What do you think of this M.Y.94 Ghibli?

Gandini

New Member
Messages
24
I see an electronic screen inside next to the driver window switch, maybe it's an electronic boost controller limiting the boost??

Yes, it is. I looked at some high-res photos of the cabin, and it's an HKS EVC IV "Black Limited" electronic valve controller.


So this is quite the JDM Ghibli.

I wonder how easy or difficult it is to set the ECU back to factory standard, or whether the owner managed to do some permanent damage to the engine.
 

Nayf

Member
Messages
2,734
Yes, it is. I looked at some high-res photos of the cabin, and it's an HKS EVC IV "Black Limited" electronic valve controller.


So this is quite the JDM Ghibli.

I wonder how easy or difficult it is to set the ECU back to factory standard, or whether the owner managed to do some permanent damage to the engine.
Boost controllers aren’t necessarily a bad thing per se. Some modulate the use of turbos until they are ready, and some indicate the necessary time needed to warm down the turbos. As you can imagine both are very useful on hyper-modified turbo cars.
 

del mar

Junior Member
Messages
257
I don't think the underneath looks too bad, those bits can be cleaned and powder coated. See if they will remove the internal a pillar covers - they just pop off and shine a torch down at the bulkhead. The front of the bonnet goes under the grill and rear of the sills,

Look at Johnny's Maserati Blog - Dutch Guy who did a bit of work on his Ghibli. He had a boost controller fitted as the originals are now 25 years old and not the best quality. I have finally replaced mine with a pierberg valve and the urgency seems to have returned, although the pipe work is too short to sit it nicely so that will need replacing.
 

Maser73

Junior Member
Messages
53
Especially for a 25 year Maserati !!!

Depends how you look at it. In general you are right when it has been 25 years in Northern Europe but in context of being a JP delivered car and recently imported it has lots of (surface) rust. Doesnt have to be bad or doesnt say anything about the technical state of the car but just would be carefully on it. I have had many ex JP cars and one of the big USPs is on the underneath they normally look very good. Ofcourse also in JP you have less good cars but I think this is the whole point when looking at some of the stats of this specific Ghibli. This car is for sale for 13K ex VAT which is very low. This means that when you take some margin away from the EU seller, shipment from JP and some other bits and pieces this car has been sold in JP for say 8 or 9K before. Thats really cheap and there might be a reason for it. Probably an auction car and good to get hold on the auction papers as well. Again, not saying anything about the state of car but I would be carefull on it as 'good' Ghibli prices start around 1.7Mio Yen (approx 13K Euros) and up. Having said that, if you are handy yourself and you dont mind potential project it can be a good deal.
 

Gandini

New Member
Messages
24
Thanks once more for these valuable comments. As you're about to notice, I'm not exactly a certified mechanic, so a project car is not what I need.

I noticed what looks like a damaged something-or-other in one of the underside photos. See encircled. 83055

What is this box thing with the damaged grill, and how serious is it?
 

Maser73

Junior Member
Messages
53
Thanks once more for these valuable comments. As you're about to notice, I'm not exactly a certified mechanic, so a project car is not what I need.

I noticed what looks like a damaged something-or-other in one of the underside photos. See encircled. View attachment 83055

What is this box thing with the damaged grill, and how serious is it?

Oil cooler radiator grill and not too much to worry about being slightly damaged or bend.
9 out of 10 have this a bit and easy fix.
 

gemini

Member
Messages
143
It's juste the grill protecting the oil radiator.
I presume the radiator is intact, as the engine still runs. ;)
 

dt95aac

Member
Messages
116
Where there's a will, there's a way. There's this YouTube video of a giant American who's using an Elise as his daily driver...

The elise is actually roomier than the Ghibli, I have one.
The problem with the elise is getting in, once you're in it's surprisingly comfy.
 

Gandini

New Member
Messages
24
The cabin may be roomy, but it's the line of sight that's the problem. When I sit upright in my Cayman I'm looking straight at the sun visor.

Consider:


That yellow Elise looks totally ace, btw.
 

Gandini

New Member
Messages
24
I just learned that for job reasons I may be moving to another country as early as May. That puts this whole transaction on hold for me, which may be for the better ultimately. The rust I can see makes me wonder about the rust I cannot see.

The hunt continues...