1984 Ferrari Other

2 Door Coupe

V12 twin Turbo

zffeb06b000048611

Clear

No Reserve - Exceptional Ferrari 400iA - 100+ PicturesTwin Turbo with air to air intercoolers and 4 speed transmissionBy all accounts, any Ferrari is a special car; this example is not only special but also quite unique. Cognoscenti of the marque and other petrol heads will probably recognize it as it has been featured on several websites due to its discreet yet important modifications. The 400i was a remarkably successful model for Ferrari with one of the longest production runs. It was also the first Ferrari to offer an automatic transmission, which at the time was considered sacrilegious though actually well suited for this 2+2 GT designed for long jaunts to the Riviera. However, in its stock form 400i does suffer from some shortcomings; the gearbox has short gearing, the power to weight ratio is quite average, and the steering is heavy especially at low speeds. While the dual A/C system (front and back) was touted as excellent for its time, it is not suitable for hotter climates. Now imagine that have a weakness for this beautiful Pininfarina design, have deep pockets and a bent for high performance vehicles….So you decide to address these deficiencies and meticulously modify this car using modern day solutions while maintaining originality. You start with a pristine 1984 400iA with CARB (California Air Resource Board) sticker...a must if you live in California...replace the 3 speed GM TH400 with a new 4 speed overdrive unit for quieter cruising, look at engine options and opt for a complete engine rebuild adding a couple of turbo chargers with twin intercoolers to augment efficiency and power. While there you modify the steering box with a progressive and more powerful system and upgrade A/C system including modern high output A/C compressor and condenser to keep your cool when making those “elevenses” … The result is a very “normal” looking Ferrari with a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality. It is gentle off the line displaying the typical potential of a V12, equally subtle at normal speeds partial throttle, however; push the throttle to the floor, wait for the boost to build up and be prepared for an e-ticket that will test your resolve and reflexes… Caution, if you expect the immediate pull of a modern turbo car like MB CL65 you will be disappointed... the MB AMGs feels like a big plane taking off with a continuous and consistent acceleration, the 400i is more like a large rocket, at first not much happens but when it goes, you better be strapped in… Now for the boring Stuff (Condition and Technical): Cosmetically the pictures speak for themselves, a recent color correction and re-dyeing on the interior leathers make the car truly excellent. As a California and more recently Texas car, it has not rust or any corrosion. The engine was completely rebuilt with forged pistons, the old CIS system was removed and custom fuel rails with hi-flow fuel injectors installed. Headers were custom built and two Garrett T3 were installed with twin air to air intercoolers that sit behind the front grille. A custom exhaust system with dual catalytic converters with Lambda sensor and Ansa mufflers gives it a nice but not invasive exhaust note that doesn’t detract from the surprisingly fun whoosh sound of the wastegates. The engine controller is a MegaSquirt system which controls ignition, injection and turbo boost which is “limited” to 12 psi on pump gas. It is fully programmable using laptop and Turner Studio MS software. The transmission is a GM 4L60 with shift point electronically controlled by a MS Shift module tat is slaved through a CAN bus to the MegaSquirt system. The A/C system was replaced with a modern and more efficient Sanden unit and a larger condenser that uses R134a. All engine and mechanical were done by Greg Armstrong of Historic Race Engineering Costa Mesa, CA. Greg has the distinction of having been designated and authorized by Lamborghini to produce a run of seven Diablo Twin Turbo in the early '90s, so his pedigree is impeccable when it comes to both exotics and forced induction cars. The above modifications are documented with numerous invoices that total over $50K and recent work amount to another $10K. The car has seen considerable work since I took ownership of it last year. In addition to the extensive color correction detailing, and interior work, all the software and firmware for MegaSquirt and SMShift were updated, a new MTX Lambda sensor was installed and the system tuned. The front suspension was completely rebuilt with new OEM bushings and ball joints giving the driver the feedback expected of a Ferrari. The fuel system and injector were clean and calibrated by R/C engineering and the noise from injector batch firing was alleviated with the addition of 2 Marren fuel dampers with fuel pressure gauge. The interior A/C fans were repaired and the system was serviced to assure proper performance in the Texas heat. The addition of intercoolers in the front grille resulted in the deletion the heater and defrost fans (which is ok if you never drive the car outside), but not very practical for the real world. A new system with inline duct fans was designed and added to regain the heat and defrost functions. Original stereo was repaired in keeping with the vintage of the car. Finally all the door seals were replaced, tires were replaced, and original Ferrari document jacket and toolkit sourced (at significant expense). Knocks:This car may have received a massive amount of TLC over its lifetime, but it is still a 30 year old used car. The paint is excellent but has a couple of spots with the typical stress cracks around the headlight corners and minor road chips that have been touched up. The Marren fuel dampers have reduced the noise from the injectors batch firing, but I can still hear them especially when cold (I am really sensitive to noises). The electrical side mirrors were fixed but the switch controller connector broke while removing the driver door panel, a new switch will need to be sourced (though mirrors can be hand adjusted). The trunk seal is torn in one spot and will need to be repaired or replaced. Usual Disclaimers and Rules of Engagement: Please do not bid if you do not have the funds readily available; a deposit of $1000 is required within 48hrs. If you have any questions please contact via Ebay, but first to refer to the description and the pictures below or review the answered questions below. The car is being advertised locally and I reserve the right to cancel the auction at any time. While this one of my personal cars, it will be sold through my dealership with the appropriate documentation and guarantees so bid with confidence. Exterior Interior Engine and Turbos Suspension Other On Sep-23-14 at 20:18:45 PDT, seller added the following information: DOT CertificationI have received a number of inquires about DOT and CARB certification, attached are a couple of picture showing the relevant information. DOT certification was performed by AMG USA, certainly a reputable outfit.