a few 348 questions for you guys! TIA

Hello Tom. Im sure No Doubt mentioned the other day that all 348's have ABS.
The scuderia sheild on the front gaurds are stick on or magnet sheilds. The 348 never came out from factory with them. Unless it was the Competizone 348 model. Alot of people fit them and I reckon they look great. I remember reading something about the black and chrome rear horse, but I forget the story sorry. There are only 2 speakers and 2 tweeters in the 348. Hope this helps you out a little.

 

according to the "ferrari 348 buyer's guide", first 348s (1989) had a back horse on the rear, and no horse on the front; then ferrari put a chrome horse on both sides

 

in europe, all 348 had a black horse on the rear grille and no horse at all on the front grille until the GTB/GTS/Spider.

 

Same with US models. '89-'92 had black horse on rear and none in front. Starting with the Serie Speciale model in '93, chrome horses were on front and rear. This was carried over to '94 and '95. And yes the GT Competizione models had enamel Scuderia Ferrari shields. These can easily be added with magnets or stick on shields.

All 348 had ABS. Some of the challenge cars (like mine) the ABS was swithed off.

 

Yes, I can tell you the stereo sound is lacking by today's stock mega-amp systems. Many go aftermarket, but these things can suck up power. You will need some additional bass or subwoofers if u want to enjoy any sound quality at all. Now, where to put those buggers...

On coupes, behind the seats on the shelf seems to work. Spiders, well, if ur legs are short, then put them on the floor behind the seats. If not, u got me. BTW I have to remove the subs in my Spider because of my long legs. Stereo sucked, but who cares?!

 

I'd like to add a couple questions myself:

1. How will the suspension on the Series Speciale cope with average to badly surfaced roads or would the base 348 tb be better? I don't know anyone with a SS in Houston so I can't ask for a ride to check this out for myself. What about a 348 Challenge car with a roadgoing set-up.

2. Talked to a couple Ferrari owners here and found out that there is no permanent solution to prevent water dripping in on a TS car - the seals can be changed but it is a temporary solution only. Can you confirm this.

3. To those of you who have added bigger wheels - F355 18'' wheels for example - does this change the alignment specs from stock settings?

4. Will my 34" waist fit in the SS seats. I fit very comfortably in the regular spider seats.

5. I was wondering if anyone has tried out the Hill Engineering steering wheel spacer - does it improve the driving position?

6. Is there any perceptible flex in the body in a TS over a similar TB? Over bumps and perhaps when bombing thru corners.

 

I can answer #3. I have modena wheels, but the modena tire size doesn't work - tire rub & fender damage. I went down one aspect ratio, and problem solved. 275/35 R18 on the rear, 225/40 R18 on the front. Wider stance on the back, rubber is flush with the fenders. Handling is improve, so are looks, IMHO.

 

1. The SS suspension is the same as the spider set up to my knowledge. tb will definitely be better on the rough roads. The SS has an extra lip on the front spoiler that has a tendency to rub. The rear wheels have more offset, but that's the main difference. I think the last suspension upgrades for the 348 were in '92. I grew up in Houston and the roads are better there than in Chicago. I have a 348CH and it rides much rougher. Stiffer springs, and hard bushings make for a bumpy ride on bad roads. It's a real treat on the track though. You have to make some concession.

3. I have 18in. challenge rims. They really make the car look better. My suspension has been set for the challenge series, but adding 18in. wheels does not require any change in alignment or shocks.

5. I had one on my 308. Brings the wheel closer. If you are taller it's a plus. Easy to install. My 348 has one that was on when I bought it. It's about 2in. and works great.

 

#5...You've got to get the steering wheel spacer! There are 2 or 3 sizes available. I can't remember offhand but maybe I went with the 1 inch spacer. This changes the angle of the steering wheel as well as the distance, making for a much more comfortable arm position for anyone over 6 feet tall.

It also allows you to easily remove the instrument console. Without the spacer, that console gets stuck between the glass and steering wheel whenever you replace a light bulb back there.

With the steering wheel column spacer, the console comes right off without getting stuck anywhere. It easily cuts your console repair/maintenance time.

So get the steering spacer! It's cheap and it lets you get into the car easier, too (the steering wheel no longer jams your thighs as you enter the car). There are several companies that sell them in 2 or 3 different widths, so you can work with them to get the right extension.

It's a bit counter-intuitive at first because you'd think that taller guys would need the steering further toward the dash, rather than toward the driver, but that's not how it really works.


As for question #6, you aren't going to notice body flex in a 348 until you are going 100% on the track.

 

Thanks guys for your responses