Mondial T issues?

Hi Paul,

Do note that the 89-93 Mondial t, in and of itself, is not a spaceship from Mars, although my Rachel, with her Valeo clutch system (an option - 92-93), does make many of the uninitiated, look skyward - - but that's not your concern.

You've had ample time to amass a huge amount of Fcar experience by way of 10 years with your own 308QV. As regards the car that you're interested in, have the PPI done (not by the owner's tech, if possible), and if all is well, make your next move.

Again, the Mondial t possess no "hidden demons". Actually, this last iteration of the Mondial, is so blessed with really cool upgrades (even the 348 doesn't have them), that it is truly an amazing motoring offering - - "Competent" (ahy, the rub) experience and knowledge, can't help but embrace this technology.

Use your common sense - coupled with ten years of your own Fcar experience .... and you'll be just fine.

Keep us posted - - cheers,

Hank

 

Hi Paul, I think you'll love the t. As far as known issues, here are the big ones we've experienced in seven years of ownership.

*Engine management-the Bosh Motronic connectors lose their clamping force and connectivity. You can clean them but it's a catch 22 because every time you cycle the connector it becomes weaker. If you are a DIY kind of guy you will like the later cars with the Motronic 2.7 vs the 2.5 as you can get the stored error codes by pushing buttons in the trunk and watching the check-engine lights flash.
*Fusebox is a multilayer circuit board that overheats and burns.
*Fuel pumps are submerged in tanks and rubber insulation deteriorates and clogs fuel filters.

The alternator is overworked so you will want to keep the car on a battery tender (the computer drains the battery fairly quickly while sitting)

For a great overview of the engine/transmission, common problems and solutions go to My Ferrari 348 (required reading for any DIY Mondial t or 348 owner.)



Dave

 

The owner's and workshop manuals are really helpful for prior familiarization, here's the download link:

All Ferraris

 

I owned a 3.2 coupe back in 87 and last year obtained an 89 T coupe. The T had only been driven 22k miles so it was somewhat of a garage queen but had been serviced properly. I have driven the car weekly and put on about 3k miles since purchasing it. There was an issue with the wiring for the 2.5 ignition control due to a broken wire hiding inside of its insulation and I had to replace old engine mounts as well as an alternator that had been rebuilt. I installed an upgraded alternator from Delco that uses the same mounts as the original. The AC fan speed control needed a minor fix and now works fine. Since these issues were sorted out the car has been very reliable. It is a much better car than the 3.2 because of the more powerful engine, dry stump engine with a lower center of gravity, power steering, adjustable shocks, and cleaner interior design. I added 355 wheels because I liked the more modern look but that was just aesthetic as the originals are fine. I replaced the muffler with a Quicksilver unit because my wife's Porsche sounded better than my car and I like the sound of the Quicksilver. I am surprised by the cars ability to get 24mpg on trips 18+ mpg in normal driving. Good luck with your car - I am sure that you will enjoy it.
Bob

 

Similar.

Like most Ferrari's of that vintage, wiring/electrics are an issue. Get the upgraded fusebox from Dave, it is a big help. We also rewired all the grounds, so most of the electrical gremlins are sorted.

Recently replaced the headlight combo switch, after 25 years it was just tired.

The car has very good power, and with relatively stiff gearing acceleration is better than you might expect looking at the specs. As noted, highway mileage in the low to mid 20's is very acceptable to me. I love the power steering (which is excellent, just a little boost) and the adjustable shocks. I don't know the 2.7 is better than the 2.5, but the '89 had the old fashioned seatbelts which I much prefer, and not the "mice". Plus, '89 was the only year of the t coupe in the U.S.

So you get all of the drivetrain benefits of a 348, with upgrades not available until the 355.
I recognize the major is more expensive (engine out), but for me, the drivetrain and styling inside more than offset that. The driving experience is what you will remember.

Regards,
Jerry

 

I would add that you might listen for noise in the ventilator fan motor as changing it is painful. It is on most of the time and the fan bearings do not last forever. Listen for the telltale bearing rattle. Ditto for checking the back window motors on a cabriolet. All of the above comments are good info. There are some things, however, that will need to be checked after you buy the car, i.e. the fuel pump sleeve condition. Look for rubber dust in the fuel filter when you change them (open old ones with a Dremel tool). Good luck. Randy

 

+1 to all of the comments, my $.02 is be prepared to spend alot of money if you want it to be perfect like when it came out of the showroom in 1989! These cars can not be handled like today's modern cars, things will break down, hoses will bust, window motors will stop working, fusebox will burnout. It can happen anytime, even after a thorough PPI.
But its a Ferrari that you can bring your kids along for the ride, and that alone makes it worth while, just asked all of us crazy nuts!

BEST

 

Early Ts had Delco alternators which were replaced in later models with Nippondesco alternators. I think that the starter motor was also upgraded. I don't know when this switch was made or when the change from the 2.5 to the 2.7 ignition control was made. However, none of these are as important as the service history of the car. A well cared for early model is way better than a later model with a spotty service record. As was noted before, the 89 was the last year for a US coupe and the last year that had standard seat belts - both a big deal in my decision to buy.

 

Regarding keeping the battery charged whilst the car is sitting, Ferraris are helpful in that they have 'live' cigarette lighter sockets which you can charge through - I like to plug in a CTEK charger - very convenient

 

Hi Paul,

Make sure to visit my site mondialt.com - Assume at least some outlay to bring it back to running condition (if the previous owner didn't do it) - as others have said here - it's an old exotic - so expect upkeep costs to be a permanent fixture. That being said - once things are in order - they are fantastic. I would say Electrical is the #1 issue for me - I"m currently replacing all the wires as we speak - it got to the point where the electrical demons caught up with me! That alone cost me about 5K. - So far a year into ownership I've spent close to 15K. Keep in mind though I bought it for 27K from the Catholic Church (donation car) so I get to write off 27K-15K = my net cost was 12K...not bad at all....

Cheers

Cheers