A few anecdotes for 328 owners

Here are a few experiences to help any 328 owners out there. My car is an 1988 1/2 (pre ABS) GTS with 21k miles.

Throttle cable: This kept sticking when the throttle was pushed (it returned just fine) I lubed everything, removed the carpets, dripped oil down the cable, but no improvement. Finally decided to have cable replaced. Now its purrfect. The removed cable was the original and seemed OK but something was causing it to stick. A well worthwhile upgrade.

Tires: I bought the car with BF Goodrich tires. They looked in good condition, but the car would vibrate above 110mph - not good for the nerves. I tried adjusting pressures (45PSI!!) etc and was wondering if I had tracking or suspension problems. Finally replaced tires with Goodyear Eagles. Lovely. All vibration gone. Car sails round corners and even understeer seems to have disappeared. Why didn't I do this earlier??

Plugs: Had all 8 replaced. I was told the ones removed were in pretty crappy state - but car still ran very well. I'm glad they've been replaced, but the new ones didn't make that much of difference.

Air conditioning: My high pressure hose burst and AC was dead. Had hoses replaced and new compressor fitted. Cost a bundle to repair and now I get a cool breeze - not what I'd hoped.

The only other anecdote you might find interesting... I occasionally take the car on "driving school track days." Been to Summit Point (great track) and Lime Rock (too narrow). I'll be on Pocono and Watkin Glen this year. Anyway, I'm sailing around Lime Rock and overtaking a few lardy Testarossas and even 360s (if you buy a Ferrari, you've got to know how to drive them as Enzo intended in my opinion). So my confidence is sky high! Anyway, I'm speeding towards the end of the main straight (on the old BFGoodrichs), brake, turn and realize I'm going in too hot. First rule - power through corners and don't take your foot off the gas. These mid engine cars can get a little loose. But I chickened out and lifted my foot. A perfect 360 spin followed, not very elegant. The crowd thought it was blast. Fortunately car was untouched. I *never* lift off now. I thought that this was a Porsche 911 problem! Track days are GREAT for the car's health. I never overrev but use plenty of right foot. Afterwards the car's like a race horse after a good run. It fires up and peels out - fantastic. Engines are bullet proof and even brakes didn't fade.

Safe driving

 

I use Independent Motor Works in Short Hills. Bryan tells me he uses Bosch XR-4Cs. They last about two years.