This is a subject that I write about frequently because I just don’t understand why Ferrari Transmissions are bigger than the engine in front of it. We just had a transmission out of a 1955 Ford Pickup that was the size of a shoe box and a 5 speed ZF transmission out of a Maserati is tiny compared to the 5 speed out of this 330 GT 2+2. If I seem frustrated it’s because getting this Parthenon out of the car is a job that only Zeus can handle.
This transmission works well but the synchronizers are worn to to point of having a chrome plated polished look instead of the required rough cast finish but all the bearings and gears are perfect. We used to replace the operating sleeves on these transmissions but they take so long to “wear in” that I feel they are doing more damage than good especially considering how well they shift with the original parts re-installed.
This Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 interior is original but the wear and tear is getting a bit out of hand with cracked and split leather and blown out webbing in the seat bottoms. The drivers seat is so crushed down that I couldn’t even see over the dashboard! The owner was thinking of changing the color but wisely decided to keep the red leather (slightly darker, less pink) and red wool carpets. Even though the headliner is in good condition, we are going to replace that material since the foam in the pleats is falling out and the glue is coming undone here and there.
These 330′s look so spectacular to me when painted in a bright color like this light blue or silver. We’ve done tons of work to this car to make it run and drive better than it looks.
Something about the rear of the car, the “C” pillar area above the rear wheel looks so great, so clean and pure. How can you argue with Italian design!
I don’t offer much helpful information on this blog but want to share some photos of the font and progression of transmission, engine, and axle number stampings on Ferrari castings. From now on, i’m going to photograph stamps on Ferrari castings as I have the ability, the transmission stamps are hard to photograph because the interior has to come out for access. These are all photographs of Transmissions from 250’s and 330’s. As things progress, I will post photos of Engines, axles and trans-axles.
Numbers from early 330 with Overdrive
Series II PF Cab, late production
Early production GTE Ferrari
Transmission Ferrari Lusso 2505-speed 2 mount engine
We cleaned out the attic over the holiday and discovered a number of items that we’ll be putting on eBay in the coming weeks. Currently listed are a Bosch Voltage Regulator (black box BOSCH) 6v 12v volt for returning your classic back to the original configuration – or just the look.
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!!
An often missed detail when shops overhaul engines is drilling the plugs on the crankshaft to clean out the oil passages. When the crankshaft is being fabricated it is drilled to allow pressurized oil to be directed at the bearings but because of the shape of the shaft, many of the holes have to be plugged after the drilling process so the oil only comes out where you want it to.
When the crank comes out of the engine and sits on a shelf while waiting for re-assembly, the residual oil in these passages dries out and gets crusty which could plug the passages and starve the bearing of oil. Also, when if you have to grind or polish the crank, the grit will get into the passages and quickly wipe out those brand new bearings. One more thing, if you are going through the process of overhauling an engine, it makes sense to clean it and inspect as thoroughly as possible.
