Positioning:
The Ferrari 308 GT4 was positioned as an entry-level Ferrari, designed to broaden the marque's appeal to a wider audience. It was one of the first front-engined V8 Ferraris and the first mid-engined Ferrari designed by Bertone.
Competitors:
Competed with other mid-engined Italian exotics of its era, such as the Lamborghini Urraco and Maserati Merak, as well as higher-performance European GT cars.
Design And Layout:
Distinctive Pininfarina-styled bodywork (though designed by Bertone), mid-engined layout with a 2+2 seating configuration, and a 3.0L V8 engine.
Manual Value:
Enables owners and enthusiasts to perform complex maintenance and repairs themselves, saving significant costs associated with dealership service and empowering a deeper understanding of the vehicle.
Coverage Areas:
General Information, Engine, Lubrication, Cooling, Fuel System, Clutch, Gearbox, Rear Axle, Steering, Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Shock Absorbers, Brakes, Wheels and Tyres, Instruments and Controls, Heating and Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Electrical System, Special Tools, Tightening Torques, Chassis Hitch Points, Body, Emission Control System
Page Count:
Varies by specific edition, typically 400-800 pages for a comprehensive factory service manual.
Manual Type:
Service Repair Manual
Engine And Powertrain:
Complete overhaul and repair procedures for the Ferrari V8 engine, including timing belt replacement, carburetion tuning, ignition system diagnosis, and cooling system maintenance.
Transmission And Drivetrain:
Detailed procedures for gearbox disassembly, assembly, clutch service, and rear axle maintenance, including differential checks and bearing adjustments.
Suspension And Steering:
Comprehensive guide to front and rear suspension components, including ball joint replacement, shock absorber servicing, and steering rack overhaul.
Braking System:
In-depth coverage of brake system components, including caliper rebuilding, pad replacement, master cylinder service, and bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Detailed wiring diagrams, troubleshooting guides for lighting, ignition, charging systems, and auxiliary electrical components.
Body And Chassis:
Information on body panel alignment, door mechanisms, interior trim, and chassis hitch points for towing or lifting.
Preventative Maintenance:
Includes recommended service intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and ignition system tune-ups.
Troubleshooting:
Provides diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based problem-solving for common issues encountered with the 308 GT4.
Repair And Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, reassembly, and adjustment for virtually all major vehicle systems.
Technical Specifications:
Contains essential technical data such as tightening torques, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, and engine timing settings.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic owner maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Suitable for experienced DIY mechanics and professional technicians.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8 (Ferrari Dino V8)
Displacement:
2962 cc (2.9 L)
Bore X Stroke:
81 mm x 74.5 mm
Horsepower Ps:
240 PS (DIN) @ 6600 rpm (early models), 255 PS (DIN) @ 6600 rpm (later models)
Torque Nm:
280 Nm (207 lb-ft) @ 5000 rpm (early models), 294 Nm (217 lb-ft) @ 5000 rpm (later models)
Fuel Delivery:
Four Weber 40 DCNF or 40 DCNVA downdraft carburetors
Ignition System:
Marellli electronic ignition system (later models)
Engine Design:
Mid-mounted, longitudinally positioned V8 engine with a 90-degree bank angle.
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transaxle
Clutch:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch.
Gear Ratios Approximate:
1st: 3.27, 2nd: 2.17, 3rd: 1.52, 4th: 1.13, 5th: 0.87, Reverse: 3.27 (Specific ratios may vary by production year)
Gearbox Oil Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 synthetic gear oil recommended.
Crash Test Data:
No formal crash test data readily available from modern safety agencies due to the era of production.
Braking System:
Four-wheel Girling disc brakes with ventilated front discs.
Steering System:
Rack and pinion steering, typically without power assistance.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts
Structural Integrity:
Body-on-frame construction (monocoque chassis) providing a rigid structure.
Original Audio System:
Typically featured an aftermarket or basic period-appropriate car radio and speaker system, often with manual tuning.
Driver Aids:
Minimal to no electronic driver aids; focused on mechanical driver feedback and performance.
Connectivity Features:
N/A (No integrated connectivity features).
Air Conditioning:
Optional air conditioning system, with repair and servicing details included in the manual.
Heating Ventilation:
Basic heating and ventilation system with controls for airflow direction and temperature.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-10,000 km (3,000-6,000 miles) or annually, depending on usage.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended every 30,000-50,000 km (20,000-30,000 miles) or 5 years due to potential catastrophic failure if it breaks.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 20,000-30,000 km (12,000-18,000 miles).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 11 liters (2.9 US gallons) of SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 multi-grade oil.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 brake fluid.
Clutch Fluid Type:
DOT 4 brake fluid (typically shares reservoir with brakes).
Engine Timing Belt Wear:
Crucial to adhere to strict replacement intervals for timing belts to prevent engine damage.
Carburetor Tuning And Maintenance:
Weber carburetors require regular adjustment and maintenance for optimal performance.
Electrical System Reliability:
Older wiring harnesses and connectors can degrade, leading to intermittent electrical issues.
Rust And Corrosion:
As with many cars of this era, rust can be an issue, particularly in lower body panels and chassis components.
Carburetor Jetting:
Specific jetting details for Weber 40 DCNF/DCNVA carburetors are critical and will be detailed in the manual.
Valve Lash Adjustment:
Precise valve clearance specifications and adjustment procedures are essential for engine longevity and performance.
Ferrari Legacy:
Ferrari's rich history in motorsport and luxury sports car manufacturing, founded by Enzo Ferrari. The 308 GT4 marked a significant step in expanding their V8 offerings.
Development And Introduction:
Originally conceived as a Dino model to offer a more accessible Ferrari, it was later rebadged as a Ferrari. Designed by Bertone, it was the first Ferrari not styled by Pininfarina or Scaglietti.
Production Years:
1973-1980
Production Volume:
Approximately 2,826 units.
Manufacturing Location:
Maranello, Italy
Automotive Journalism Reviews:
Praised for its V8 engine and handling, though sometimes criticized for its styling and practicality compared to its contemporaries. Recognized as a significant model for Ferrari's diversification.
Collector Interest:
Enjoys a strong following among collectors and Ferrari enthusiasts for its unique design and V8 engine, representing an accessible entry point into Ferrari ownership.