| Author | Message | ||
| Greg Owens (Owens84qv)
Member Username: Owens84qv Post Number: 842 Registered: 10-2001 |
Thanks Rick for the website for the list of recalls! | ||
| Andrew S. (Andrew911)
New member Username: Andrew911 Post Number: 2 Registered: 9-2003 |
Todd- I'll bring the article over for you on 9/21 anyway, its a nice re-cap on the 355 model. I'm already won over on Ferraris, but it will take me a while to get one- note I'm optimistic and saying I will eventually get one, not simply that I can't afford one yet, which I could also say  We find a way to get what we want, and surfing this forum is going to drive me to the brink of getting a second job to get one! The Porsche is great for me for now & I'm not complaining- I really love it..... but it ain't no Ferrari 355! | ||
| Todd Gieger (Todd328gts)
Member Username: Todd328gts Post Number: 555 Registered: 6-2002 |
Good to see you posting here Andrew...sounds to me like you've already been infected...we'll have you converted to an FCar guy in no time! I couldn't find my old Forza Feb 2000 issue so I contacted Forza and left a message to see if I can buy the back issue...we'll see. Thanks! | ||
| Rick (Bromers)
New member Username: Bromers Post Number: 15 Registered: 6-2003 |
A list of recalls for the 355 can be found on : http://www.theaa.com/allaboutcars/recalls/recalls.jsp?modelID=B2&modelName=355&makeName=Ferrari&makeId=B2 Its a UK website so I'm not sure if they're all applicable to US cars. | ||
| Andrew S. (Andrew911)
New member Username: Andrew911 Post Number: 1 Registered: 9-2003 |
Todd- I actually have an old Forza magazine article on the 355- its the February 2000 issue. Its got to be one of the same articles you're talking about. I'll bring the magazine to your house assuming I can make the 9/21 event (looks like I can so far!) Andrew | ||
| Fred (I Luv 4REs) (Iluv4res)
Member Username: Iluv4res Post Number: 479 Registered: 8-2002 |
Dave, I actually had to do the calculations in your post. Thanks for the brain-teaser!! | ||
| Todd Gieger (Todd328gts)
Member Username: Todd328gts Post Number: 550 Registered: 6-2002 |
Perfect Scott...it'll save me a boat load of work. I will sponge everything I can from you b/c I remember how relentless you were and the result is clearly worth it in the car you ended up with. Thanks dude! | ||
| Scott DeGhetto (Scott63)
Junior Member Username: Scott63 Post Number: 139 Registered: 4-2003 |
Todd, I have a 10 or 12 page buyers guide that I recently downloaded from a new F-Car website. I can give you a copy the next time I see you. It goes into a lot of detail on the car although it doesn't speak to much about the model year differences. I can give you that information verbally because I did a ton of research before I bought my car. | ||
| Todd Gieger (Todd328gts)
Member Username: Todd328gts Post Number: 549 Registered: 6-2002 |
Thanks Doody! Anyone know which 2002 Forza article had a 355 article which described the differences and the market for these cars...as Art Chambers described? | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1680 Registered: 11-2001 |
the buyers guide was feb 2000 #21. doody. | ||
| Todd Gieger (Todd328gts)
Member Username: Todd328gts Post Number: 546 Registered: 6-2002 |
Anyone know which Forza, in 2002, had an article, which described the differences and the market for these cars? Or better yet, is there a specific Forza that had The 355 Buyer's guide? Either one I would be interested in reading. | ||
| Scott DeGhetto (Scott63)
Junior Member Username: Scott63 Post Number: 133 Registered: 4-2003 |
I don't have the complete recall list. I do know that on 95's there was a recall for both the fuel lines and rails. | ||
| Jon P. Kofod (95f355c)
Member Username: 95f355c Post Number: 969 Registered: 8-2001 |
The cracked manifolds are not just a 1995 problem though they are more frequent on the 95's. Mine cracked on one side and Ferrari Of Washington tried several times to weld them but with no success. the header design is different on post 96's but they crack too. I think Art's car is a 96 and his were cracked but mine wouldn't fit his car. After searching around for a set of manifolds I decided $2800 per side from FNA was too much with no guarantee it wouldn't happen again. Tubi makes a complete GT3 Challenge exhaust system including headers. This system was 5K for everything (both sides) and was raced on several 355 GT's that ran at the 24 hours of Daytona. None had any problems with cracking and at least two such cars went the full 24 hours so I figured my little 30 minute sessions weren't going to crack these headers. I never noticed any power loss when mine were cracked but the