Bought an 84 Euro 308GTS QV today (July 2013) - now a maintenance thread | FerrariChat

Bought an 84 Euro 308GTS QV today (July 2013) - now a maintenance thread

Discussion in '308/328' started by GordonC, Jul 5, 2013.

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  1. GordonC

    GordonC F1 Rookie
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Aug 28, 2005
    4,121
    Calgary, AB, Canada
    Full Name:
    Gordon
    #1 GordonC, Jul 5, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Hello gang,
    It's finally time to properly introduce myself! My name is Gordon, I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. I've been a car nut forever, a Ferrari fan since I saw a yellow Dino in 1972 when I was 12 years old, and a member here for nearly 8 years, soaking it all in (and mostly participating in the F1 section).

    I've had a 96 Miata for 17 years, gradually modifying it to my tastes to the point where it doesn't look at all like a Miata anymore ;). I've owned a couple of Alfas waaay back in the late 70s. I've had the opportunity to drive a few newer high end cars in the past couple of years (Ford GT, 458), but never lost the urge for a 308. I've watched the prices slowly come down, then stabilize... and as finances finally put me in a position to be able to afford one, the time came to act... and it didn't hurt at all that a Euro GTS QV came on the market in Calgary.

    I've browsed this forum off and on for the past few years, and more intently over the past few months. Read the buying guides, the upgrade guides, maintenance guides, tried to absorb as much as I could.

    So, I'm the proud new owner of SN ZFFLA13B000052703, a late 84 production Euro GTS QV. 51K km, 16" wheels, due for a major soon based on age (a good thing, I'll do most of it myself), runs very well, shifts into 2nd when cold, all electrics work, A/C doesn't blow cold, windows work but slowly. Has the manuals in the pouch, top pouch, full set of jack and tools, and reasonable service history. About the only thing missing is that it has a TRX wheel and old TRX tire in the spare tire well... but better than nothing!

    Before I drive it much, I have planned: new tires; replace fuel lines with SRI; replace coolant lines with SRI; install Birdman fuse boxes (owner bought them, never installed them!); do major service; chase a small oil leak or two; replace rear hood struts; install window accelerators and lube window gears (may have to perform disassemble and full solvent clean); bleed brakes and check pads; clean and condition leather. Maybe a coat of wax, too! ;)

    This forum and it's members are an incredible resource, and I want to thank you up front for sharing all your knowledge here - it made my research and buying process much better informed and confident. I'll be doing a lot more reading over the next few weeks as I prepare to get it caught up on maintenance, and may have some questions. I'm also planning to join the local chapter of FCA, and hopefully there will be a few more of the older cars for me to hang with at the back of the drives!

    Here's a couple of photos of the new acquisition, along with two of it's stablemates - it's surprising how a 308 is hardly bigger than a Miata! About 11 inches longer, maybe 2 inches wider, and 2 inches less in height.
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  2. 903L

    903L Formula Junior

    Aug 13, 2009
    703
    S. Calif. / Arizona
    Full Name:
    Marty K
    #2 903L, Jul 5, 2013
    Beautiful ride. Congrats and enjoy! :D
     
  3. Thomas Magnum

    Thomas Magnum F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Feb 24, 2013
    8,041
    Full Name:
    Mark
    #3 Thomas Magnum, Jul 5, 2013
    Congrats Gordon. Beautiful 308! I get to Calgary a few times a year. Hope to meet you and your car some day.

    Mark
     
  4. Todd308TR

    Todd308TR F1 World Champ

    Nov 25, 2010
    11,071
    LA
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    Todd
    #4 Todd308TR, Jul 5, 2013
    Looks great!
     
  5. Sean308

    Sean308 Formula Junior

    Jan 12, 2011
    287
    Victoria, Australia
    Full Name:
    Sean
    #5 Sean308, Jul 5, 2013
    Well done Gordon
    Like you, i have gained a lot of knowledge about my QV after reading through the 308/328 section, its a great resource.
     
  6. Ferraripilot

    Ferraripilot F1 World Champ
    Owner Project Master

    May 10, 2006
    17,182
    Atlanta
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    John!
    #6 Ferraripilot, Jul 5, 2013
    congrats! great machine
     
  7. glenv6

    glenv6 Formula 3

    Jul 4, 2011
    1,158
    New York
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    Glen
    #7 glenv6, Jul 5, 2013
    Looks good, congrats!
     
  8. jsa330

    jsa330 F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 31, 2003
    9,881
    75225
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    Scott
    #8 jsa330, Jul 5, 2013
    Nice car, Gordon. Congratulations!
     
  9. Matto

    Matto Formula 3

    Dec 26, 2011
    2,085
    Mooresville, NC USA
    Full Name:
    Matthew
    #9 Matto, Jul 5, 2013
    Congratulations
     
  10. Brian A

    Brian A F1 Rookie

    Dec 21, 2012
    3,086
    SanFrancisco BayArea
    Full Name:
    1983 US 308 GTS QV
    #10 Brian A, Jul 5, 2013
    Congrats on the purchase. Great to be able to buy local. Will be interested in hearing your comparisons to the Miata; should be quite a change. Size-wise they are the same, but weight is different. Would love to see a side photo of the two together.

