I just sold this 1973 246 GTS  and I am taking it to a warehouse in New Jersey tomorrow. We checked all systems, fixed the horn and drove it 20 miles which reminded us how it’s one of the best 246′s we’ve had at the shop. After selling a few cars recently, I am looking to buy a Porsche 911 or another 246, preferably a European Production car so let me know if you have something.

Someone offered me a super solid 1973 Porsche 911T Coupe with a sunroof yesterday that I am considering buying. Unfortunately, the car is apart for restoration but the price is fair and I may spring for it. Otherwise, one of my customers has an outstanding 911T Coupe that is a known quantity so i’ll probably make him an offer on that car.

246 GTS Ferrari Dino

1979 Ferrari 308 GTS Fly Yellow at RPM

This ’79 308 GTS is a really sweet example of the iconic “Magnum PI” Ferrari, i’m sure you’re all wishing  yourselves as Tom Sellick in the drivers seat even if isn’t the ubiquitous Rosso Corse! Of course, a 308 is undoubtedly the easiest way to enjoy a Ferrari, but the overall condition of this one ensures that it’s also one of the smartest ways to enjoy a Ferrari. Production of the 308 followed the 246 Dino and shares much of the excitement of it’s predecessor-  The exaggerated long “buttress” behind the cabin, truncated nose and air inlet ducts that cover nearly 1/3 of the length of the car, all seem to be updated and angular versions of the 246. However, these air inlet ducts feed a 240 horsepower, 3 liter V8 which coupled with suspension and gearbox changes add  a significant dose of refinement.

The interior of this car has  supple, tan leather, that looks as new as that of a 2009 model as opposed to 1979. The chrome shift gate and mechanical switch gear showcase the motoring purpose of the car as well as the full set of gauges in the instrument cluster. Like the 308 GTB, the GTS model is a Pininfarina designed – Scaglietti built “targa” featuring a removable roof panel and louvers in the rear 1/4 windows instead of glass.

Mechanically, this 308 is in outstanding condition with a few key updates. The first being a set of larger 16″ wheels and tires that really improve handling over the 14″ set up  that came from the factory in the late seventies. We overhauled and modified the factory KONI shocks with adjustable ride height equipment in combination with Eibach Performance springs. The other main update is the conversion to a single distributor from the dual-distributor set up. This simplifies the ignition system, makes the advance curve more progressive as well as making it more reliable (and cheaper) using a Ford style cap and MSD electronics.

Here are some photos of V-12 Ferrari engines for Dominick.

330 engine with cylinder heads

250 GT "outside" plug engine

Underside of 330 engine

Inside plug 250

We just finished another 330 engine, 330 cubic centimeters per cylinder multiplied by 12 cylinders equals 4000 C.C.’s or 4.0 liters. Actually, Nate did most of the work and this one runs so well without the requisite head gasket leaks!!

Here is a YouTube clip of it running:

Crank in 330

Ferrari 330

The power of the internet and the reason I do these blog posts became apparent on this particular project.

Similar to almost all of the other Ferrari shops in the country, we were having a hard time getting the head gaskets to seal on the V-12 engines. The gaskets that come in the gasket kits are ELRING brand that are very fancy looking and fit nicely but are too hard and do not compress and seal like they should. I am sure they work well on a BMW with a cast iron block and head bolts that torque to probably 100 lb/ft, but on a Ferrari engine you only go to 65 lb/ft and are working with a very flexible cast aluminum block.

The leaks we had experienced was not water getting into the combustion chamber but it allowed water to leak between the block and head and often times leaked water into the oil. Considering that replacing the head gaskets on one of these engines is a $4-5000 job, we had to come up with a solution which we now have.

2 years ago a man called me to talk about head gasket leaks on his 330, I explained that we had the same problems and that he should get the car to me to be repaired. The car was tied up at another shop and I didn’t hear from him again. Fast forward to February 2010, the mystery man rings me again and asks me to help him sell the car! He told me that the shop fixed the leaking gaskets again and the car is sorted and ready to go.

I had 3-4 immediate buyers for the car but upon close inspection I found that the gaskets were still leaking! We could have been the shop to repair the gsakets, get them right, and get on with it, but it turned out fine when I sold the car to a local man who asked that we overhaul the engine and set things right.

The car was described as having an overhauled engine and in need of nothing, but we found that wasn’t the case. With the wrist pin bushings wiped out, the pistons worn and overall sloppiness in workmanship from the multiple attempts at remedying the head gasket leaks, we were disappointed in the prior repair, but will set things straight. These photos show the water mixed with oil inside the cam covers.

330 head gasket leak V-12 Ferrari

V-12 Ferrari head gasket and overhaul

Our little eBay store just listed these nearly new 205/70-14 Michelin XWX tires that came off a 330 GTC. Technically, 330′s and 275′s should have 205-VR14 tires which are more like a tall 80 series, not the 70 series that fit 308′s and Dino’s. See the listing on eBay here.

Michelin XWX Tires for a Dino or Ferrari 308

We took the red 1960 Ferrari 250 GT to the dyno earlier this week. This is a Pininfarina bodied convertible and is more beautiful than a high-school cheerleading captain. Still, its very close relative, the 250 California commands a much higher price – most people can’t afford to tell the difference. This 250 GT has an amazing sound that’s enhanced by a tasteful aftermarket exhaust, though nearly drowned out by the carburetors at full song – turn it down if you’re at work.

To see our other videos check out our YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/212Fontana. From there you can also subscribe to be alerted whenever we put up a new video.

Another nice group 4 competition car, a Michelotto 308 GTB. This car was dicing with a competition 365 GTB/4 Daytona on Friday and even with the advantage of cubic inches, the Daytona could not shake the 308. I was so impressed with the driving skill and enjoyed one of the best shows I have seen in vintage racing in a long time.

308 Michelotto

We took the Ferrari 330 GTS out to make sure it was ready to deliver and made a little video while we drove. The engine sounds great, so turn it up – of course there is some additional noise because the of the GTS soft top. Comment to let us know if you want to see more videos like this on FerrariCraft.

Ferrari 330 GTS and the 330 GTC in the background

The Ferrari 330 GTS is being picked up this week and we found both 330′s in front of the main RPM barn. We took the 330 GTS for a test drive to make sure that it was ready to deliver, and upon starting what amazed me was how instantly the engine started with just a momentary bump of the key.

This dispels any myths of carburetors being unreliable. When the three carbs are adjusted and synchronized properly they operate very well and with excellent drivability, exhibiting none of the “cold blooded” attributes that have been assigned to cars with worn-out and out-of-tune carburetors. More pictures after the jump and a video to come.

» Continue reading “A pair of 330′s”