I thought someone on this board had a 308 with a V-12? If you see this, could you send me a PM please? Thanks Sean
The car pictured was featured in a Road & Track or Car & Driver article many years ago. I have the issue at home. They raved about how well the car drove and handled. At the time the guy was offering the conversion in kit form or turn key, but I supect there were few takers due to the 308 being relatively new at the time. If I remeber correctly, the engine dropped in and was bolted to the stock driveline with very few mods. I was surprised how simple it seemed. Also the V-12 was not a lot heavier than the stock engine. Cool mod, I'd be proud of it if it were mine. John
I've got the workshop conversion manual that describes in great detail everything you need to do to make this conversion. As I recall the V12 is actually lighter than the V8 (!!) and gives 50/50 weight distribution. Sean if it is something you wish to know that might be in this manual then please let me know and I will look it up.
The conversion that was featured in R&T years ago was done by David Goldsmith. I met him years ago when I was working for Dinan (up in Nor Cal). He was very nice and still willing to talk about the conversion. I might even still have his phone # if you wish. Take a look here: http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45447&highlight=david+goldsmith
JRV has also done this conversion and it apparently isnt simple and straight forward. Its nice to see and in a time when that V12 wasnt $50K+ to buy used, it might be considered as practicle. With todays prices, I wouldnt count on seeing it happen again unless money is no object.
That engine would be quite a bit today, especially if its from a 50's TR with all those pretty carbs and red covers, even an enemic single carb engine (which couldnt pull a sick whore off a toilet) would be costly. And yes, cant close the lid....unless you really slam it.
I have seen pictures of a 400i engine fitted to a 308GTB. The conversion was done by Nigel Mansell Sports Cars in the UK in the 80's. The 4-cam engine does fit but only when it has injection. It looked very, very tight though.
There's only one or 2 engines that fit as I recall...hopefully atlantaman will chime in with the answers. I think his needed head work I think and he put in a qv or 328 engine to drive the car while he rebuilt the 12. Pretty cool...I remember reading the article when it first came out and thinking....it's a lot of work though. A turbo or supercharger will get you more power with a lot less cost work....but a 12 is cool.
This car was covered in the November 1985 Road & Track, which I looked up last night. It's a 365 block with single-cam heads due to the twin-cam heads being too wide. The V12 block is 60 degrees, compared to 90 degrees on the V8, so is somewhat narrower. Lots of machining was done on pan, bellhousing, transfer gears, etc., but the final result looks factory-stock. Excellent job. They tested it at Sears Point, including Bob Bondurant putting his seal of approval on it. About double the HP and torque of the stock 308 engine, and several hundred pounds lighter overall. Andrew Watry
I have an article on the daytona engined car at home..i will try and dig it out but i think its from about 85 or 86. I know he had it badged as a 365gtb!
