[Guest]

That's it! I purchased my

That's it! I purchased my 1st ferrari this past w-e. 79 308 GTB. EXCITED!!!!!
I need to arrange transportation, so I have 2 to 3 weeks before it comes down to me.

In that mean time, I would like some recommandations:

I plan on shipping the baby in enclosed trailer.
Any advise/experience about transportation companies?

What products and guidelines do you use to detail the exterior, the interior, the engine bay, and the undercarriage?

What do you recommend as 16" replacement tires? I can find some P7 in 205/225, but does it make a difference to put something else, like even 225/245?

What type of exhaust would you recommend? I have a 14 years old ANSA at the moment, but will have to put the catalytict converter back on for the inspection (last time before exemption), and may want to put something else after, such as TUBI. Is TUBI ceramic coated? Does the heat of some of those after market exhaust can cause problem?

What alarm system do you recommend. Are there points during installation to be worry about?

Thanks to take the time to answer my 1st set of questions. I will have more general very soon...

 

[Guest]

Hey Arnaud....CONGRATS !!!!!!

Hey Arnaud....CONGRATS !!!!!!

I know you've been looking awhile, glad you found a car you liked.

I'm busssssssyyyyyy at the moment, try and get to some of your questions later.

Best, JRV

 

[Guest]

Thanks a bunch JR. Your advise

Thanks a bunch JR. Your advise helped me going through the PPI.
The car is red/tan, 41k miles, and presently in Michigan. All records (all done on time at dealer), books...

I arranged with a transporter today, and it should take me 3 to 4 weeks to get it in Houston.

My pb at present is to find out if I need to actually replace the cats in pllace for the inspection (should be the last since it is a 79 model), or if there is a way to pass as is, or if I don't bother and drive illegal for 1 year. Any experience related to this? Or do I even have a choice or not if when I registered the title, they will ask for an inspection sticker...

Anyway, the other parts discussed during PPI:
Now:
replace the points in the back bank distributors, and the brack fluid (dirty).
Soon:
45,000 miles service (all belts are at this points in good shape.
open transaxle, check/replace fluid.
All lines are original, but in good shape. Maybe I should change those as well?!
Later:
Front seat leather to replace

That's a quick overview of the baby/beast.

 

[Guest]

[url="http://www.fca-kc.org/Ne

http://www.fca-kc.org/Newsletters/FCA%20April%20Newsletter.pdf

has some good info on detailing products.

also

www.ferrariclub.com, and their is an FAQ that has some information about detailing products.

 

[Guest]

I installed 16" wheels on

I installed 16" wheels on my '78 GTS and went with Yokohama AVS ES100's. Good looking tire. After doing a comparison of test results, specs and consumer comments on Bridgestone S03's, Michelin Pilots, Dunlop and Kumo's I found the Yokohamas only performed about 3 to 4% below the So3's on the street and about 10% on the track.

The Yokohamas have a treadwear rating of 280 and the So3's are 220 hence the lower track rating for the Yokos. There were also complaints about the So3's becoming noisy after 10,000 miles and a tendancy to 'tramline' excessively on the freeway.

The Yokohamas cost nearly 40% less than the So3's too.
225/50 front 245/45 rear. No rubbing.

DJ

 

[Guest]

I took my 308 for its 1st spin

I took my 308 for its 1st spin this week-end. It is quite intimidating, since I heard all those horror story about older F-car reliability, and I kept checking gauges.
Everithing went OK, except that when I turned it off, I couldn't started over. I had to wait 5 minutes before it started, and since I am in Texas, was wondering if this is caused by hymidity and heat that create vapor lock. Any comments, suggestions to remediate?

Also, I passed by FoH, and the guys started to talk to me into changing the fuel lines. All mine are original (41k miles, and 24 years), and deemed in good shape during the PPI. Is there a real danger there?

The engine is very strong, and there is no oil leaks anywhere... The water tem was most of the time around 200F, and went up to 220F when I started to do city stop and go. Oil temp didn't move much and stayed at the low end of the gauge, 140-150F. Is this normal?

Since I leave in Texas, should I consider changing the radiator (original) for a aluminium one, lighter and more efficient?

 

[Guest]

For the non-believers, picture

For the non-believers, pictures as soon as I get the digital cam, i.e. 1wk...

