early vs later TR

I am actively searching for a testarossa finally for myself (while in the midst of a nut-and-bolt restoration of an 82 GTSi). I have been told to look for an 89-91 car, since there were some updates along the way.
But I have lead on an 87 -
i have done a lot of googleing and searching, but i am not entirely clear what the difference is. i do understand the wheels. i prefer the later 5 lugs for simplicity in changing the tires, but i could probably survive the single nut. i had a cobra replica with knockoffs, so i get the idea...
For the CIS fuel injection, is the 87 K-jetronic and the later cars KE - meaning no O2 sensor and electronic fuel metering? I dont mind the simplicity of the earlier system unless someone tells me it is a mistake to go this route.

are there other important differences in mechanicals? are 87 parts harder to find?

 

No, all US version TR are KE-Jetronic with Lambda (with O2 sensors, precats, and cats). Early euro TR 84~86 are K-Jetronic without Lambda, and most later euro TR 86+ are KE-Jetronic without Lambda. However, any euro TR in the US should've had added modifications to be "with Lambda" -- and that's often not a good thing .

IMO, any KE-Jetronic TR is no more, or less, troublesome than a K-Jetronic TR -- they all give the equal amount of pain.

 

does it have to be pain? for a skilled home mechanic, can it be a positive experience?
so is it fair to say, I shouldnt be scared off by an 87 if it is well maintained? water pump, oil pump drives or transmissions or ? i know the differential is a potential challenge on all of them

 

There are certainly good and enjoyable things about them -- otherwise, I wouldn't have put up with mine for 23 years. One way that I would explain it to others is: "it isn't an 8 cyl car with 4 more cylinders like a V-12 Packard with a 1-bbl carburetor -- it's a car with two complete 6-cyl engines so right off the bat it's 2X the maintenance and potential problems of a normal car.

My point was more that, yes, the KE-Jet TR have more electrical gizmos, but the K-Jet TR have WURs so it's about a wash IMO for KE-Jet vs K-Jet.

 

i partly look forward to restoring the K-jet system on my 308, including the WUR. it seems like it might be a fun physical and mental challenge. (until something doesnt work right and then i cant figure it out). the idea of 2 6-cylinder systems side by side is intriguing! Again, right up until something doesnt work...

happy thanksgiving to those who celebrate!
if i find the right car, i'll be back again...

for the past 17 years, i have loved my Detomaso Pantera - the first 5 years restoring it, the next 5 years fighting with a defective retrofit EFI system, and the past 7 years driving it with an old-school 4 barrel carb!
justin

 

Two sixes are not a deal killer IMHO. The 12 cylinder music is worth it!

 

There were a lot of changes. Many you'll never see in print. I was factory trained on them and went to a few schools just on the updates. When we got one it was a 90 and for a lot of very good reasons. In most cases with Ferrari there is a very good rule of thumb that applies to nearly every model "The newer the better". From late 89 to end of production in every meaningful way the design was pretty set in stone.

 

I wish I could find out what those changes were, so I would better understand if I should pass on an 87, or if important updates can be incorporated over time.

 

Well I could sit down and spend the afternoon writing about them or you can take the word of a factory trained Ferrari mechanic with 47 years experience and 24 year TR owner.

 

If you don't care about the knockoffs, the 87 is a great choice.

Some regard it as the preferred TR - dual mirrors while retaining the more classic center lock look.

 

JKG, the '87 wheels do use a massive center lock bolt, not a single nut as a knock-off, but do have an iconic look and can be easy to live with given the right tools, understanding and attitude. The mousetrap seatbelts started in 1987 which suck, and the iconic single high mirror is gone. If the car has never been abused in its history, as some of us old time owners do have, the diff grenade issue is less bothersome. EDoug