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Thinking about getting back into a Ferrari ...

Discussion in '308/328' started by krswen, Apr 28, 2013.

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  1. krswen

    krswen Rookie

    Jan 6, 2011
    7
    Erie, PA
    Full Name:
    Ken Swenson
    #1 krswen, Apr 28, 2013
    I had a '79 308 and an '82 308. Loved them both. I like the idea of no (or few) computers so I can do all my own work (which I did on my earlier cars).

    I like the 328 too though. Did they get any electronics that can't be understood without some factory unobtainable analyzer? The k-jetronics does not intimidate me, nor the mechanical and suspension stuff.

    I live in CA. Are these cars still able to pass smog? The county I live in does not require smog after the first time following an ownership change, so it only has to work once.

    Ken
     
  2. 4REGT4

    4REGT4 Karting

    Aug 25, 2006
    124
    #2 4REGT4, Apr 28, 2013
    Fortunately I live in FL as far as smog is concerned, but 328 guys here (on Fchat) generally report having no issue with passing smog in CA. Believe at least one has reported passing smog even after removing the cat.

    328s are still in the realm of 308s as far as being straightforward and easy to work on. Currently there are three 328s amongst family members (mine included) and they have all been reliable cars (in addition to another that was sold for a GTB).

    Replace weak hoses, belts, etc. on a well running 328 and it shouldn't give too many problems.
     
  3. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jan 26, 2005
    22,596
    Gates Mills, Ohio
    Full Name:
    Jon
    #3 Bullfighter, Apr 29, 2013
    I had a 328 in California. They will pass smog easily, provided the catalytic converter is in place and everything is stock.
     
  4. vonbeeler

    vonbeeler Formula Junior
    Rossa Subscribed

    Jul 28, 2012
    481
    Southern California
    Full Name:
    Mike
    #4 vonbeeler, Apr 30, 2013
    My 328 just passed no problem in So Cal
     
  5. Brian A

    Brian A F1 Rookie

    Dec 21, 2012
    3,149
    SanFrancisco BayArea
    Full Name:
    1983 US 308 GTS QV
    #5 Brian A, Apr 30, 2013
    As I understand it, the US-spec cars have no problem with California SMOG. The Euro-spec cars are more variable.

    When I was shopping, I looked hard at a US-Federalized 1985 Euro-spec QV that needed work before it could pass SMOG again. One of the issues with that particular car was that it had cats that were, literally, the size of potatoes. The exhaust needed a reconfiguration to make it meet spec for more than 500 miles after new cats were installed. (The car had other issues, and I decided to pass.). Ultimately, I decided to go with a US-spec car (despite the bumpers, yada, yada).
     
  6. mustardfj40

    mustardfj40 Formula 3

    Jun 17, 2004
    1,142
    Northen California
    Full Name:
    Ken
    #6 mustardfj40, Apr 30, 2013
    If you live in California the safest bet is an US spec'ed 328 and I believe by CA law the seller is responsible for testing it for SMOG, so make sure you ask the seller to smog it before you hand the $$$ over. And if you want be safer than be at the smog station when the car is smog'ed

    I would avoid euro 328 here because there were many butch conversions and the 328 aren't that rare. After days of trying to smog a car that were never designed to pass smog at the 1st place you will realized that it just doesn't worth it for a 3x8.
     

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