 

[Guest]

Hi Arnaud,

Definately have

Hi Arnaud,

Definately have all the fuel hoses replaced. A new Fuel Filter would be a nice 24th birthday present for the car also..{

}

Water Temp should run 195 highway or stop & go. Either you have air trapped in the radiator or one or both of the fans are not working. You should not need an aluminum radiator, but you will need the cooling system to be fully functioning.

The temp should never see 220 even in the summer. I suggest you read the cooling system bleeding thread and then start there to get the temp back to normal.

Regards, JRV

 

[Guest]

A thought on the subject of po

A thought on the subject of possible fire due to fuel leaks or electrical shorts I suggest investing in a 2.5 lb Halon fire extinguisher in the passenger compartment and a 5 lb ABC type extinguisher in the trunk area. I would use the Halon first then the ABC as a last resort in hopes of avoiding a major cleanup of the engine compartmnt of corrosive chemicals.

Because of the relative inaccessibility of the battery it would also be wise to install a battery Master Cutoff switch that can be operated from inside the car if an electrical short circuit occurs. It is a MUST to kill the electrical current during an electrical fire or it can't be put out. The other alternative would be to slash the wiring in the area of the fire in hopes of cutting the current at that location.

Flaming River makes a nice remote switch that can be operated with a push rod and 'T' handle. The switch can be mounted next to the battery so rerouting of the battery cables is kept to a minimum. I have the handle on mine just inside the firewall behind the clutch and brake pedals. It doesn't interfere with the pedals and I can kick it off with my right toe.

Hope you can get the bugs out and drive the car for a while.
DJ

 

[Guest]

Thanks JR,
I read the corresp

Thanks JR,
I read the corresponding thread, and the procedure you use. I should be able to DIY.

As far as all the lines change:
is it a job that required necesserally the engine out?
What replacement lines would you recommend? Is airspace rated line a plus? How much more expensive are they?
Would you recommend to it at the same time as a 45k service?

Regards,
AD

 

[Guest]

Arnaud,

I'd recc. doin

Arnaud,

I'd recc. doing the fuel hoses ASAP. It does require taking the air cleaner off and L/rear tire and fenderwell but certianly not the engine out. In fact I can't think of anything that requires the engine to come out short of an internal engine/trans problem.

I don't know if they have, however, anyone suggesting a need to pull the engine is mistaken.

regards, JRV

 

[Guest]

JR,
Is there a specific type

JR,
Is there a specific type of line recommended? I am sure that after 24 years, technology has evolve, and for replacement, there is something better on the market.

 

[Guest]

During my 1st ride, I also had

During my 1st ride, I also had the FAN warning (orange) light (#13, on manual fig.16) on after 15 min driving.
It stayed on for 5 min, and disapeared.
When I came back, I check and both of my radiator fans were working great.

What other cause could get that warning light to come up?

 

[Guest]

Hi Arnaud,

that Orange Fan

Hi Arnaud,

that Orange Fan Light is the Fan Operation Light for the "Heater" Blower fans, which are switched on &off by the fan switch on the console.

Regards, JRV

 

[Guest]

JR,
Sorry if my questions see

JR,
Sorry if my questions seems trivial, or flat out stupid. I prefer to ask everything than discover it after the fact. Less $$$...
I am learning fast.

 

[Guest]

Arnaud, Don't feel stupid

Arnaud, Don't feel stupid about NOT taking anything for granted or for NOT being too proud to ask a simple question for fear of appearing stupid.

Your car will love you for it and so will your wallet!

I was in the same boat as you last X-mas and if it wasn't for the help and advice I received from this great community of Ferrari enthusiasts I would be lost and disenchanted with Ferrari ownership. Ownership can be very frustrating and scary at times.

Take your time and keep asking!

DJ

 

[Guest]

Agree with DJ.

There is an

Agree with DJ.

There is an old saying,

Better to ask a question and be thought a fool, than to not ask and actually be a fool.

Regards, JRV

 

[Guest]

Arnaud,

Did you buy the ca

Arnaud,

Did you buy the car advertised by jon Albert here in Michigan? That looked like a great car. I kind of had my eye on it, but dragged my feet a little too long. Damn job, getting in the way of my F-car obsession by tying up all my free time

 

[Guest]

Yes I did!
The car looks in f

Yes I did!
The car looks in fact great, better in person, than in pictures, but more importantly, John has been very helpfull with me during the process, and detailed and caring for the car in the 15-years before.
Do you know Jon?