Carb/EFI question | FerrariChat
Buy

Carb/EFI question

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by My308, Aug 8, 2016.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. My308

    My308 Rookie

    Aug 8, 2016
    2
    PA
    Full Name:
    Charles Bowman
    #1 My308, Aug 8, 2016
    Newbie here, question concerning a purchase of a 308. If I were looking into a purchase of a higher mileage 308, in great condition, with a carb engine is that as much of an issue as compared to a EFI engine. Meaning is the higher mileage carb engine better than a higher mileage EFI engine.
     
  2. GrigioGuy

    GrigioGuy Splenda Daddy
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Nov 26, 2001
    33,245
    E ' ' '/ F
    Full Name:
    Splenda Daddy
    #2 GrigioGuy, Aug 8, 2016
    Greetings.

    Just a data point: no 308 came with an EFI system. The 308s that were injected (80-85) had mechanical injection (K-Jetronic), much like the Porches or Mercedes of the era.
     
  3. My308

    My308 Rookie

    Aug 8, 2016
    2
    PA
    Full Name:
    Charles Bowman
    #3 My308, Aug 8, 2016
    Thanks, great education and discussions here. I have been looking at a lot of 308 or 328s for the past 6 months, it is not any easy decision, but I have already learned a lot. If I had jumped on the first car I looked at I would definitely be sorry right now. These cars are amazing pieces of machinery.
     
  4. Meister

    Meister F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Apr 27, 2001
    5,516
    Duluth, MN
    Full Name:
    The Meister
    #4 Meister, Aug 8, 2016
    +/- to each. As you know carb cars have more power. FI cars seem to have fewer fuel delivery issues...carb cars tend to need more (frequent) attention to keep carbs synchronized, altitude can be troublesome to get the right jetting, float bowls can leak. IMO miles are irrelevant on each, it's more about how much tinkering you might be willing to deal with during ownership.
     
  5. GrigioGuy

    GrigioGuy Splenda Daddy
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Nov 26, 2001
    33,245
    E ' ' '/ F
    Full Name:
    Splenda Daddy
    #5 GrigioGuy, Aug 8, 2016
    Not all carb cars have more power (in the US)

    75-77 have the most on carb
    78-79 have the emissions cams and lose power
    80-81 is the 2v CIS and have traditionally been the stepsisters of the line, but actually have the same power as the 78-79 cars.
    83 has 4v, CIS, and dual cats/exhausts
    84-85 is 4v, CIS, and the merged exhaust

    All are slow by today's standards. 83-85 is better due to rust-proofing. I personally like the injected motors, having a 328 myself. Almost no maintenance on the fuel system in the 14 years I've owned the car. I haven't had a chance to drive a carb car.
     
  6. Zanny1

    Zanny1 Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 19, 2003
    1,151
    Arizona
    Full Name:
    Mike
    #6 Zanny1, Aug 9, 2016
    I had a 1977, 1981 and 1984 back in 1988-1995.
    The 1981 was a turkey and couldn't get out of it's own way. Had it 1 year. Was reasonably reliable. The 1984 had a good level of performance and an a/c that actually worked. Very trouble free and fun to drive. Performance seemed just a tad lower than the 1977.
    The '77 was the funnest car to have. Once set up properly, it was reliable. It was the quickest and the fastest of the 3. The a/c actually worked OK. It had 50K miles when I bought it and 58K miles when I sold it a couple of years later. After the initial major service, I never spent a dime on it.

    You need to drive a carb version and a FI version. They have different personalities.
     

Share This Page