It was evident from the underwhelming reactions of many journalists who drove the 348 that those early vehicles weren’t as enjoyable to drive as they could have been.
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Ferrari 348 transmission and engine
The 3.4-liter engine is generally dependable, although early models did experience cam chain tensioner problems. This problem was fixed by a running update, but make sure to check the documentation to make sure it was completed. There was dry sump lubrication on all versions. Although cambelts should be replaced every three years or 24,000 miles, some owners have discovered that they survive significantly longer. If you wait too long, though, a rebuild of the engine can be necessary if the belt snaps.
Yes, second gear can be challenging to engage when cold; this is a characteristic shared with its forebears. The five-speed manual transmission is a tough device with the exception of the second gear synchro, which is also a weak point. Although clutches can last up to 40,000 miles, often changing them can signify a difficult life. The transversely mounted gearbox, which the 348 and the contemporaneous Mondial T both have, is indicated by the letter T in its designation.
Yes, driving the 348 with its heavy clutch and gated shifter requires some effort, but the Testarossa is also in this category.
The 348 is a midship that is more accessible because it is not as well-known as the 328 and 355 are. V8
The 348 lags behind the aesthetically pleasing 328 and the 355 which has come to be known as the model for all current mid-engined Ferraris. Does that imply that the 348 is a dud or that Modena gold is still untouched and cheap? It’s not inexpensive, but at pricing starting at PS45,000, it offers better value than its immediate forerunner and successor.
Some will claim that the 348 is justifiably affordable compared to Ferrari norms due to its shoddy construction and unreliability. Although the early reactions to the car were all quite positive, this was undoubtedly the case when it was introduced in 1989. It had more presence and good aesthetics than the 328, and its 3.4-liter V8 engine was positioned lower in the chassis and longitudinally rather than transversely.
With 300 horsepower, or 320 horsepower for the Serie Speciale, it was fast by historical standards, going from 0 to 62 mph in 5.4 seconds and leveling off at 171 mph. There was just a five-speed manual transmission option. The chassis was brand-new as well, and it was built much more rigidly than the 328’s using monocoque building techniques.
Up until the initial road test report leaked through, everything seemed to be going great. The construction quality and quick on-limit handling were criticized. The good news is that most 348s for sale will already have these issues resolved and that they are now simply fixable. In response to the remarks made in recent road tests, Ferrari quickly altered the suspension geometry and significantly improved the cabin’s and the car’s overall build.
The 348 was already largely the vehicle it ought to have been when it was first by the time the Spider made its appearance in 1993, joining the tb coupe and ts targa-roofed variant. At this point, the engine was increased to 320 horsepower across all models, and Ferrari also altered the titles of the tb and ts to GTB and GTS, respectively.
Near the conclusion of its lifespan, the 348 inspired the GTC “Competizione” model, which had a maximum power output of 325 horsepower and a curb weight reduction of 190 kg thanks to the removal of composite body panels and cabin trim. Only 50 of the GTC’s interior seats were built, eight of which were offered in right-hand drive, and carbon kevlar dominates the space.
You’ll need about PS175,000 to buy a GTC and store it in your garage. Prices for a regular tb or GTB start at PS45,000 for vehicles with higher mileage and rise to PS80,000 for flawless vehicles with minimal mileage. The ts, GTS, and Spider command a modest premium, but condition and color are considerably more important in determining price.
How dependable is a 328 Ferrari?
One of the most dependable vintage Ferraris is the 328. It is an improvement on the 308, which was introduced in 1975. It is a car with few advanced electrical features. Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection was the order of the day here. A 328 can be maintained without removing the engine, unlike many Ferraris.
The Ferrari 348 is a supercar, right?
The classic Ferrari 348 TS, with its rich automotive history, is a 3.4-liter V8-powered supercar that can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds and produces up to 300 horsepower. Our Ferrari 348 TS driving experiences, which are now offered at a number of locations around the UK, can be reserved straight onto open dates or by purchasing an open gift ticket.
When was the Ferrari 348 manufactured?
The Ferrari 348 was created and introduced as the replacement for the wildly popular Ferrari 308/328 bloodline. It first hit the streets in 1989 and remained in production through the 1994 model year. The 348 is sometimes compared stylistically to the modern Ferrari Testarossa because of its deep side strakes and square taillights. The 348, however, has a 3.4-liter quad-cam 32-valve, dry-sump, mid-mounted V-8 that produces 296 horsepower and 238 lb-ft of torque while connected to a five-speed manual transmission in place of the Testarossa’s flat-12. The 348’s performance was comparable to other entry-level super-sports cars of the day; it reached a top speed of 171 mph after a 5.6-second 0-60 mph time.
A Ferrari 355’s top speed?
The Ferrari F355 is one of the best vehicles to ever leave Maranello, so let’s get right to the point. The 355 succeeded the relatively unimpressive 348 and was a noticeably better vehicle in terms of both appearance and dynamic performance. You may call it a quantum leap.
The F355 had the intriguing task of establishing Ferrari as a credible production manufacturer when it first went on sale in 1994. Sports cars could no longer afford to be unreliable or difficult to drive in a world after the Honda NSX, and while Ferrari’s F355 may have been an evolution of the 348, it was a game-changing idea.
