Hey guys, I realize this is going to offend nearly everyone in here, but I love the 3X8/TR models very much. I don't care about manual transmission though, so how costly (if possible) would it be to convert one into an automatic? 1. Converting a 328 into automatic? 2. Converting a Testarossa to automatic? And while it may be expensive, in the long run, wouldn't such a conversion reduce long-term maintenance? PS: Please don't suggest I look into another car, I'm aware this seems silly, but I'm deadset on getting either a 308, 328, or Testarossa and I'd really, really, prefer an automatic.
No offense taken, but I hope you're closely-related to Bill Gates I think you'd be better off getting a 400A/412A/456A or (and please don't let me offend you with this) one of the Corvette-based Daytona replicas.
Certainly an unusual request, but I have had problems with manual cars due to a foot injury, so my main car is always an Auto. As far as I'm aware, the V8 has never been fitted with an Auto, nor has the Flat 12. The V12 has had an Auto fitted in the 400i and 456 so perhaps one of these would be a better bet? It's not going to be cheap or easy doing the V8 or the Flat 12 because the existing gearboxes share the same casting as the engine block.
A Mondial T with the Valo? It's an expensive POS (the Valo, not the Mondial) but you only have 2 pedals. You still have to shift though. Ken
Well since you insist, I would suggest going the Testarossa route, since the torque characteristics of the engine would suit an auto more. Anything's possible if you've got the $$$.
Didn't we have this discussion about 8 months ago? The cost of conversion to auto could easily be equal to, if not more, the purchase price of a TR. A replica on a Corvette chassis would be both cost effective and practical at half the cost of a real TR. The transverse mounting of the engine and transmission in a 308 would make installation of an automatic extremely difficult and expensive but a front wheel drive application could be made to work IF you can find a way to mate the 308 engine to it. Practically speaking, it would be a HUGE waste of time and money.
If you're serious about this, call Norwood Performance (972) 831-8111. They are known for their hot rod Ferraris and I'm certain they can work something out for you. It will be pricey, no matter who does it, so you might as well do it right. I was dead serious about a V8 Cadillac Northstar FWD conversion, it will be quieter, lower maintenance, and about the same power as the original Ferrari motor, and it is designed for an auto tranny
Well, the reason I want auto is because I've never driven a stick. Yeah I know it's a tad ignorant to immediately conclude they suck. So maybe I am completely off-base with my conversion request. I just want to hear it from you guys though... 1. If the price was the same, and you had the choice, would you prefer a manual or automatic 3x8/TR? 2. Is driving stick a major PITA at times, like in traffic, or while drinking coffee and smoking etc? You know? And if the cost to convert is as insanely high as most of you suggest, forget it, this is a bad idea. Jesus, I thought it would cost maybe $10k, or $15k max.
As I mentioned, I've got a slightly dodgy left foot, so using the clutch gets quite painful after a while, but I'd still take a Manual over an Auto for any F-car.
Horowitz If you get some info on this conversion I'd like to know what you find out. I have a good friend who would like to do the same. Kurt There is nothing like a Ferrari, there never has been and never will be!
horowitz -- It's just such a tough proposition on the rear engine models due to the packaging. About the only way you could do it is to take the whole drive unit (engine+trans+diff) out of a (big) front wheel drive Cadillac or Buick and put it in the TR coachwork at the rear (but that's not really an F with an automatic IMO).
Hey Kurt, So far I'm getting the vibe it's just not something that can be done for less than the value of the car. So it's just a moot point now. I mean, buying a $40,000 308 and spending another $40,000 to make it auto is just crazy. It's not quite that important. It's too bad Ferraris weren't all build with an auto option. Oh well.
Answers: 1) Manual...always! 2) Is it a pain? Depends on what your idea of inconvenience is.....I don't smoke, but it cannot be that big a deal, every Ferrari I have owned had a cigarette lighter and ash tray. I do drink diet Cokes while driving my Ferrari, no problem there...so I think you will be fine. Are you capable of walking down the street while chewing gum? And yes, it will be insanely expensive, and the car will lose any collectable value, as it is now a "franken-ferrari", with little appeal. Go buy a used Toyota Corolla with a stick for under $1k, and use it as a learning tool. I couple weekends, and you will have it down pat. Then flip the car, and find your Ferrari! Dave
Ok thanks I just wanted to hear that it's really no big deal to drive. Gotcha. And yeah good idea I'll just rent a cheap manual car for a weekend.
This actually isn't a bad idea at all. I was worried about driving stick until I got an old Fiat X1/9 in high school. I took it to a parking lot and got the hang of it fast. I've been a car guy since I was 18 or so, and most of the ones I liked only came with manual gearboxes.
