A newbie Mondial question or two | FerrariChat
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A newbie Mondial question or two

Discussion in 'Mondial' started by ArtD, May 3, 2007.

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  1. ArtD

    ArtD Rookie

    May 3, 2007
    1
    #1 ArtD, May 3, 2007
    First off, Hi everyone!! I'm seriously thinking about getting a Mondial. I have 2 questions that I have not been able to get good answers on. Let me mention here that I twisted wrenches for a living for many years. I did not do a lot of Ferrari work, I did not go after it, I stayed very busy working on Jaguars, Fiats, etc. I have owned many Italian cars. I did extensive work on a 1971 Masterati Indy that I owned for many years. I'm a pretty good mechanic still, and have a real soft spot for things Italian with wheels and engines:) In other words, I know what I'm getting into. I would like to think that I will be able to do most of the work myself, and that would include doing the clutch and timing belts when needed. I plan on keeping this car a very long time. Obviously I'm in the beginning stages of the proverbial learning curve here.
    First, concerning the Top on the Cabriolet: is it a big deal to put up and down? And also, is it one of those designs that is prone to tearing, dinging the body, things like that? while I do not plan on driving much in the rain, such things do occur in the Pacific NW:) Is this a leak prone top design, or no more so than anything else from the era? Second, is it true that the Later Mondial T is more costly to work on, maintain, etc than the earlier transverse Q-valve? If so, why? Is it a labor issue because the transaxle assemby is more complex? Or are the part are more? Or somthing else? By the way, I did try and use the search feature here, I could not get any real straight answers on these questions. If I missed them, sorry folks!!
     
  2. Max4HD

    Max4HD Formula 3

    Jun 20, 2006
    1,042
    Florida
    #2 Max4HD, May 3, 2007
    The Modial Cab top functions fine (up & down) AFTER you fiqure out how to do it right. There are a number of threads detailing this. One even has a step by step procedure. Take it slowly and learn the steps and you should have no problems.
    Mine is water tight and never a problem w/leaks.

    HOWEVER, the latchs holding the top to the window frame WILL BREAK eventually. No matter how delicate you are w/them.
    Thank goodness a fellow Fchatters has manufactured a replacement for the original OEM part that correctsthis problem. (Use the Search Function)

    As for the T model, due to the placement position of the engine, maintenance is more expensive on this model. (Use the Search Function)

    Lastly, buy the best example of the model you prefer & do a PPI b/f buying any Fcar.

    Good luck in your search for the right vehicle and don't buy w/emotions.

    Cheers.
     
  3. smg2

    smg2 F1 World Champ
    Sponsor

    Apr 1, 2004
    16,333
    Dumpster Fire #31
    Full Name:
    SMG
    #3 smg2, May 3, 2007
    I'd say for the T model it's not so much a parts cost issue as it is access. the earlier transverse layout allowed for engine in service, with the T it's not possible. clutch's are straight forward for both, however the T is a bit more complex with the clutch/flywheel housing, LOTS of threads on that one.
     
  4. Perfusion

    Perfusion F1 Rookie

    Oct 16, 2004
    4,151
    Marietta, GA
    Full Name:
    Aaron
    #4 Perfusion, May 3, 2007
    While not a Mondial owner, I looked at them strongly before purchasing my GT4, so I'll chime in. The thing I did to help with my research was expand my terms to include the 308QV, 328, and 348 (depending on what, in particular, I was searching for), as the Mondial is *essentially* - not exactly! - the same car mechanically as its 2-seater brothers.

    Between a Mondial 3.2 and a T, you're comparing 328 to 348. My impression of the 328 from my search, and still today, is that it's the most bulletproof of all the 3x8 cars. The 348 seems to fall near the opposite end of that spectrum, mostly due to electrical gremlins I suppose. Drivetrain-wise, I don't think there are many people out there who wouldn't love 300hp in their first Ferrari, but (as previously mentioned) at the 328-348 junction, you lose the engine-in service capability and begin the engine-out era.

    In terms of true "entry-level" cars, many find the engine-out costs - or at least the cost potentials - to be prohibitive, at least I did. At any rate, I've rambled on long enough. Best of luck in your search, and enjoy whatever car you settle on!
     
  5. rfking

    rfking Formula Junior

    Nov 16, 2003
    785
    Italy
    #5 rfking, May 3, 2007
    Top is easy and water-tight on the 3.2 Cab

    3.2 is bulletproof.
     

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