The mid-mounted, dry-sumped, flat-plane V8, which had five valves (three inlet, two exhaust) per cylinder and produced 380 bhp at a scream 8250 rpm, or 109 bhp per litre, was the highest specific output for a naturally aspirated car at the time. It was built using the most recent Formula 1 technology at the time.
The 355 is a searingly quick sports car with a 0-60 mph sprint time of 4.6 seconds and a peak speed just barely shy of 180 mph. Additionally, the 355 is frequently regarded as the last of the classically beautiful Ferraris. While styling is very subjective, it would be difficult for any car enthusiast to contest the 355’s thin, delicate Pininfarina styling.
How much was a brand-new Ferrari 348?
The Ferrari 348 is a reasonable beginning point for Ferrari ownership, it is true. Undoubtedly a classic style with a fantastic V8. It should be emphasized that a 348 cost roughly $131,000 when it was brand-new. Although the value of this Ferrari didn’t last very long, exotic automobile aficionados benefited nonetheless.
However, recent reports indicate that costs are rising. A low-mileage Ferrari 348 tb today can cost between $58,200 and $75,000, according to Hagerty. Naturally, later models of the 348, namely the GTB and Spider, are valued significantly higher due to their improved handling, increased dependability, and minor acceleration. The later 1993–1995 models are therefore wise investments. It’s interesting to note that Ferrari only produced 1,000 units total for the GTS, 1,000 units total for the Spider, and reportedly just over 600 units total for the GTB.
The 348 did come in a few special editions, though, including the Speciale and the even more elusive GT Competizione, which was one of only 50 homologation specials made. In actuality, a Ferrari 348 GT Competizione sold for more than $200,000 in 2021 at RM Auctions.
Whether or not it is controversial, the Ferrari 348 deserves praise for its slick design and strong performance. This elegant prancing horse is a fascinating turning point in Ferrari history with personality and sophistication.
How quickly does a Ferrari 360 go?
The 3.6L V8 mid-engine in the two-seater Ferrari 360 Modena produces 400 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 275 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm. With a six-speed manual gearbox or an F1 automated manual gearbox with paddle shifters, this engine can attain a top speed of 183 mph.
Is an engine out service required for a Ferrari 348?
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The Ferrari 348 DIY Major Engine Out Service, third part. Timing belt replacement on the Ferrari 348 necessitates pulling the engine every 3-5 years or 25,000 miles. The water pump, pulleys, tensioners, bearings, and other parts must typically be replaced in addition to this. At most respected stores, this treatment typically starts at around $10,000 and can easily cost up to $25,000. We are going full throttle and replacing practically everything that can wear so the engine will be almost as good as new and offer Tim many years of service.
Tim’s Ferrari 348’s engine will eventually be taken out in Part 3! With Ferraris, unlike many other vehicles, the engine is often removed by dropping it out of the bottom of the vehicle and literally separating the vehicle from the engine. It’s not too difficult, but it does take some patience because the automobiles were made to have this significant engine service done on a regular basis.
With the engine out, we can begin disassembling it and removing the old belts. Keep an eye out for that in Part 4!
What was the price of a Ferrari in 1992?
The F40 was not just the final road-going Ferrari produced while il Commendatore was still alive; it also bears the moniker in honor of the brand’s 40th anniversary. The F40 used a development of the GTO’s chassis and double-wishbone suspension and shared its 96-inch wheelbase. It was created as the supercar’s successor to the 288 GTO. In order to reduce weight, a Pininfarina-designed lightweight composite and aluminum body with broadened fenders inspired by IMSA competition and a minimalist interior were introduced to the public in 1987. A 2.9-liter twin turbo V-8 engine with 478 horsepower and a top speed of little over 200 mph powered the vehicle. This engine was another descendant of the 288 GTO.
Between 1987 and 1992, Ferrari produced 1,315 units, with about 211 of those vehicles being sold in the United States beginning in early 1990. By the time the F40 arrived on American soil, European journalists had already expended a lot of ink describing what a phenomenal performance the car was, with some new owners paying nearly three times the estimated $400,000 list price. U.S. vehicles had altered fuel tanks and seats, sturdier front and rear bodywork to fulfill crash requirements, and an altered engine tune that, despite the addition of U.S.-required emissions equipment, purportedly provided greater power than the euro vehicle.
Anti-lock brakes weren’t even on the Ferrari F40’s specification list, making it the epitome of a car with a single-minded, mission-focused mindset that turned out to be the last of its kind. Because of this, the car’s depreciation curve didn’t last very long, and today’s collectors will pay any amount to acquire one of these amazing vehicles.
Why do Ferraris need so much upkeep?
While Ferrari ownership can be a source of pride for auto aficionados, it also necessitates intensive care and upkeep to prevent depreciation.
Has power steering been added to the Ferrari 348?
The Ferrari 348-specific kit is sold complete and ready to assemble; it doesn’t require welding or cutting of the original column, allowing you to restore your car to its factory specifications if necessary.
An adjustment potentiometer allows the electric power steering in the Ferrari 348 to be adjusted to the driver’s preference for gentle or hard steering.
This enables you to have a flexible car for your leisurely journeys while maintaining a sporty, responsive, and precise handling.
simple assembly After the steering wheel, this item replaces the first portion of the column.
In order to position the engine discretely, a small cut of a few centimeters needs to be created in the deck that is not visible.