1982
308 GTS Quattrovalvole
The transition from carburettor to fuel injection and the introduction of new anti-pollution laws all had a sizeable impact on the power of the 308 GTBi compared to its predecessor, the 308 GTB. Research to remedy this situation was quickly undertaken and soon showed that four valves per cylinder offered the optimal solution to reduce emissions. This innovation saw the engine make up its lost horsepower and the car regain position as the reference point in its category.
PRODUCTION
The 308 GTB Quattrovalvolve succeeded the 308 GTBi, and was presented at the 1982 Paris Salon. The “Quattrovalvole” part of the model name referred to the four valves per cylinder heads on the engine, which provided increased power over the preceding model.
Visually the new model was similar to the outgoing one, but was distinguishable by the addition of; a slim louvre panel in the front lid to aid radiator exhaust air exit, paired electrically operated door mirrors with a small enamel Ferrari badge on the shell, a revised radiator grille with rectangular driving lights at the extremities, and rectangular (instead of round) side repeater lights.
the engine
The V8 engine was essentially of the same design as that used in the 308 GTBi model, apart from the four valves per cylinder heads. It was of a 90 degree configuration, with belt driven twin overhead camshafts per bank, having a total capacity of 2926cc, with a bore and stroke of 81mm x 71mm, with wet sump lubrication, bearing factory type reference F 105 AB 000 for European market cars. The claimed power output for main market European cars was 240bhp at 7000rpm, and 235bhp at 6800rpm for US market variants.
The engine was transversely mounted in unit with the all synchromesh five speed transmission assembly, which was below, and to the rear of the engine’s sump.
The gear and final drive ratios were altered to suit the revised characteristics of the four valves per cylinder engine. It was fitted with a Bosch K Jetronic fuel injection system, coupled to a Marelli MED 803A Digiplex electronic ignition system, incorporating a coil, distributor and ignition module to serve each bank of cylinders. All US market examples were fitted with catalytic converters.
FERRARI 308 GTS QUATTROVALVOLE FAST FACTS
Between 1982-1985 3042 of these model’s were produced.
Given the greater number of Ferrari 308 Quattrovalvole’s made and slower top speed relative to other Ferrari’s made, it sells for US $60k-190k.
A sibling car to the GTS released in the same year at the Paris Salon (1982), the 308 GTB Quattrovalvole is offered for around US $150k.
The top speed was recorded at 255km/h.
specifications
engine
Type
rear, transverse, 90° V8
Bore/stroke
81 x 71 mm
Unitary displacement
365.68 cc
Total displacement
2926.90 cc
Compression ratio
9.2 : 1
Maximum power
176 kW (240 hp) at 7000 rpm
Power per litre
82 hp/l
Maximum torque
260 Nm (26.5kgm) at 5000 rpm
Valve actuation
twin overhead camshafts per bank, four valves per cylinder
Fuel feed
Bosch K-Jetronic injection
Ignition
electronic, single spark plug per cylinder
Lubrication
wet sump
Clutch
single-plate
Chassis
Frame
tubular steel
Front suspension
independent, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs over telescopic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar
Rear suspension
independent, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs over gas-filled telescopic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar
Brakes
discs
Transmission
5-speed + reverse
Steering
rack-and-pinion
Fuel tank
capacity 74 litres
Front tyres
205/55 VR 16
Rear tyres
225/50 VR 16
bodywork
Type
two-seater targa-top
Length
4230 mm
Width
1720 mm
Height
1120 mm
Wheelbase
2340 mm
Front track
1460 mm
Rear track
1460 mm
Weight
1286 kg (dry)
Performance
Top speed
255 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h
–
0-400m
14.5 sec
0-1000 m
27 sec