sound was sure nice. At one point I was asked to tone it down as I was recorded at 118 dB's down the main straight at Summit Point (SCCA rule is 102 dB). As far as the 95 valve guide issue I think it overblown. Mine was corrected but the previous owner never had problems. The manifild issue is a case by case basis as far as FNA is concerned. They will replace them if a number of factors is met such as the 7 year time period from production, if the car is still serviced with an authorized dealer, if it's a US car, and how many new Ferraris you have bought. Although FOW tried to weld mine, FNA strictly forbids it's dealers from doing so on street 355's. Lastly the 95's are OBD1 and Bosch Motronic 2.7 with two sets of ECU chips. They will consistently dyno about 8-10 hp over the 96-99 ones at the wheels. All the Challenge cars used 95 motors except for a few built at the factory at the end of the production run. My car has continually dynoed at 312-318 at the wheels over the last three years. Regards, Jon P. Kofod 1995 F355 Challenge #23 | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1670 Registered: 11-2001 |
Also, as far as I'm aware, neither the bronze guides nor the headers have officially been recalled. If you have a problem, I wouldn't count on FNA to step up and make things right. fwiw, that is my understanding as well. my take was that it was up to the dealer to fight with FNA to get it done. fyi - there apparently are 550 issues like this as well - things that are problematic (eg: the spinning damping actuators on the shock towers) that FNA will cover if they happen, but there's no recall per se. I don't know if this is true, but I've heard from one knowledgable source on the west coast that you may wish to stay clear of the later 98 and 99 cars. The theory is that the more experienced factory engine builders were pulled off the 355 line to work on 360 engine production and there was some sloppy assembly by less experienced personnel that slipped out. i find this a bit tougher to believe. i do believe they could have pulled folks for 360 engine work. but, by that point they had made over 10,000 355s, so it's not like assembly was rocket science. i'm sure they'd worked out all the kinks by then. doody. | ||
| A.Tonokaboni (Senna1994)
Junior Member Username: Senna1994 Post Number: 123 Registered: 9-2002 |
The Exhaust Manifold is a common problem that is fixed due to Emission Laws and Ferrari is pretty good about it. The Valve Guide Issue there was no recall for it. It is very expensive to have done through either a dealer or independent. The 95's are a bit difficult to drive smoothly due to the throttle linkage, the 96 and beyond went to a more update Bosch Motoronic System, I believe the 95's are a 2.7. If you can speak to a good Ferrari Service Manager, ala Alan at FOC, he will tell you what recalls were done on the car. By the way I took mine out today after the new Fuel Pump and the car felt great. If I had to do it over the only thing I would do is buy a GTS to get the best of both worlds. My 2 cents. | ||
| Ricky Nardis (Rickyn_f355)
Member Username: Rickyn_f355 Post Number: 455 Registered: 8-2002 |
john, they were on the car when i bought it.. sorry | ||
| Tim Barnett (Tim_barnett)
Junior Member Username: Tim_barnett Post Number: 75 Registered: 4-2003 |
I hadn't heard the theory that an ignored leaky exhaust header could lead to valve guide failure. Can anyone else speak to this issue? Also, as far as I'm aware, neither the bronze guides nor the headers have officially been recalled. If you have a problem, I wouldn't count on FNA to step up and make things right. Lastly, I don't know if this is true, but I've heard from one knowledgable source on the west coast that you may wish to stay clear of the later 98 and 99 cars. The theory is that the more experienced factory engine builders were pulled off the 355 line to work on 360 engine production and there was some sloppy assembly by less experienced personnel that slipped out. Food for thought I suppose... | ||
| dave handa (Davehanda)
Intermediate Member Username: Davehanda Post Number: 1789 Registered: 5-2001 |
True or false...I was once told by two different Ferrari technicians that the valve guide problem cannot be detected by a compression/leakdown test until it has progressed quite far...and it STILL doesn't tell you it won't crop up in the near future. ALSO, I have been told that many 95 355's are afflicted with (not ALL) a problem with "twitchy" part throttle opening...the factory tried modifying the linkage at the manifold, and many folks have upgraded, along with replacing the throttle cable, but the problem persists on SOME cars...the cure by the factory, was (I believe) a software/ECU change...can anyone more knowledgeable comment? Dennis Liu??? Dave | ||
