[Anonymous]

I own a 1979 308 GTS. I would like to upgrade the performance. So far, it has been kind of slow. I had the major service performed twice because the last mechanic didn't trust the first one.

I would like to get everyones opinion on the Tubi exhaust system, ignition systems and having larger carbs installed. I want my car to sound and perrform like a Ferari should. As things stand now, my Honda Accord is faster.

 

[Pete04222]

There is some company out in CA that had a twin turbo / fuel injection conversion kit for the 308. The whole set up was like $7,500 or so. Supposed to boost the horsepower from 250 to over 400.

I forget the name of the company but you may be able to find them with some web searches.

 

[Andrew]

Ferrari performance

bci27,
I'm currently working on this site www.monracing.com which carries parts for Ferraris. I'm working daily to add parts to the site. We carry everything you could possibly want, from racing helmets (the same used by F1) to common parts for everyday driving. E-mail [email protected] for the time being while I'm still adding our product line. We can spend you a list of items we carry for your car. In the e-mail if you tell us you were refered by this site and give us your username "bci27" we'll give you a little extra off on the price.

 

['75 308 GT4 (Peter)]

I may say that all of your upgrades would benefit, except for carbs. You should continue to use the existing 40 DCNF carbs and if you need more breathing, step up to 34 or 36mm chokes (the racing parts-kit offered from Ferrari in the '70's, which included the hairy P-6 cams used 40 DCNF's with 36mm chokes. This kit was so wild, it was totally undrivable on the street). Increases in main and idle jets will be necessary and found out on the dyno.

The ports are very well finished right from the factory and enlarging will yield little gain. What I did notice was poor fit-up between manifold and head (off-centre). Check yours and blend accordingly.

Key areas to work with:
-step-up to no bigger than 10:1 comp pistons
-cams
-exhaust
-and definitely some sort of electronic ignition (Electromotive distributorless is the cat's ass).

 

[Magoo]

I agree a electronic dist ign. is the way to go. Less problems. But I am still using the orig.. Until I get ticked off enough at it I will continue using it because it is orig..

 

[Edward Gault]

A distributorless ignition will give you an unbelieveable HP boost.

 

[F355 Challenge]

What's your estimate on the HP increase, Ed?

 

[Magoo]

It would have to be put on a dyno but I am sure it is much more efficient. Ed probably has better specs. then I do because I still use the old ign.

 

[F355 Challenge]

Same here, Magoo. I still want to keep it original. But sometimes I wonder about that.

For instance, last month I showed my car at the FCA West Point Concours. I arrived early and a fellow with a pristine, I mean PRISTINE, 348 Spyder parked next to me. He unhooked all the protective stuff he had on the car on the drive in and proceeded to spend three hours dusting and glazing. I just wiped some dead bugs off the bumper (I washed and waxed my car the week before). After all, the guidelines said not to be too concerned with dust....."a Ferrari is meant to be driven."

I turned to him and called him a compulsive obsessive. Turned out he was a judge. Right away I knew that I didn't stand a chance to win anything. During judging, his only comment to me was that my license plate lights were out. I had nothing to lose, so I answered something like "It shows how very little you know about Ferraris." I closed the rear deck, and the lights went on. With that, I went from the status of "no chance to win anything" to "why did I bother even showing up."

I still had a great time there and met many others who were interested in driving their cars yet still keeping them esthetically pleasing.

 

[Pete04222]

My Dad and I both go to car shows but we do not go to any where there is judging or trophies. Appreciating cars should not be competitive.

 

[F355 Challenge]

My sentiments too, Pete. The show was nearby and I thought I'd give it a go. Still, I met a lot of nice owners, had a good lunch and spent some time at a historic site. We had a nice view of the Hudson River at the luncheon at the Thayer Hotel on the grounds.

Barry

 

[Edward Gault]

I cannot estimate the HP gain from the DIS but I have driven other GTSIs and older carbed versions and even a 328 and not bragging but my car seemed faster and ran better than any of them. I was really disappointed with the 328. I had always heard that it was the ultimate Ferrari but I was really disappointed. My car was better. I even let the other owners drive my car and they all agreed that there was something special about my 308.

 

[BRUNO]

Re-jet the carbs. night and day difference. Ferrari rates the carbed 308 at a max horsepower of 255. This can be achieved without a new exhaust. It should be obtainable by re-tunig what is there,. You probably wont pass emissions however. I have not done it but I am told you can set the timing to the Euro timing marks. I have not seen it done but I have heard it is possible. This combined with "off road" exhaust (no cats) shold be a killer. ! thing I wonder about is when people open up the exhaust dont they need to reset the carbs etc. Wouldnt you be in danger of burning a valve from the increased air flow? This is why I do not stray to far from stock. My 308 has a performance "polished" valve job and my carbs have the jets opened up 2 sizes. It flys. I dont have a dyno but I bet it's making every bit of 240 hp. min. Stock exhaust and full emissions equipment. Wish i knew someone in Philly area that would dyno it for me. Would be nice to know.

 

[hogster40]

Are these 308's that slow? I am thinking about getting a 308 or 328.

 

[Magoo]

No the 308s are not "that slow." They are not what todays exotic sports cars are on speed. However if you want a older Ferrari with class and preety good performance get a carbed model of a 308 and tune it to perfection. You will be pleased at the satisfaction you will receive. Remember "Drive your Ferrari for what it is, not for what it isn't."

 

[hogster40]

Sounds like a plan. Thanks for your reply...

 

[F355 Challenge]

The 308s are not slow. In their day, they were among the quickest to 60 MPH and quite fast as far as top speed ~150 MPH. The early carburetted non-catalytic models were the best performers in the series.

Yes, modern sports cars will be faster than the 308 to 60, but why hurry the experience? You'll have more fun getting there with the 308!

Barry

 

[Magoo]

Barry, I agree. These old boys have already proved thmselves.

 

[bretm]

Even if the 308s are a little slower (most of them). They are a much more intimate car than the newer Ferraris, a true sports car. I'm in the never ending process of modding my 308. When it goes back together (pending my receival of go fast parts and working around school and work) I will be running: port and polished heads w/ new stock springs, viton guides, ground seats, etc. about 10.5-10.75:1 comp, cams reground by elgin, polished and balanced stock rods, no cat, crank vent system, and it will all be managed by an electromotive tec3 ignition/injection system. I might also swap the clutch/flywheel for a lighter setup depending on how much money i have alotted when i get the pistons and cams back and buy the tec3. It should be pretty respectable. After this I'm gonna focus on the rest of the car (lightening, more modern handling, braking, etc). Down the road a couple years I plan on really turning the engine into a beast (a small beast, I mean it's only 3.0L, but a beast nonetheless).

 

[Magoo]

Hey Bud, Good to hear from you again.