Ferrari Mailing List: Re: 288GTO Vs 308/328

[Ric Rainbolt (ricrainbolt]

There seems to be much misinformation about this car.

The engine is the basic 4 valve 308 motor. The block is virtually 
identical to that used in the 308QV and 328. Oher than some hardware 
pickup points, the casting is the same. The liners are different as 
the bore is 80mm (vs 81 in 308's). The crankshaft is identical and 
carries the same part number as that found in all 308s, and 208s. The 
con-rods are unique to the 288 and F40, but the bearings, bearing 
caps, front crank damper are all from the 308 design. The pistons are 
lower compression, but similar to those used in the 4V cars. The 
cylinder heads have some minor casting difference but are virtually 
identical to 308 QV heads. The camshafts are the same part numbers as 
the euro 308 QVs.

The front timing cover is almost identical to that used in the dry 
sump GTBs, as is the sump pumping system. The oil pan and rear covers 
are unique to the GTO.

The body uses the same front glass, door glass, rear glass and 
taillights as a 308 GTB. Other small odds and ends are 
interchangeable (side markers, the headlight buckets) with 308s.

The car is approx 4 inches longer in wheelbase, and wider due to 
wider tires, not due to chassis width. The door skins are not 
interchangeable. Neither is the front bonnet, as I think it's 
composite (vs. aluminum on the 308's). The roof panel is not 
interchangeable either for the same reason. The front and rear 
bumpers are unique as well.

The brakes are the same ATE system used on the TR (similar to the 
308, but larger pads and rotors). The ignition system is unique to 
the GTO. The steering rack is a TRW metric rack, just like the 308, 
but has a different ratio.

The front and rear suspension components are similar in design to the 
TR, but carry different part numbers.

Thus endeth the trivia lesson,
Ric Rainbolt