The 400/412 looks good, but as far as driving....there are many better cars.
The idea of LS3 conversion (and real brakes, ac/heat and electrics) is a good idea.
The later 550 Maranello (in silver with red interior) would be the choice for me.

I would rather have a Porsche 911 3.2 (or a BMW E30 325i coupe) than a 308GT4.
308GTB/GTS are great fun though and as much a d.i.y car as the 911 is.

Mondial 8 (the first series) is not an option, a 928, MB SEC or W124 coupe are much better.

The Mondial and 308GT4 are not realistic 4 seaters. At best someone sitting sideways in the rear will work.

Parts availability, in general, is not too bad.

I'm with you, all of the 2+2 ferraris are appealing to me... GT4s, Mondials, 400's. Anyone see that Modial on ebay recently for 15k? there's been a nice one on Fchat for ages for around 18k too.

I can understand people ragging on Mondials for being a bit plain (ugly even), but can't understand why people call them junk compared to a 328. Same damn car!

As for a 400/LS1 swap, I'm sure I read somehwere that a chev smallblock swap in the automatic v12 Ferraris is NOT as simple as it would seem. Something about that GM transmaission not just accepting a smallblock.

Either way, I think a 400 with a 5spd would be an amazing fun car. I'd be terrified of engine work, but would love one just the same.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/oyQfTYw-xjo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>