1988.5 328 GTS

in 88.5 there were suspension changes that resulted in the convex wheels. These changes were made to decrease dive under braking and to prepare for the ABS brakes. Not all convex wheel cars have ABS, as it was optional early, then later became standard. I understand that there were also changes to the interior at that time, mainly affecting the door handles.

EDIT:

I found what I was looking for in an earlier thread here:

From Dave328GTB, changes by VIN:
Here are some of the major updates according to parts manual:

• Door design (inside handles moved, etc.) #71597. Further inside door changes plus horse on mirror (US cars) #75929.
• valves # 71381
• valve seats #76666
• oil cooler #75272 (plus associated parts)
• Major changes at 76626 (88.5 cars)include all suspension parts (forks, shocks, sway bars, etc.) brakes, steering rack and wheels which have more offset than before. BTW these wheels are not the same as Mondial’s in width and offset. Also the front bonnet was changed eliminating the hood bending button strut.
• ABS does not give a beginning number.
• The air box and inlet tube was changed 78069 which I believe coincides with 89 model year in US.
• With ABS came another front bonnet and changes under it.
• Front and rear shocks were changed again at #78613.
• The seats and adjustment mechanisms were completely changed at sometime (no VIN# given)

There are numerous other changes throughout production, but these are the biggies.

 

If you haven't driven 328's with both suspension styles, here is a little more info. I used to own a 87 GTS, now a 89 GTB. The steering feels quicker and more modern in the newer car. It also has "anti-dive" front suspension which you may not notice except while trail braking on a track. I don't think the new suspension would make appreciable difference in slalom or skid pad numbers, but I like the feel better. And-yes-I have driven an earlier GTB as well, so the difference is not GTS vs GTB. 88.5 cars sell for a discount compared to 89's and if you like the newer suspension setup but don't care about ABS, then I would say get one.

Dave328GTB

 

Congrats on your 328 purchase!

I think every 328 owner should know the change history of their cars. It just takes about 30 minutes of study.

Check out this link:
http://ferrari.jenkins.org/books/

Download and print the file called "Ferrari 328 Tech Specs, Publications List, Recall Campaign, Service Bulletin Index"

In it, you will see every change our 328s went through. Given your serial #, you'll know exactly where your car stands.

For example, my car has all but a few of the updates, including the engine work and the updated interior changes (black armrests, door openers on armrests), but does not have the suspension changes.

Dave's "Changes by VIN" list is an excellent distillation of this info, but doesn't let anyone off the hook from diving into the service bulletins themselves to know for sure .

Enjoy!


--Mike

 

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