Hi, I am in the process of looking for a 348 and would really like a GTS or GTB but with only 14 here in the UK they are hard to find. My option would be the Spider (64 of them here). From what little information i can find, did the 348 gearbox/transmission receive updates? The GTB/GTS/Spider versions were linkage operated rather than cable operated as in the TS and TB. Is this correct? Did it make a big difference? Many thanks
Hi Peter, I'm an ex pat living in the US and own a 95 348 Spider. As far as I am aware the gearbox linkage on the entire range from the earlly 89 TB/TS models through to the last Spiders in 95 are all cable operated boxes. Of caurse the 348 competizione (Group N racing car) had a completely different setup. If you have driven any modern classic 1980's Ferrari such as a 308/328 or Mondial you will find that the transmission feel is more direct and has that classic "clack clack" sound as the lever moves through the gate. Not quite the same in the 348. Good luck in your search for a GTB/GTS. That would certainly be my first choice. I actually had the chance to buy a gray market, French, GTS here in Arizona last year but settled on a US spec Spider for various reasons. Stephen.
All boxes and all links the same. It was the aftermarket that modified these boxes for durability due to poor assembly from Ferrari. Two weak links are clutchshaft lock ring and side case lock rings. That is it. Some put in the 355 small splined clutchshaft and companion transfer gear which can take more torque but is not needed at all even if racing the 348. Rattles that sound like a throwout bearing are classic signs of a 348 box in need. The T/O bearing is a cheap fix the box teardown not so much unless caught very early. Once the rings are properly torqued the 348 box is indestructible as is the engine unlike the more fragile 355.
Thanks guys, I have been told from 2 independent Ferrari sources about the cable and linkage differences but from what you're saying it sounds like there are no differences. Maybe the US cars had different specs? I noticed in a photo in a review that the US Spider does not have the newer updated plenum chamber that goes from 5 ribs to 2 ribs as on the UK version which is the same on the gts and gtb UK models. Maybe a parts diagram will reveal all. Many thanks.
Both the early and late cars both have cable gear linkages - its the 355 where it became a solid link. Looking at the parts diagram below it does look like some parts were "superceded" ie. improved/modified but I don't think it was anything dramatic. http://www.eurospares.co.uk/partTable.asp?M=1&Mo=434&A=1&B=23667 I'm just in the middle of removing my cables to lubriate them - theres some pics in link below 348 DIY "Restoration" - Page 149 I'm not sure whether it was what they were referring to but early cars had a twin plate clutch which became a single plate clutch on later cars. Also, the shaft that carries the throwout bearing was swapped for the same type as a 355 and the bearing carrier was modified (but still hopeless) so if you do get an early car and the bearing housing goes swap both shaft and housing for a Hills engineering one which is approx £800 - I did it here. Clutch Slave Cylinder Release/Throwout Bearing Replacement incl. Triple Seals Later cars had an extra 20hp and Motronic 2.7 instead of 2.5. Easily identified as you've already seen by the taller plenums with less "stripes" IMO too much is made of the differences between the later and earlier cars and although later is better Id raher have an earlier car in good condition than a later neglected one.
Just to clarify one thing. Motronic 2.7 is present pretty early. Mine is a 1990 and already 2.7. Of course the 20hp does come later.
