400iA questions

Andy,

While priced as an en

Andy,

While priced as an entry level Ferrari I'm not sure it would be my choice for a 1st Ferrari. Parts are extremely expensive and sometimes a real pain in the ass to get. On the plus side the 400i is getting so cheap having a "parts car" is becoming a real possibility.

Known issues are the load leveling rear suspension, which is prone to failure and expensive to replace. I know some people have found a MB part that you can retrofit. The exhaust system will cost you and arm and leg if you want to stay original or go Tubi. Heater valves are no longer available for the car, and are likely to be frozen shut if the car came from a southern location. The cars tend to run on the hot side in stop and go traffic with the OEM cooling fans and the A/C is barely adequate. Get a dual A/C car if you can find one. Also the support on forums such as these is nowhere near as complete as for the 3XX series cars. There just aren't that many of these cars around so less shared knowledge. The only tires and wheels fitted from the factory are the TRX's so you left with the choice of going to Coker tire and paying something like $400/tire and waiting a long time to get them or getting some aftermarket wheels. You can also fit the repro 16"QV rims on the car if you get wheels spacers for the wheels.

I really love my 400 but I'm glad it's not the first Ferrari I purchased or I might have been scared off. I use my 400i as a daily driver during the summer up here in Minnesota and really like the added space and somewhat usable rear seats. I usually tell people that if I have to drive 500mi on the Interstate there are no question I'm taking the 400i. It’s relatively fast and comfortable, a great cruising machine. If I have and extra 2 hours to go run the twisty back roads I'll take the 308 every time.

I would strongly suggest you try to drive both an automatic and a 5-speed. The performance of the 5-speed is dramatically better. Sports Car Market also seems to think that the 5 speeds command a $2500-$3000 price premium.

Good luck on your search.

Regards,
Tom

John,

I wouldn't bet my

John,

I wouldn't bet my life on it, but... My understanding is that from the 365GT4 2+2 to the 412 they all had self leveling rear suspension. The early cars had 2 standard Koni shocks at the rear and 2 self levelers, so if the self levelers died it was not such a big deal. From chassis number 42705 on all four rear shocks were hydraulic self levelers and failure became a big deal.

Regarding the exhaust, my comments were in reference to OEM or Tubi. But I agree, you would have to seriously question if you want to go that way since a good muffler shop can set you up with a custom made system for significantly less, or go the route you suggested. It all comes down to how original you want to keep the car.

The previous owner of my car went for the Tubi. Nice exhaust system… I'm glad I didn't have to pay for it. He also installed a custom Carrera coil over suspension in the rear and replaced the OEM cooling fans with SPAL pull through. All reasons I went with the car I did. Obviously originality was not the top priority with me. I sure wish it had dual air. I have a black interior and it can get pretty bad in the summer months.

Did you see the write up in last month's Sports Car Market on the Stratman converted 400i? Gave it a pretty nice review.

Regards,
Tom

>>my mechanic was able

>>my mechanic was able to retro-fit a merc part.>>

A 6.3 or 6.9 part!!

I"ll print this to Memory!!!