[Guest]

I have been in love with the 3

I have been in love with the 308 since I was 8. Now that I'm 32 my wife let me buy an 84 308 GTSi QV. It was a "Welcome home from Iraq gift." I'm in love with the car and I want to keep it for at least 15 years. My questions are:

1. Ferrari driving for dummies:

How do I drive it properly to preserve the life of the engine (clutch shifting, etc.)

2. Is there any way to upgrade the electrical system? If so, what is the cost?

3. Finally, what are the most important things a 308 owner should be aware of (if they truly love their cars)?

Help from experienced 308 owners is appreciated.

I'll be in Iraq again soon, so prompt replies really help.<center><table border=1><tr><td>

New 308 owner
driver_ssidea.bmp (720.1 k)</td></tr></table></center>

 

[Guest]

How do I drive it properly to

How do I drive it properly to preserve the life of the engine (clutch shifting, etc.)

Take the keys with you when you return to Iraq.

Be safe and enjoy the new car.

John

 

[Guest]

You will maximize the life of

You will maximize the life of the clutch by NOT putting power through the clutch while the pedal is in the friction zone. The 308 transmission enables quite fast shifting once you get the limp wristed shift pattern down that the gated shifter demands. Just don't expect that a 308 is fast compared to modern automobiledom.

Any Ferrari owner should wash his car just before any drive so that the Tifosi will not be offended by a dirty car.

 

[Guest]

Hey man welcome and congrats!

Hey man welcome and congrats!

That's a thoughtful wife you have...keep her as well!

I'll speak to electrics....keep the battery topped up! If not driving it use a maintainer. Then be on the lookout for BAD connections!
Fuse blocks can heat up and weaken starting a long decline....we'll take care of other issues as they come up....

Any current problems?
Where are you?

 

[Guest]

He's wrong about washing i

He's wrong about washing it! LOL!

Actually, you want to avoid really soaking it thru any vents..that's bad on wire seals and electronic components...I use a mist type spray setting to cover big areas and towel down with Speed Shine from Griot's garage.....

 

[Guest]

Congrats Alexander, I too have

Congrats Alexander, I too have an 84 308 GTS QV, I love it since Magnum PI, I even love it more now that I own one, and I will Always love it. Enjoy as I always do.

 

[Guest]

Thanks everyone, for your insi

Thanks everyone, for your insights. Sorry it took so long for me to answer your replies. I was called away on short notice (such is the military). But, I really appreciate all of your input. So far she's running beautifully, with some minor glitches (as would be expected from a 23 year old car). I have to say, I'm proud to join the club as a Ferrari owner. The wife and I have decided that we can never go back. Maybe in a couple of years an F355, as our 308 gets up there in age (pipe dreams). Thanks again for all of your advice.