Difference between Euro and US Dino

As far as I can recall Euro 246 Dino's did not have a build date on the VIN plate - here's what it would look like, sorry for poor quality of photograph.
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Attached pix - yellow car is Euro red car is US

Euro 195HP US approx 180HP

Euro flush front turn signals - US recessed

Euro often didn't have power windows or A/C US often do.

Euro built 69-74 US 72-74

US engine - 6 lobe cam on distributor Euro 3 lobe cam

US engine - all kinds of smog stuff - Euro - nope

US curb weight higher than Euro (I don't know the exact number, but I'm sure someone here does.)

Side markers on the US car, not(?) on Euro car

I'm sure there are a bunch more, these are the ones I'm coming up with off the top of my head.
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I'm surprised to see the Ferrari name on the vin tag. I was under the impression the Ferrari name should not appear anywhere on a 246.

Ken

 

Also,
Front turn indicators are different, Euro are flush, US are recessed.
US models have 'reflectors' added to rear (between taillamps).

 

Car actually says Ferrari three or four places, all internal. Engine compartment and the door.

DM

 

Actually, there are three versions- US, Euro and UK. Also, if memory serves me correctly, the US cars have that flat-topped steering wheel boss bearing the VIN, while Euro and UK cars do not.

 

Really! We've had a few threads in the past about whether a 246 is a "real" Ferrari. It was considered one in all the contempoary road test literature, while acknowledging the Ferrari name was nowhere on the car. Some people made the plausible argument that they are "Dinos" but made by Ferrari, like a Jaguar is a Ford but not really. Frank of course thinks any 8 cylinder Ferrari is really a Dino, but let's not rehash THAT one again.

If the name Ferrari is indeed on every 246....then that whole 'Dino as a seperate brand' argument goes out the window. And yes, I do think the whole subject is rather pointless. Just shut up, get in your car, and drive!! LOL

Ken

 

I think for pure performance I would go for a Euro GT as they are a little stiffer and lighter than a GTS. The Euro GT, I think, weighs 2700# vs #3250 for the full up smogged, airconditioned, DOT'd US version. A GTS is great with the roof off though. Really adds to the enjoyment of the Dino experience. The GT is considered by many (myself included) as a"purer" design which was tastefully modified (compromised) for the GTS. I think they couldn't have done a better job of converting the GT to the GTS configuration. Get one of each and you don't have to worry about the pros and cons!

 

While on the topic - perhaps I can solicit opinions.

I am restoring (rotesserie) my Dino GT USA. It has been sand blasted and ready for blocking and painting. I am entertaining removing the front and rear side lights (USA), and replacing with the "round bullet" light in front on each side. The front turn signals require a bit more work. If I can find the chassis housing for the front lens (Euro) then I would change these as well.

Question: If I cannot find the Euro front directional signals, would you remove the rectangular side lights anyway?

Thanks for your help.

Jim S.

 

There are several differences that many (above) have stated.

Another way to quickly tell is by the bumper support rods that extend out from the body to fasten the bumpers to - Euro versions have one per bumper, USA have two per bumper.

 

My own opinion is that since you're spending a fortune on this and a 246 is VERY collectable, you should keep the car as original as you can. Go with the US version lights. But it is your car, so if C or resale isn't a concern to you just do what you like.

Ken

 

Actually, the US version only weighs between 2800 and 2900 lbs. (Source = owner's manual and contemporary road tests)

 

The 3225 lbs on the door plate is gross vehicle weight and is supposed to include 2 passengers and a full tank of gas.

So approximately 100lbs of gas, and 350 lbs of passengers gets you to about 2800 lbs net.

Euro spec is about 2400 lbs, I believe.

Give or take a pound depending if you've had lunch or not.

DM

 

Hi all:

On a related topic: I am replacing the exhaust system in my US Spec 1973 Ferrari 246GTS. I want to install the Tubi headers and the Muffler (I understand the headers make a very significant difference). Tubi only sells the headers for Eurospec cars. I assume this has something to do with emissions (which I do not have to worry about). Is there any other reason that I cannot install the Euro headers and exhaust to my US spec Dino.

Thanks in advance.

Joe Seminetta

 

Euro headers will not fit on your US car. They will not clear the starter, I believe. But for sure, they won't fit.

Dave M.

 

Thanks for your reply. Is the starter the only reason why they will not fit?
Is the European starter smaller than the US version (hard to believe)?

I know Wayne Obry was able to get a set of European Tubi Headers to fit a US car but I think he changed the starter to a high torque model (it was a seriously modified dino). I would really like to make this work. Does anyone besides Tubi make headers for US spec Dinos? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Joe Seminetta

 

Jim,

Make yourself happy. If you peruse thru a bunch of Dino pics, you'll notice one thing about side marker lights. There's no rhyme or reason to them. As posted above, the yellow Dino has both front and rear bullet markers. That's the first I've seen.

I personally hate the clunky look of the US side markers and I removed them when I resprayed my car. I couldn't find a Euro front marker at the time or else I would have modified the bodywork to accomodate that as well. The Euro markers are right for the design. The US version is FUGLY. I'm still thinking of coming up with an alternative. Maybe a new flush lens for the US housing.

I'm not much of a purist so there you go. It's my car and I will do as I please. But I keep all the original parts in case I ever need to sell the car.

Just my 2 cents on your question,

Manny

 

I believe everyone's favorite exhaust manufacturer, STEBRO, makes headers for the US spec car.

Contact Dan at Stebro in Canada if you dare.

http://www.stebro.net/stwc.htm

US and CAN order ( toll free ) : 1 - 888 - 8 STEBRO
for information call : ( CANADA ) 1 - 613 - 821 - 9693
E - Mail : sales @ stebro.net Fax : 1 - 613 - 821 - 0780

for Europe E - Mail : stebro.chw @ bluewin.ch or
for information call : ( Switzerland ) 079 - 370 - 5873


Dave M.

[edit] I THINK I'M THE ONLY GUY HERE WHO NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THEM, AND THEIR EXHAUST SOUNDS GREAT ON MY CAR. [end edit]

 

Manny - thank you for your thoughts. As I did not solicit an outrage, I suspect that most would not mind if the side markers were removed and replaced with only the front bullet marker. I am looking for European flush front directionals.

More to come.

Thanks.

Jim S.

 

I thought that either the U.S. or Euro Dino had alloy trunk and doors that the other didn't. Am I wrong on that?

 

206 Dino was aluminum, some early 246's used left over aluminum parts, I think my car has an aluminum trunk.

DM

 

Interesting comment on Stebro. In the midwest, Tubi is by far the performance exhaust of choice for Ferraris. I have never heard a Stebro but just had an interesting conversation with their office.

How would describe the sound vs. stock and vs. Tubi? Tubi's sound like heaven but the cost of the exhaust is 2X that of the Stebro. Any help would be appreciated (particularly by those with Dinos).

Thanks.

Joe Seminetta

 

Joe,

My car has the Stebro exhaust.

Here's a short movie with sound...

http://www.pennphoto.com/pages/dav/dino_movie_2.wmv

I love the sound it makes. ANd you're right, you can't beat the price. Just be careful to instruct them not to charge your card until it actually ships.

DAVE