I gave myself a $2,000 holiday bonus this year. I am thinking about spiffing up my 348 in some way. Here are my two choices: 1. Round carbon fiber tail light conversion kit from S.L. Comp (see photo below compliments of Riki) or 2. A set of 355 wheels (used - I may have to search a bit) Which one would you spend $2K on ? Image Unavailable, Please Login
I'd start an account for future maintenance.....sorry, a boring idea, I know...... Or conversely spend it on a lux date with the wife......a trip like the FFQC or something! THAT's better I guess..........
Why spend money to convert a 348 to a 355 lookalike? If you add up the wheels, the rear valance, (and maybe 355 door panels sometime?) you could take that money and be on your way to a real 355! LOL! BTW, after reading all of the copious posts on the light conversion, I have myself decided NOT to go that way until something better turns up (challenge grille, lights recessed to be in the vertical plane, etc. etc.)
First of all, I don't want a 355. My aim isn't to make my car "look" like a 355. I happen to prefer the 355 wheel though. As for the round tail lights, it will not only look like a 355 but like ALL OTHER Ferraris save the TR. So...the fact that my car might more resemble a 355 will be simple coincidence. I'm not trying to be something other than a 348. Besides, there's about a $40K gap between my car and a similar 355 GTS.
2 grand....you could get 360 wheels for that if you like those...otherwise...forget the taillight conversion...get the wheels for sure! Go with these! Image Unavailable, Please Login
Since you asked...in order: #1. 355 wheels/new tires. Saw this all the time in Europe - a popular thing to do. Look great and add a noticible handling improvement I'm told. Heck, with everyone else going to 360 rims, should not be that big of a problem finding them. #2. Round tail light conversion. I think it looks great. #3. Dual exhaust. If you have not upgraded the original muffler, would look at this. My choice would be a custom s/s that would come in right at $1K I'm guessing. Stocking stuffer: S/S brake lines - they do make a difference to me. Good luck and have fun! rt
Husker, I'm with ya on the 355 wheels, I think they look awesome on the 348. The stock wheels is about the only thing I really don't care for on the 348. You might also do a search on Speedline wheels, as they make an aftermarket 18" wheel that closely resembles the 355 wheel. A friend put them on his 348 spider...looks awesome.
Why buy one big thing when you could get lots of smaller items: * New helmet for upcoming track days * fresh floor mats * carbon fiber sills * Valentine 1 * drilled pedals from Paul Hill * front cavallino (if your car doesn't already have one) * test pipes * battery tender * a new orbital buffer * 15mm spacers all 'round * 1 year AAA membership -- you can get almost everything listed above, and still have some money left over for a burger & fries.
I had a bear of a time figuring it out too... there's no obvious mounting location. I needed to "fabricate" my own mounting plate and straps. If time permits tomorrow, I'll get some pictures. It's kind of embarassing how "non-Monterrey" my handiwork is, but it's secure, discrete, and cost about $0.12 total.
Collin, Why don't you simply leave your beautiful 348 the way it is? I think the rear lights on the 348 are part of its character. The same goes for the wheels. I'm sure you don't need me to tell you how you could blow $2,000, so I won't. But I say leave the car the way it is and do something else with the money. Maybe you can find another way to spend money on the car?
At mininum, doing what Daniel suggested is an awesome idea...I think I have done every single one of those mods he listed (except for the pedals which I am ordering the next 3 days to take advantage of that free dead pedal that Paul Hill is offering this month. But I say go for the wheels...Seems to be the basic consensus that 348 wheels blow! We are seem to have different ideas on what we DO like...be it 360, 355, speedlines, HRE's, or those kick ass ones that I displayed that a Ferrarichat member does have on his car and they look incredible! Spending 2K on wheels is not blowing 2K...you will get at least half that back if you sell them and put the stock ones back one....Leave the back, the strakes are classic Testarossa, very defining feature on the car and something that sets apart from all the Ferrari's. The wheels blow though, heavy, and too much material...That car was made for a better wheel! Good luck
A convincing argument! Then I'd go for the wheels, alloy pedals, and wait avidly for a better rear light conversion!
You guys crack me up. OK, if I buy some 355 wheels, do I sell the 348 wheels/tires? I know everyone says "No!!! Keep them in case you want to sell the car!" But can't the new owner (if I ever sell) quite easily get replacement 348 wheels?
IMHO it depends on what you replace the 348 with and whether the new wheels will go on the new ride. In this case if you got 355 wheels prob. no biggie if you shift the stockers, BUT as you would be aware, there is a whole world of "as Enzo intended" sheep out there so if you want to have the broadest possible potential customer base keep the ugly stockers. Mine came with the wheels that are on it so I have the unfortunate burden of just driving mine forever. Cheers Kevin PS as a swingin' and more interesting wheel option think 512TR wheels...
YES, now youre talking. Those are THE wheels to get....and in grey or the extreme black! I once had a set a few years back and hocked them on eBay (Anyone here?). Too bad, I could have sold them to you! But thats the way to go! IMO.... Vasco.R
Now I do believe you want the rear light conversion so much. I am truly sorry I can do nothing more to help. I asked the technician few days ago about the procedure for converting rear light. He said he have to do it car by car but good news is there is no need to cut anything. The reverse procedure is also possible and easy. Hope you can find someone in your country willing to do that.
Seems to me you have a few license plates on your garage wall. What's the rest look like?? I would spend $500 or so on flooring, a few flags, banners, and whatever other "stuff" you could think of to put in your Ferrari Stall in your garage that would make it look even nicer. Looked like you have a seperate stall for it. I think you could put something nice together for less than $1000. That leaves you with $1000 more to spend on a trip to Lincoln next year for the Pitt game. See ya there!!