| Dinah DeRoller (Mme_butterfly)
New member Username: Mme_butterfly Post Number: 18 Registered: 8-2003 |
A.Tonokaboni - thanks, very helpful. My car (still getting used to calling it "mine") is not down on power, so I'm inclined to believe it isn't really the exhaust manifold (the dealer/tech based it on "sound", not any type of detailed search). I may get it looked at this winter, or take a stab at replacing the supposedly leaky gasket myself. Supposedly any recalls/ugrades for the car have been taken car of. Having said all that, any comprehensive list that might be available of recalls or known problems would be extremely helpful for me also. Dinah | ||
| John Li (Pchop)
Junior Member Username: Pchop Post Number: 114 Registered: 6-2002 |
Ricky, where did you order your S.Shields? | ||
| Greg Owens (Owens84qv)
Member Username: Owens84qv Post Number: 841 Registered: 10-2001 |
Scott, Is there a comprehensive list of all the recalls for any of the 355's? | ||
| Ricky Nardis (Rickyn_f355)
Member Username: Rickyn_f355 Post Number: 454 Registered: 8-2002 |
hey frozen, thanks for that. The rug is from keith collins on the west coast. | ||
| Scott DeGhetto (Scott63)
Junior Member Username: Scott63 Post Number: 132 Registered: 4-2003 |
No expiration on the recalls to my knowledge... The dealer should be able to input the VIN into the computer and check to see if they were done... | ||
| stu cordova (Balataboy)
Member Username: Balataboy Post Number: 502 Registered: 4-2001 |
This is excellent feedback and advice for the 355 "shopper". I'm looking at a 95 GTS with about 20k and if I can get past the first stage of this process, the PPI will be next. It WILL include a compression & leakdown test as suggested as well as a manifold inspection and a check to see if the recalls have been taken care of. Is there a "time limit" or expiration on the recalls? Thanks again all for the great feedback! Stu | ||
| A.Tonokaboni (Senna1994)
Junior Member Username: Senna1994 Post Number: 122 Registered: 9-2002 |
Dinah, I don't know the exact reason why the Exhaust Manifold leakage ties in with the Valve Guides, I would suggest you contact Alan (Service Manager) at Ferrari of Orange County, he will explain the technical details better than I could. However, on the 95's there was a recall on the Fuel Rail Lines (Alan took care of that for me) and I also had cracked Exhaust Manifolds done under warranty, very easy to tell as the sound and power go away. Hope its helpful. | ||
| Ferrari Lover (Fr0zen)
New member Username: Fr0zen Post Number: 6 Registered: 9-2003 |
Ricky Gorgous car I still love the F355B and the GTS all model years the car still feels and looks brand new. P.S Where did you get that prancing pony Rug I love that thing. | ||
| Dave (Parts_man_soda)
Junior Member Username: Parts_man_soda Post Number: 203 Registered: 8-2002 |
Here is some info: the 95 t/o bearings, if they start to leak (t/o seals) you should update them. There is a new kit out with an updated t/o bearing and sleeve. Also check the manifolds. The manifolds are expensive... see if that has been done on the car before you buy. I would say if it is leaking you will have performance problems with not having proper back pressure and may damage other parts/sensors. The clutch update and manifolds are the two biggest items I sale for the 95 models. Cash wise. But 355 in general IMHO are fun, fun, fun ! Cheers, Dave My 2 c - 1 c x 1.68 / 2 x 4 - 1.36 c = _____c | ||
| Dinah DeRoller (Mme_butterfly)
New member Username: Mme_butterfly Post Number: 17 Registered: 8-2003 |
A.Tonokaboni, you bring up a point which drew my attention. I just acquired a '98 355 Challenge ( '95 motor, all upgrades, including valve guides). It *may* have a leaky exhaust manifold, as pointed out by the tech at Miller in CT during the PPI. The PO believes it to be a gasket at a later pipe junction. Mechanic at Miller told me the car could be driven "years, probably" with a leaky exhaust manifold without any serious problems. Whether it is because I am new to the marque or this is a "new" problem, your post is the first I have heard of it being related to a valve guide issue. Any chance you could elaborate on what FOC told you? Dinah '98 355 Challenge #27 | ||
| Ricky Nardis (Rickyn_f355)
Member Username: Rickyn_f355 Post Number: 451 Registered: 8-2002 |
love my '95 B...my valves were taken care of    | ||
| Scott DeGhetto (Scott63)
Junior Member Username: Scott63 Post Number: 131 Registered: 4-2003 |