Get an old beat up VW for $500 to learn. Part of the fun of these cars is trying to "master" them. Its not easy, but it is a great way to spend your weekends. The 308's might not be fast numbers wise, but they are very rewarding to drive if you know how to actually drive.
I have never been a fan of manual transmissions either. I would have probably driven my '66 Corvette more often if it weren't for the 4 speed trans. (It still needs a lot of other work, so the trans wasn't the reason it is still a project in storage.) But since all my daily drivers are automatics, I would prefer an automatic as well. Before you cry "whimpy", a friend and restorer of numerous vintage Corvettes told me that when he restored his own personal '59 Corvette, he would go back automatic. I was surprised at his statement, but he went on to say that even though he had driven tons of 4 speed cars back in their hey day, it was so much more enjoyable to just put it in DRIVE and go. No clutching and shifting a dozen times every mile. Another friend had a 4 speed in his '57 Chevy during his hot rodding days, but he also plans to go back with an automatic. After a weekend afternoon of cruising, the ghost of Enzo isn't going to appear in your garage and give you a trophy just because you can jam the gears with the best of them. Unless you're a professional racer, the cars are all just a hobby, so no reason not to drive whatever works for you the individual. But after pondering the situation for a long time, even I think that putting an automatic into a 308 would be a major hassle. But pulling a V12 and automatic out of a 400 and dropping it into something else would have potential. But when do you ever see this combo for sale?
My shop could do it, but NO FREAK'N way for that kind of money. I would not even entertain it for less than $75k and no fixed quote. I'd be cheaper to by a wrecked F1 355 and steal the drivetrain and install it longitudinally in your 308
What about using a Cadillac/Olds Toronado/or any other modern front wheel drive automatic and adapt it to the 308 engine block with a profile adapter plate? I haven't analyzed all the physical characteristics of a 308 trans to see if there is any modern automatic that would fit inside the same space, but there are alot of different transmissions out there to study. I even note that the 1961 Pontiac Tempest used a rear mounted automatic transaxle. (They also had a manual transaxle.) Sounds like time to light up the "hot wrench"!!!
May be I am the only guy here who really understand you... I converted an MGA to an automatic also. I am like you I like the comfort. The MGA doesn't have that much power to enjoy with original engine anyway. And to work on original engine for it to come alive isn't a walk in the park. So I put the original engine on a stand and show it in my garage. And I put in a Nissan injectors engine w/ auto.... result? more power, reliable? nothing goes wrong within 7 years of changing, start EVERY time no matter how long she kept sitting. Auto transmission...it just let me enjoy the wind and the secenary, step on it and it goes...NICEEEE May be it would be easier for you to change the whole engine with auto transmission... BUT I myself never thought of doing that to a Ferrari nonono.... I don't enjoy the MGA the same way as I enjoy my Ferrari... The engine is the heart and soul of the car, where as the MAG the styling is what its known for... There is no cars like Ferrari...you know to tell you the truth I am even excited and couldn't sleep before sunday morning come that I will get a chance to enjoy my Ferrari...
I suspect the cheapest route would be to find a wrecked 3.2 Mondial Valeo or its parts and fit them to a 328. It's the same engine, etc, but different GB internals & shifter. Fitting it all togather shouldn't be too hard. This would give you a "semi-automatic" of sorts, where you just move the lever when you want a different gear & no clutching. However it's best to follow Dave's suggestion & get some time on a manual box. These engines are NOT hard-to-drive race engines which need lots of gear-shifting anyway. If you want to you can start them in 2nd and then skip up to 4th (if you feel that way!). They pull cleanly from ~1200rpm and don't have any strong "on-cam / off-cam" behaviour, so they DON'T need lots of endless shifting, even in heavy traffic. You really won't have any trouble. You have the opportunity most of your countrymen don't have - to drive your own 5-speed Ferrari. Tens of thousands of us around the world do it & most of us are just average drivers. Go for it - and DO try to stop grinning so much after the first couple of times!!!
Yep, This past month I've HAD to drive my QV to work ea day. I can't get going without a cup of coffee. If I can drive to work with a cup of coffee in one hand the whole time (sorry no cup holders in my Ferrari), you can do it too. I'll take off in first, shift to third and go across town pretty much in that gear at 30 mph. As any good driver does, watch far enough ahead of you and keep your speed. If I come to a light, it starts all over.
horowitz, come on, you are a new yorker, you can learn to dive a manual tranny. someone gave you a good idea to buy a beater, learn how to and then sell it. it really is easy. heck, i only use my clutch for first and reverse, once you get to know your motor, you really dont need a clutch. have i scared the heck out of you yet? good luck, nick
