Leaded Petrol | FerrariChat

Leaded Petrol

Discussion in '308/328' started by Rrari, Feb 8, 2010.

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  1. Rrari

    Rrari Rookie

    Feb 2, 2010
    43
    London UK
    Full Name:
    Rob
    Hi Guys.

    I am in the process of buying a Ferrari 308, and in looking through the buyers guides posted, noticed in the Motor Trend one that it says that 308's require Leaded petrol, and that you have to add a lead supplement to the fuel.

    Is this true? Where do you buy this, and is it very inconvenient?

    I think I have found the car that I will be buying, it is a 308 GTSi, UK spec.

    Thanks
     
  2. Iain

    Iain F1 Rookie

    Jan 21, 2005
    3,321
    UK
    #2 Iain, Feb 8, 2010
    Last edited: Feb 8, 2010
    It will be fine on unleaded - what country are you in?

    Do bear in mind that of all the 308s the GTSi is the least powerful. A QV will have it for breakfast ;)
     
  3. enjoythemusic

    enjoythemusic F1 World Champ

    Apr 20, 2002
    10,676
    Worldwide
    Full Name:
    Steven
    If you rally insist, you can add lead as they probably sell it online. Another option (i think anyone know if this is true) is to add some percentage of 100LL AV gas. Keep in mind 100LL AV gas has about 4x the lead of what normal car gasoline had as i recall. Again, someone here could correct me on this.
     
  4. Rrari

    Rrari Rookie

    Feb 2, 2010
    43
    London UK
    Full Name:
    Rob
    Thanks Everyone. It is good to hear that this is not a big issue. I live in the UK. I am aware that the GTSi is the least powerful, but the one I have found is in beautiful condition. Only 25k miles, full service history, and a complete set of MOT's, showing the mileage each year. There are one or two stone chips in the paint which the dealer is going to repair, and they are doing the 30k mile service. While I would prefer one of the more powerful cars, this one is by far the nicest 29 year old car I have ever seen.

    I testdrove it about a week ago, and while not the worlds quickest car, it was quite quick and handled beautifully.

    I am told that the injection models are a little more reliable than the carb ones which is fairly important to me. I'll probably install Birdmans aftermarket fuse box in the car right away, just to avoid any unnecessary electrical problems.

    Do you guys have any other tips for a first time Ferrari owner?
     
  5. Iain

    Iain F1 Rookie

    Jan 21, 2005
    3,321
    UK
    #5 Iain, Feb 8, 2010
    Last edited: Feb 8, 2010
    Run it on Shell VPower & make friends with a good "Indy" - if you let us know what part of the country you are in then we can make some recommendations.

    Keep it dry & never put it away wet. Avoid salted roads like the plague (especially when they are wet)..

    Expect 2nd gear to be "difficult" when cold - just shift from 1st to 3rd.

    If you are concerned about electrics the other very worthwhile modification is to install some relays in the headlamp circuit. As standard the full current goes through the steering column switch which is irreplaceable. Doing this also improves the voltage at the lights with a commensurate increase in their performance. If you have the original sealed beam units then replace them with halogens as well.

    An xdry dehumidifier would be a good investment for your garage.

    If you havn't sorted out insurance then again we can steer you in the right direction.

    Before you buy it, what tyres does it have on it & how old are they? (check the DOT numbers). If it has the original type TRX tyres (which it probably will) these are expensive & don't last that long before they go hard. They can also be difficult to find & if you do decide to change them then check the DOT numbers of any tyres you buy - sometimes they have been on the shelf for "a while".

    Many 308 owners have replaced the wheels with replicas from either QV or Superformance that take normal size tyres which are much better, much cheaper & last longer. The wheels usually clock in at about £800 a set from memory.

    If they are doing a proper 30K service, are they doing the valve clearances? If so its often a good idea to do the camshaft oil seals at the same time. They should also be replacing the cambelts in which case you also want new SKF tensioner bearings (available from Hill Engineering), not the Ferrari OEM ones which are made of low grade cheese.

    Enjoy your new car. (and check you get both the tool kits with it and the targa top cover. Often the spanners & screwdrivers kit is "missing " & it will cost £2-300 to replace.)
     
  6. Crazyhorse

    Crazyhorse Formula Junior

    Jul 23, 2007
    450
    Mooresville,Nc (Race
    Full Name:
    Bill Long
    Congrats on the 308 and welcome to the 308 brotherhood. You really should be fine on unleaded fuel as has been said. I, like you purchased a very nice 82 GTSI w/39k with all new tires,brakes and belts.I have been doing the little things like Birdman fuse panel,replaced all relays,gearbox oil,new battery and redid the drivers seat.Other than that i've been driving her weekends and whenever i can,and you something, i haven't lost a bit of sleep worrying about being the slowest 308 built. If i'd wanted a faster car i would have kept my supercharged Z06!
    B.
     
  7. Rrari

    Rrari Rookie

    Feb 2, 2010
    43
    London UK
    Full Name:
    Rob
    Thanks everyone for your very helpful replies. I can't wait to get my hands on this car. I have wanted one since about the age of 10, so it is a bit of a dream come true for me.

    I would be very interested in any tips on good mechanics in my area. I live in Primrose Hill NW1.

    I'll probably be back with lots of more questions from time to time, but so far I have been using the search function and finding lots of good information.

    The car does have the original set of wheels on it, but good tyres, so I imagine that when I need a new set of tyres I'll probably get a new set of wheels, but keep the current set (just to have the option of a fully original car)
     
  8. Iain

    Iain F1 Rookie

    Jan 21, 2005
    3,321
    UK
    Living in London you have plenty of choice for servicing. You could go to the main dealer at HR Owen - Park royal (I think) but for a car of this age I would tend towards an Indy.

    You have Verdi's out at Heathrow & QV a bit further out - both very good at dealing with 308s etc. Autficcina are on the A3 nr Tollworth, Rardley down near Hindhead & SMDG are down at Dunsfold nr Guildford Further round there is KHPC in Kent or also DK engineering at Watford - so several within 20 miles & all within a 40-50 mile radius - spoiled for choice really! (This is the point a which the Americans get jealous :) )

    If you have the TRX tyres expect them to go hard & a bit useless long before you wear them out!

    Enjoy.
     

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