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Upgrade 308GT4 or Buy 348

Discussion in '308/328' started by GavC, Mar 5, 2007.

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  1. GavC

    GavC Formula Junior

    May 9, 2004
    492
    Lincolnshire, Englan
    Full Name:
    Gavin Culshaw
    #1 GavC, Mar 5, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I am going through a bit of a dilema. I have owned my gt4 for 12yrs now and in that time have restored it. I don't know whether to spend some money on it or buy a 348. I have considered putting in QA1 suspension set up/uprated brake kit 4 pot calipers etc/electronic ignition and a bit of cosmetic bodywork(a couple of small rust spots appearing) or given the cost of these upgrades put the money towards a 348 and p/x the gt4. I like the simplicity of the gt4(know her inside out) however would like the modern feel of a 348 and still be able to maintain and uprate the 348 in the future(apart from belt service which will get done in garage) Just wondering what others think I should do.
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  2. mambodave

    mambodave Formula Junior

    Jun 3, 2005
    531
    Charlotte NC
    Full Name:
    Dave
    #2 mambodave, Mar 5, 2007
    keep it and buy a QV or 328. Not really what you asked though is it?
     
  3. ronsupercar

    ronsupercar Formula 3

    May 2, 2002
    1,576
    Orlando Fla.
    Full Name:
    4RE-Ron
    #3 ronsupercar, Mar 5, 2007
    One of the nicest GT4's aroud. Tough call. You know what you have here and you start all over with a new model.

    There is a few guys here that have done there belts on there own 348 so it's not impossible.
    After 12 yrs maybe you owe yourself a new car to play with.

    Think of it this way, most people don't even hold on to their wives for that long now-a-days.

    Ron
     
  4. Jeff328

    Jeff328 Formula 3

    Sep 5, 2006
    2,293
    WI
    #4 Jeff328, Mar 5, 2007
    I think that GT4 looks better than any 348.
     
  5. 208 GT4

    208 GT4 Formula 3

    Dec 27, 2003
    1,769
    Brighton (UK)
    Full Name:
    Dan
    #5 208 GT4, Mar 5, 2007
    I had a 208 GT4 for 4 years, and eventually sold it to upgrade to a 308 GT4. I loved everything about the 208 except the performance.

    While the 308 I now have is a better car in every measurable way, it's not as good as the 208 in handling or sound.

    You could upgrade to a 348 and you will enjoy the extra performance. But you will miss the GT4 I guarantee!

    I guess the grass is always greener on the other side.
     
  6. moretti

    moretti Five Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Nov 1, 2003
    59,756
    Australia
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    John
    #6 moretti, Mar 5, 2007
    go to a 355, the 348 was series one of the 355, great car the 348 but the 355 is the improved version

    gt4 is a great family car until the kids get too big, probably the best all round Ferrari for track and touring
     
  7. Grahame

    Grahame Formula Junior

    Nov 9, 2005
    520
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    Grahame
    #7 Grahame, Mar 5, 2007
    Keep the 308GT4 - you know you want to! And, if you have the budget, get a 355 as well, as Moretti says! What does your heart say to do?

    If you keep the 308GT4, go ahead and upgrade those things (suspension, brakes, ignition). And get out on the track and have some fun. And fix the rusty bits - very satisfying. And if you haven't done it already, change those bloody sodium-filled exhaust valves... see my rants in other threads.

    Whatever, keep driving it/them and have fun.

    Cheers,
    Grahame
     
  8. Perfusion

    Perfusion F1 Rookie

    Oct 16, 2004
    4,151
    Marietta, GA
    Full Name:
    Aaron
    #8 Perfusion, Mar 5, 2007
    What year is that GT4?! Looks absolutely FANTASTIC!
     
  9. GatorFL

    GatorFL Moderator
    Moderator Owner

    Nov 18, 2005
    17,092
    Wellington, FL
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    Duane
    #9 GatorFL, Mar 5, 2007
    Beautiful GT4.

    I don't think you'll find the 348 substantially more "modern" than your car. You might have to look to a 355 or 360.
     
  10. jimshadow

    jimshadow F1 Veteran
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Feb 19, 2006
    6,262
    Indiana/North Carolina
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    JIM
    #10 jimshadow, Mar 5, 2007
    DO NOT jettison that GT4. It is one of the nicest examples out there. You'll regret leaving her, you know you will!!!
     
  11. JTranfield

    JTranfield Formula Junior

    Dec 29, 2003
    665
    NYC, London
    Full Name:
    J Tranfield
    #11 JTranfield, Mar 5, 2007
    Keep the GT4!
     
  12. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jan 26, 2005
    22,614
    Gates Mills, Ohio
    Full Name:
    Jon
    #12 Bullfighter, Mar 6, 2007
    I agree with the post above, go with a 328, unless you're really taken with the 348 styling.

    After 12 years, sounds like you want a change and the excitement of something 'new'. Also, you're going to be into some big new projects if you want to address those rust bubbles.
     
  13. spider348

    spider348 Formula 3

    Nov 3, 2003
    1,273
    MA
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    John
    #13 spider348, Mar 6, 2007
    Simple advice, Buy the Ferrari you want. Your 308gt4 is beautiful! Regarding the 348, if you restored the 308gt4 there is little you cannot do yourself on the 348. Including a major service. Plenty of 348 help on this site. Good luck in your decision.
     
  14. Dom

    Dom F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Nov 5, 2002
    8,489
    #14 Dom, Mar 6, 2007
    Tough decision. I would say, if you can, try to keep the GT4 and then get the 348. But, lots of people may not be able/willing to do that (lack of storage place, too many cars to maintain, $$, etc).

    If you can't keep both, then I don't know what you should do. Go with what you love. I wish I could give you more help, but it's not a decision I would want to make.

    You have a beautiful GT4.

    Dom
     
  15. GavC

    GavC Formula Junior

    May 9, 2004
    492
    Lincolnshire, Englan
    Full Name:
    Gavin Culshaw
    #15 GavC, Mar 6, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Thanks for all the help. still a hard choice would love a 355 but funds are very tight.The girlfriend lasted 10 years and took alot of money so now I have only myself to think of (and the Ferrari)I have even cosidered selling my house and getting a cheaper one wilth a smaller mortgage so I can get a better car then I would be spoilt for choice then 360(not keen on styling) or 512tr. But are they really better than the gt4 (cheap to maintain relatively and no depreciation). My car is a 77 year model for the record. If I did the upgrades then it would be a more modern car but would have to get more hp where do you stop. Sorry about photo its a picture of a picture take 1/2 way through restoration.
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  16. Birdman

    Birdman F1 Veteran

    Jun 20, 2003
    6,689
    North shore, MA
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    THE Birdman
    #16 Birdman, Mar 7, 2007
    I love your OSHA approved safety gear!! ;)

    The 348 is a very cool car and I think you would really love it. The 355 is a barrel of trouble unless you buy one you know has been sorted with new valve guides and headers.

    That being said, if I had put as much time and effort into a restoration as you obviously have, they would have to kill me to get the car out of my hands. I would just save up and buy a 348 later while keeping the GT4. That's my plan anyway!

    Birdman
     

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