc., to get the car to pass a mandatory test every two years is clearly a hassle that I would like to avoid. However, these are exactly the steps my friends are taking to pass -- and within strict timelines so as to avoid having their registrations suspended. For me, the pleasant driving experience of the '84/'85 308 QV includes a comfortable stock suspension, excellent steering feel, nice shift gear, good brakes, and a comfortable driving position (check my interior picture on my profile). I happen to prefer the GTB because it's a bit lighter and stiffer car, but that is a personal choice. In conculsion, the '84/'85 US QV is generally the least trouble, and provides a great driving experience. Kind Regards, Chris PS: These are NOT self-serving comments as I had carefully researched these very issues in advance of buying this car, and then after completing the research it took me almost a year to find the car that I eventually purchased. It had only 25 K miles and had been stored much of its life, so I realized that I would have to put some money into it replacing hardened seals, belts, etc., to bring it back. I have no regrets due to advance planning, and I commend you for doing the same!
With all the great looking pics you all have posted of your cars, I thought I would update some pics of my 77...
HOLY CHRISTMAS THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST 308 THREADS I HAVE EVER SEEN! Enjoy the music ( Steven) , your car is absolutely breathtaking!!!! i vote for a carb 76 -77 euro gtb as thats what i want. great stuff in this thread , keep it coming!!!
What exactly is the MSD box (model# etc) and how long have you had it istalled on your engine? How well does it work? Pete
thecarreaper, A most humble thanks. Like you, would LOVE carbs but the weather here in New England and my desire for YEAR AROUND driving makes FI the wiser choice. Another benefit of 84/85 308 is that Ferrari had rust proofing measures. Afterall, the 308 here is driven as often as i can. Drive it like you stole it Enjoy the Drive (and music, "Vehicle" right now) Steven R. Rochlin "Hey, well I'm the friendly stranger In the red Ferrari Oh won't you hop inside my car? I got pictures, got candy, I am a lovable man I'd like to take you to the nearest star I'm your vehicle baby I'll take you anywhere you wanna go I'm your vehicle woman By now I'm sure you know That I love ya (love you) Need ya (need you) I want to, got to have you child Great G-d in heaven, you know I love you Well if you want to be a F1 star I got the ticket to Monaco Well if you want to stay just like you are You know I think you really should I'm your vehicle baby I'll take you anywhere you wanna go I'm your vehicle woman By now I'm sure you know That I love ya (love you) I need ya (need you) I want to, got to have you child Great G-d in heaven you know I love you Oh you know I do..."
"What exactly is the MSD box (model# etc) and how long have you had it installed on your engine? How well does it work?" Pete, It is a MSD 6A, Right after I bought the car I converted it to an electronic ignition system, as my intentions were to drive the who-ha out of the car rather than build a garage shrine out of it.
There are a number of electronic ignition conversions out there for the 308. If you are going to show your car, or value originality, Do Not do this type conversion to your car. But, if you are looking to use a 308 as a daily driver, this type conversion is possibly the best bang for the buck that you will ever spend on the car.
What benefit did you see out of going to single distributor and EI? I have a 78 GTS and I have had no problems with OE.
Well I went with a Norwood conversion, because I wanted to keep the appearance of a euro single dizzy 308. But if I had it to do all over, which I will when I open the motor up, I will likely go with something else like the electromotive. No more points to drift or ware. The motor acts like a 8, instead of 2 4s. No more replacing 2 caps, two rotors, 4 points, special wire set, bla bla... About the same price wise as doing a full tune-up. Most guys that have it done will tell you it is like day and night over the stock system.
