Market Position:
The Ferrari 328 represented the pinnacle of front-engined, V8-powered grand tourers for its era, slotting into the premium sports car market as a successor to the 308 series.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed directly with iconic sports cars such as the Porsche 944 Turbo, Chevrolet Corvette C4, Lotus Esprit Turbo, and Aston Martin V8 Vantage, offering a blend of Italian styling, V8 performance, and convertible practicality (GTS).
Key Features:
Mid-engine V8, Pininfarina-designed body, Targa-top (GTS) or Coupe (GTB) configurations, luxurious interior, renowned Ferrari driving dynamics, and a distinctive exhaust note.
Coverage Areas:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Transmission, Clutch, Drive Axles, Suspension (Front and Rear), Steering System, Braking System, Electrical System (Charging, Starting, Lighting, Accessories), Bodywork, Interior Trim, HVAC System, Diagnostic Procedures, Torque Specifications, Troubleshooting Guides
Page Count:
Approximately 300-350 pages (typical for a comprehensive service manual of this era)
Manual Type:
Technical Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Systems Covered:
Comprehensive coverage of all mechanical, electrical, and body systems specific to the Ferrari 328 GTB and GTS models.
Procedures Included:
Detailed step-by-step procedures for routine maintenance, diagnostics, repair, overhaul, and adjustments for all major vehicle systems. Includes torque specifications, diagnostic flowcharts, wiring diagrams, and component identification.
Technical Depth:
Expert-level technical depth, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including complex electrical system troubleshooting.
Engine Type:
Mid-mounted, 90-degree V8
Displacement:
3186 cc (3.2 liters)
Bore X Stroke:
81 mm x 78 mm
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder (32 valves total)
Horsepower:
220 hp (164 kW) at 6300 rpm (European spec), 217 hp (162 kW) at 6300 rpm (US spec)
Torque:
203 lb-ft (275 Nm) at 4500 rpm
Fuel Injection:
Bosch K-Jetronic CIS (Continuous Injection System)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (premium, 91+ octane)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 10 liters (10.6 US quarts) with filter
Oil Type:
API SG, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 (depending on climate)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 12.5 liters (13.2 US quarts)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Ignition Type:
Electronic ignition, dual ignition coils
Spark Plugs:
Bosch W7DC or equivalent
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual transaxle
Transmission Type:
None (only manual was offered)
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios vary by model year and market, but are designed for performance and drivability.
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 3.5 liters (3.7 US quarts)
Transmission Fluid Type:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 gear oil
Length:
Approx. 4350 mm (171.3 in)
Width:
Approx. 1750 mm (68.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1130 mm (44.5 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2350 mm (92.5 in)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 140 mm (5.5 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1450 kg (3197 lbs) for GTB, 1530 kg (3373 lbs) for GTS
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1850 kg (4079 lbs)
Safety Ratings:
No formal crash test ratings (typical for cars of this era and low volume production). Emphasis on driver control and active safety.
Active Features:
Four-wheel disc brakes (ventilated front and rear), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) became standard later in production (optional on early models, mandatory from 1987 onwards for US market).
Brakes Front:
Ventilated discs, 280 mm diameter
Brakes Rear:
Ventilated discs, 280 mm diameter
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 108 mm
Tire Size Front:
205/55 VR 16
Tire Size Rear:
225/50 VR 16
Passive Features:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts, reinforced windshield frame, padded dashboard and steering wheel hub, collapsible steering column.
Steering Type:
Rack and pinion, power assisted
Major Service Interval:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. This includes cambelt replacement (crucial).
Oil And Filter Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months
Cambelt Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000 miles or 3 years (critical to prevent catastrophic engine damage).
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40
Transmission Fluid Specification:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or SAE 80W-90 gear oil
Coolant Specification:
50/50 mix of ethylene glycol-based antifreeze and distilled water
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4
Clutch Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 (shared with brake system)
Known Issues:
Corrosion (especially around wheel arches, sills, and chassis), cambelt wear (critical for engine longevity), fuel system component degradation (fuel lines, pump), K-Jetronic system adjustments, sticky dashboard materials, aging electrical connectors, coolant leaks.
Common Repairs:
Cambelt and tensioner replacement, fuel line replacement, brake system overhaul, cooling system hoses, ignition coil replacement, general electrical troubleshooting and repair.
Brand Heritage:
Ferrari, founded by Enzo Ferrari, has a legendary motorsport history and a reputation for producing high-performance, exotic sports cars with a distinctive Italian flair and engineering prowess.
Model Evolution:
The 328 was a significant evolution of the 308 series, offering increased displacement, updated styling cues (smoother bumpers, integrated fog lights), improved handling, and enhanced reliability, making it a more user-friendly and capable grand tourer.
Production Years:
1985-1989
Production Numbers:
Approximately 7,700 units (combined GTB and GTS)
Manufacturing Location:
Maranello, Italy