    I lived in Calgary (Crescent Heights) through the Olympics: very fun. Awesome city.

    Pace yourself on the mantenance. My surprise has been just how much work it is addressing all the issues in my "no issues" 308!
     
  11. labcars

    labcars Formula 3
    Rossa Subscribed

    Jan 22, 2003
    1,589
    Phila. + Scottsdale
    #11 labcars, Jul 5, 2013
    Congrats on the new ride!! That said, more pics of your modded Miata would be great!!
     
  12. Carbuilder

    Carbuilder Formula Junior

    Aug 18, 2012
    550
    Bolton, ON
    Full Name:
    Rick
    #12 Carbuilder, Jul 5, 2013
    You are really going to enjoy the new car. I know where you are coming from as I'm also in Canada, have owned Miata's (3 of them), and got my first Ferrari earlier this year ('89 328). I've been doing some minor tinkering with it, but mostly driving it whenever I get the chance. It is so much fun to drive.

    I really like the Italia body kit on the Miata. Did you do the install of it? I've got a Fiero project in the works that, like your Miata, looks nothing like the car it started with.

    Rick
    Bolton, Ontario
     
  13. TheMac

    TheMac Formula Junior

    Sep 5, 2009
    452
    Alberta
    Full Name:
    Jon Mac
    #13 TheMac, Jul 5, 2013
    Congratulations on your new purchase! I can't wait to see your GTS at one of the coffee and cars, or maybe one of the FCA events. European car show on July 20 maybe?
     
  14. ferrariman1492

    ferrariman1492 Formula Junior
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Jul 2, 2012
    311
    Scottsdale, AZ
    Full Name:
    Eric
    #14 ferrariman1492, Jul 5, 2013
    Congrats and welcome to the QV Brotherhood! You'll love it! Drive it often and in good health.
     
  15. Wilson308

    Wilson308 Formula Junior

    Apr 27, 2012
    635
    Arkansas, USA
    Full Name:
    Wilson
    #15 Wilson308, Jul 5, 2013
    As a fellow a 84 Euro QV owner, congrats and welcome! Good to hear you're going into ownership with a maintenance up front attitude.
     
  16. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Feb 24, 2006
    15,540
    Cerritos, CA.
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    Mike
    #16 miketuason, Jul 5, 2013
    Yes, congrats, beautiful QV. I too have an 84 but US.
     
  17. stev4266

    stev4266 Karting

    Mar 24, 2010
    186
    R.I.
    Full Name:
    steven gregson
    #17 stev4266, Jul 6, 2013
    You just have to love the look of the Euro cars
     
  18. dreamChaser

    dreamChaser Karting

    Apr 20, 2013
    177
    Ontario, Canada
    Full Name:
    Sam
    #18 dreamChaser, Jul 6, 2013
    Congrats man! Hope all the water from high river is cleared so you can go cruising.
     
  19. F1Austin

    F1Austin Karting

    Apr 29, 2012
    103
    Near Austin, Texas
    Full Name:
    Pat Welch
    #19 F1Austin, Jul 6, 2013
    a TVR?,,Would you mind sharing the purchase price? I need to sell 47407,its very nice and very well sorted,Pat
     
  20. climb

    climb F1 Rookie

    Sep 19, 2006
    4,866
    Atlantic Beach Fl
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    Stuart K. Hicks
    #20 climb, Jul 7, 2013
    Beautiful!
     
  21. Mike C

    Mike C F1 Veteran
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Aug 3, 2002
    6,081
    Southeast USA
    Full Name:
    Mike Charness
    #21 Mike C, Jul 7, 2013
    Beautiful car. Nice that it's red-tan rather than the red-black that is common in the euro QVs. Very different look at the rear without the basket-handle airfoil we're used to seeing. Euros also have their front hood and fender louvers painted body color... yours are black like USA models. You do have the euro bumpers, grille and mirrors, though.
     
  22. Carbuilder

    Carbuilder Formula Junior

    Aug 18, 2012
    550
    Bolton, ON
    Full Name:
    Rick
    #22 Carbuilder, Jul 7, 2013
    No, it's a Miata with an Italia body kit.
     
  23. branko

    branko F1 Rookie
    Owner

    Mar 17, 2003
    3,710
    Birmingham, Alabama
    Full Name:
    Branko Medenica
    #23 branko, Jul 7, 2013
    Welcome to the euro 308 club! My brother's name is Gordon. I know you will enjoy your car.
     
  24. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 11, 2001
    25,133
    30°30'40" N 97°35'41" W (Texas)
    Full Name:
    Steve Magnusson
    #24 Steve Magnusson, Jul 7, 2013
    Gordon -- Can you please post a shot, or two, of the engine bay? (Noted that it has had some outside marker light changes -- not as many as euro brought into the US -- but just wondering if there were/are and changes in the engine bay too.)
     
  25. FUNRARI

    FUNRARI Formula Junior

    Nov 5, 2008
    463
    Washington D.C.
    Full Name:
    Z
    #25 FUNRARI, Jul 7, 2013
    Last edited: Jul 7, 2013
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