246 Dino question

[DavidM]

I may have the opportunity to acquire a complete but very rusty L reg 246 Dino Ferrari with a V6 motor which apparently runs if a bit lumpy. I am just at SVA time with my tuned Twink Stratos (ie its nearly finished). The question is is it worth buying the Ferrari to break and instal the running gear in my Stratos (which has mountings for an Alfa V6 already on the chassis) and how difficult is it?. The guy is asking £3000 but I can probably cut a better deal. Should I bite his hand off or run away? Your thoughts would be appreciated David

[strat6v]

Bite his hand off!! You mean a complete car?? :eek:

[DavidM]

John, Yes apparently,but I haven't seen it yet,the guy lives about 4 houses away and has been after buying my Nissan 200sx since I moved here a year ago. The trouble is I'm not sure whether he exagerates a bit, the Ferrari isnt at his house, he keeps his immaculate MR2 and an equally perfect old Nissan something there. Any idea on the Stratos transplant has anyone done it? David

[mogul_x]

If I recall correctly, the HF3000 engine mounts are different than the HF2400 (Ferrari 246 Dino or 308 engine), as is the shift linkage. That's two items minimum that will need to be redone, and Gerry doesn't even list the price for the Ferrari shift linkage in his literature. Probably pricey, since I'd assume that the Dino gear linkage isn't a straight swap.

No idea if the Dino halfshafts will install directly into the Beta/Delta hubs usually found on a Hawk, or if you'll need to transplant the Dino hubs into the uprights (and change wheels because of the different PCD).

Still, for £3000, it sounds like a bargain. Of course, that "bargain" will probably turn into a 5-figure headache if the engine needs any major work, but you could probably break the car and sell the parts at a profit for that price.

Just my opinion, of course - hopefully Tryphon can give a more accurate assessment of the costs and headaches associated with the Dino engine.

[chris.richard]

It would be worth speaking to Gerry to find out about the issues Scott raises. Sounds very tempting!

[colin artus]

The Dino mounts are very simple to fit and the gear linkage and shifter can be used with little modification (straight down the centre tunnel so water pipes may need shifting). However, given that the chances of a 246 Dino being this cheap and neglected are very low, I would suspect that your vendor is talking about a Fiat Dino which means no transverse gearbox and no straight swap.

[strat6v]

It did say rusty!

[tryphon]

308 and 246 engine mounts are the same.
I would assume gear linkage is easier since it's direct. I don't know if the Hawk chassis has provisioned for it though.
In any case the engine must be stripped down and rebuilt by a specialist.
The E series 246 has many differences compared to the Stratos major ones being:
Inlet manifold
Carbs
Exhaust manifold
Exhaust
Cams

These can be sourced at a price.

L and M series 246 (early) engines and gearboxes are very different and especially the gearboxes are a nightmare to find parts for.

I would not proceed if I was you. If the car is a 246 and the price is what you state buy it whatever the condition. Low end 246 prices are in the region of 80K € now.
Restore it for 30K and make a good profit or keep it as a 246.

[Chris J]

It did say rusty!

John

A whole 246 is worth £15k even if it's a dustpan and brush job.

'Like Tryphon says, they are on the up. Here's the top end for example:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/221640.htm

£3,000 is rusty Fiat Dino money.

[Chris J]

The Dino mounts are very simple to fit and the gear linkage and shifter can be used with little modification (straight down the centre tunnel so water pipes may need shifting).

Colin

What did you use for driveshafts on your's

[colin artus]

Had them made to measure - GKN offer this service at the top end. There's a local (to me) gear cutting firm who would make them for half the cost ( GKN in '92 £ 270). Splines should be broached but cut will work if induction hardened.

[hrabi]

I may have the opportunity to acquire a complete but very rusty L reg 246 Dino Ferrari with a V6 motor which apparently runs if a bit lumpy. I am just at SVA time with my tuned Twink Stratos (ie its nearly finished). The question is is it worth buying the Ferrari to break and instal the running gear in my Stratos (which has mountings for an Alfa V6 already on the chassis) and how difficult is it?. The guy is asking £3000 but I can probably cut a better deal. Should I bite his hand off or run away? Your thoughts would be appreciated David

Dear DavidM, I will buy the 246 Dino from you for £3001 minus the engine, if you are interested. Best, Hrabi.