Hello! I'm brand new 2 the forum. Don't own a ferrari...but maybe 1 day!!! I do have a problem I would like 2 discuss. Maybe someone might hav a solution. I hav a disability which prevents me from using my right hand i.e. driving a manual. Now since 99% of ferraris hav a manual transmission, my selection is limited. I've seen and thought about the 400i n 412i, but am not enthusastic about the stylin. I'm more of a 348 type of guy. QUESTION: Is it at all possible 2 find a high perforance automatic transmission n adapt it 2 the v8 of a 348? If so, what problems would I face? Thanks in advance, Regan
Welcome to Fchat. You've managed to post a question never before seen here....congratulations! If you like the 348, maybe your best bet is to look at a 355 with the F1 transmission. It has an automatic mode. If have a bucket of money, talk to Norwood Performance in Dallas. They've been building FrankenFerraris for quite some time now. www.NorwoodPerformance.com
I drive a F1 just fine in manual-mode while holding my cell phone with my right hand, it's not hard to cross your left arm over to upshift. +1 on the Welcome!
You would have to drive it in reverse all the time, because you'd never be able to get it into drive!
Welcome to FChat Regan Sorry to hear your limited with what you can drive Stick to a 348 mate, not sure about the transmission though, wouldn't be an easy task, steer clear of the 355's if you don't have too as they are speced out for hair-dressers, Get behind a 348, just have a look at my betsy With NoDoubt's 348 DIY site you will have no dramas if you get into any mechanical dramas plus we will all be here to help out as required Image Unavailable, Please Login
this is an interesting question. i'm sorry to hear about your condition, but i wish you luck in finding the car of your dreams! just out of curiosity, what other cars do you own?
It would be very, very complicated to fit an automatic transmission into a 348, due to the unusual layout of the drivetrain in a 348. The 348 also has very heavy, non-power assisted steering, which would be difficult to operate with limited use of one hand. I think it would be possible to move the shift lever on a 348 from its normal central position to a new location to the left of the drivers seat, just in front of the handbrake lever, since the 348 uses cables in place of regular shift linkage. That would be unique! Or you could get a right-hand drive 348. It would cost 10 fortunes, but I suppose you could have a servo system designed to shift the gears, like on modern rally cars, operated via paddles on the steering wheel. I hope you find a car that fits your needs and wishes!
Well maybe on a race-track where you are pushing the car. But cruising through San Diego roads its no big deal.
+1, because you'd need an automatic transaxle (gearbox + differential), not just an automatic gearbox -- and a very compact one (see jpeg). If a 355F1 doesn't work for you, how about a 456GTA? Image Unavailable, Please Login
How about a Porsche 911 Automatic trans adapted to a 348 bell housing? There has got to be a way to take a 308-328 series and use a V-6 FWD Honda/GM trans.
I think trying to adapt in any way a manual shift car to your use would be either way too expensive or create unintended problems. It also begs the question of why when your intended make (Ferrari) already builds the solution. Any of the F1 cars is a perfect choice. The down shift lever, Reverse lever and Auto button are all designed to be operated by the right hand but since they are all simple electrical switches moving them anywhere it gives you the ability to operate them would be a simple task.
I don't have a bucket of money nor do I have the very rare and alusive money tree growing in my backyard. I thought a bit more about my question and have come to the conclusion that it would by less expensive overall to buy a 355F1 or 456GTA. I love them both, so I'm going to go ahead with one of those. As for the money part...
I drive a F1 just fine in manual-mode while holding my cell phone with my right hand, it's not hard to cross your left arm over to upshift. Question: How are you using your left hand to shift if your holding a burrito from Taco-Bell at the same time? How do you do it, man?
