Tell me about 348 Challenge's

I would think it is a good upgrade, what I think you will find is that the body rigity will be better without the T top. Though IMHO the 308 is a stunning car, but the 348 will be quicker.

Handling, well 348 didnt get the best rep in the world, though there were revisions, the challege did have this upgraded suspension as far as I know.

Drive one see if you like it and take it from there, would be my advice.

 

It is not clear whether you mean one of the factory challenge cars produced in 94 or another year that was fitted with the challenge kit. The factory made 32 TB's and 13 TS's for the US in 94 that had a number of improvements over all other 348's including more HP, lighter weight, better suspension, etc. Cosmetically, they look like any other late 348 but had roll cage mounting pads already installed. About half these cars were raced, the others used as as street cars. In those days, the challenge race kit was sold and installed separately. I used to own one and put 14K miles on it. It is a completely different car from your 308. However, if you want a 348, the factory challenge cars were the best 348's made. There has been ample discussion here about the pros and cons of 348's. I sold mine in 01 and bought an 89 328 GTB which I intend to keep until I'm dead.

Dave

 

I have nothing against the 348. I had a chance to drive a blue one and I think that its a lot of car for under $50g. Again, the 348 I drove was not a challenge one but it was a lot of fun considering 300hp isn't a lot these days.

Lamarossa

 

Peters do you track at all?

 

Yes.
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Glad to hear. The 348s are stunning cars (though some on the board don't like them). I think at the price they are offered, it is a consumate bargain. I would personally change the doors to the 355 ones, because the cheese graters (unless on the Testarossa) is very 80s. I think the 348 Byron had in So Cal (RIP) was stunning!

Good luck on the hunt Peter.

 

Better yet, I'll sell you my 348 speciale with the challenge exhaust.
You can pull the hard top off too. Earplugs not included.

dave
indy
93' 348ss

 

Pete, congratulations...! Keep us posted on the sale and your new acquisition... Good luck...

 

I just bought a 1990 348ts in August. I love the car. Mine has the tubi exhaust which sounds incredible. Go for it!

 

Peter,

When did this happen? I really liked my 348, it is a very fun car to drive.

 

Peter,

You are welcome to drive my 348SS anytime (tubi, t- pipes, challenge wheels).

We'll meet one of these days!!

-noel

 

It's the cleanest I've seen so far. And you don't let it sit and perish for months at a time. It hasn't been tracked.

 

Let's see pictures...!!!

 

IMHO, if you're not going to track it, get a 348 Spider instead. It has all the upgrades, plus you get a drop top!

 

Haha... thanks for the compliment! But if you look carefully, you will see that my old car is no longer "RIP" but alive and kicking!! (www.4ferrari.com)

Peter,
I really enjoyed owning my 348 challenge. If you have no intentions of tracking it, I would suggest either a late model 348 TS/TB(HTF!!) or one of the original 32 factory challenge cars that wasn't tracked - these are still available, but usually have a bit of a premium over the other 348's.

The 348 definitely had its quirks and is not the fastest ferrari (or race car for that matter!) on the track, BUT the sound of the engine, esp. with the factory challenge exhaust was nothing short of visceral. And with the go-kart feel and amazing braking capabilities (I could stop literally on a dime!), it is very fun to drive!!

The only challenges you will face are more on the mechanical side, but if you find a later model with the updated electronics/ignition, etc... I think you will love it. I've driven both the 308 and the 348... side-by-side, I would say the 348 is a bit of a step up in performance... but the 308 GTS does have its "open-air" appeal! Keep in mind that the 348ts' have been known to leak!!

Good luck - and let me know if you need some help in your search. I really knew the ins/outs of my car...hehe..

Byron

 

I have a 348cthat was raced, rebuilt, and love it. The only exhaust looks like the old cherry bomb pipes, lowered, etc, full cage with opm pading, all the other Challenge stuff, brembo's, drop gears, front spliter, 355 CF wing. I even have all of the dents where the mechanics placed their elbows!

Jim Kenton won the 96 348 Challenge series with this car. I drive with ear plugs, no air conditioner, and a double paded seat. It's great... over 8k since March and counting...

 

I forgot, the best view is from the rear, 315 x 17

 

Buy a 92 to 94 348, as the 1994 year was the best.