Hi, Need some advice. I wanted to know if anyone has been able to add power steering or air conditioning to their Dino? Also, has anyone changed the drum brakes to disc brakes? Is it a bad idea? Thanks, Omar
There is this vintage Ferrari shop (owner is a friend of mine) near my house where they used stock Japanese A/C and modified to fit Dinos. IMO, done very professionally and inconspicuously without taking up a whole lot of interior space. The A/C is reliable and works perfect. They also do electronic ignitions, fabricate fenders, etc. (Located in Yokohama, Japan). w/ smiles Jimmy PS. I have no interest nor relationship with his business.
Omar, with respect why would you want to add power steering? the original steering is light enough and has a great feel, in my opinion. It would be super complicated unless you do an electric assistance which will also be complicated. The car has disc breaks, no drums there. There might be a modern brake disc kit available, but you need to check the clearances with the wheels. Max.
Thanks for the advice Max, I will look carefully into the brake disc kit. I'll give up on the power steering idea.
Seems like this is leading to a conversation about why you would want to turn a vintage Ferrari into a modern one. IF you want PS/PB/AC, buy a 348/355/360, leave the Dino alone. Steering is light already. A/C? hmmm... My US car had A/C, we uprated the compressor and got it to spit out colder air, but still not enough to counter the cabin temp. Crack the windows and drive fast. We used to call it 2-80 A/C as I recall from my youth. Better brakes? Does the car out drive its brakes now? I never noticed that it did, but hell, I didn't exactly drive my Dino like it was a 360... hmmm... there's that modern Ferrari thing again. I just think you leave 'em alone, drive them as made, fix it when it breaks and get a modern Ferrari if you want to go stupid fast, stop stupid quick, all the while remaining cool and collected in your climate controlled cockpit. Just my $.02. DM
I'm working on a Dino DIY thread to improve the A/C as one of my winter projects. Briefly though, I've found a series of identically mounting/fitting A/C compressors that bolt and fit identically with 40% increase in CFM. DM's was the same (on my suggestion) as I have been using them since 2005 with great results (proper Thanks to the vintage Maserati guys). Also found and upgraded Condensor and dryer, but will be sourcing new lines, expansion valve, etc this winter. The goal is to have all components fit in the original space with no mods required. Stay tuned http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=122110 Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I don't know why, but the factory a/c in my car ('74 GTS) cools the car adequately in any situation, and it is a black/black car that I have driven on 90+/90%+ days in the NY Metro area. Did they improve the system in the last year or two of production? This past summer, I drove out to LI in August on a blistering day, and was cool calm and collected with the roof on, even on the LIE, which is a vast baking and parking lot.
Omar - Are you asking about a FIAT Dino, or a 206/246 GT? If you are writing about a FIAT Dino that might explain a little about some of your questions (but, from what I can tell, even the FIAT Dino had disc brakes on all 4 wheels, so I don't understand your question about drum brakes). Anyway, it would be great if you could post a few photos . . . . If we knew for sure what you are dealing with, that would help us direct our answers. How about it, Omar? Mark
One of the components often neglected in servicing a Dino's a/c system is the expansion valve. This is a part that is often overlooked and greatly affects the efficiency of the a/c. The expansion valve is readily accessible by removing the access panel under the front of the passenger foot well. Its a inexpensive part that is seldom replaced. It made a big difference when it was replace along with the dryer in my car. Aloha, Mark