I couldn't be happier. The car has much more power than later years IMHO. I did have the valve guide problem, but the dealer took care of it before the car was delivered. | ||
| A.Tonokaboni (Senna1994)
Junior Member Username: Senna1994 Post Number: 121 Registered: 9-2002 |
I just had my car in at FOC for a Fuel Pump and Regulator, after reading so many posts regarding the Valve Guides I was concerned. Alan the Service Manager informed me that this thing has gotten way out of proportion, the cars that suffer from this are the cars with Leaky Exhaust Manifolds that don't have them replaced in a timely manner. The service I received from Ferrari of Orange County will keep me coming back even if the independents charge a bit less, I have more peace of mind. By the way I love the sound and feel of my 95 B everytime I drive it. I know Scott De Ghetto bought a 95 and from his posts he seems to be thrilled by the car. | ||
| Lance Reeve (Lance)
New member Username: Lance Post Number: 9 Registered: 2-2001 |
I've had a 95 F355B since new and have never had any problems with the valve guides or the exhaust manifolds or anything severe. Similar to 89tr I know of 4 other 95s that have never had these problems. I asked the former Director of Technical Services at FNA, Bill Story, in late 98 which year F355 he would have and he said: "95 - more power". Presumably he still believes that. | ||
| Greg Owens (Owens84qv)
Member Username: Owens84qv Post Number: 839 Registered: 10-2001 |
Stu, when you are finished, let me know about your experiences. I am within ~1 year of pulling the trigger and have been watching prices closely. I've got a friend in CT that has a 355 and wants to trade up in the next 1 - 1.5 years. I'm getting anxious... | ||
| Ze Shark (Ze_shark)
New member Username: Ze_shark Post Number: 25 Registered: 7-2003 |
I can testify that the '98 is not immune to leaking exhaust manifolds. Check if they were changed ! | ||
| Dave Burch (Merlyn)
Junior Member Username: Merlyn Post Number: 131 Registered: 8-2002 |
The little siren that beeps at you when you unlock the car with the remote on a 99 has a diferent sound than 98's had, at least thats what the salesman told me, I wouldn't know since mine's broken!  | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Senior Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 5939 Registered: 5-2001 |
The differences between the years are insignificant. The motor and fuel management difference is Emmissions related and actually puts the favour to the 95s. Look at both engine bays open and you will see the difference. Better air flow from the 95s allow more more input, ore in more out! Get a compression check done and you know if the valves are a problem. | ||
| billy zissis (89tr)
Member Username: 89tr Post Number: 265 Registered: 4-2001 |
I have owned a 95 now for three years and there has been not one problem with it. I also know of few other people with 95s (about 10) and they never had this valve guide issue either. I think it is blown way out of proportion. Also the 95 also is a little louder and sounds better than the later years. | ||
| Scott DeGhetto (Scott63)
Junior Member Username: Scott63 Post Number: 129 Registered: 4-2003 |
There are no ring or liner problems to my knowledge on 355's. The bronze valve guides were used from 95 through 98, so this is not a 95 only problem. I would not worry anout it too much because it only has affected a very small number of cars. In my opinion, there is a big difference in performance between a 95 355 and all later years with the 95's being much stronger. | ||
| j scott leonard (Jscott)
Member Username: Jscott Post Number: 549 Registered: 1-2002 |
Are not the valve guides an issue? I understand that they were changed from brass to stainless in 99. Have many of you experienced problems with this issue? Just wondering since I will either get a 355 or a 360 sometime in the not too distant future. | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Advanced Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 2546 Registered: 6-2001 |
There are various reliability issues between the 95 and the 98. The suspensions are slightly different, and the emissions, fuel management systems are different. There are also certain ring problems or liner problem with the 95. Unless all the engine problems have been corrected, you are better with a 96 or later. Forza, in 2002, had an article, which described the differences and the market for these cars. Art | ||
| Chris Coffing (Valence)
Junior Member Username: Valence Post Number: 162 Registered: 3-2003 |
Stu, the '95 has a different engine management system, which others can elaborate on. Also, it has 2 separate mass airflow sensors - one from each airbox, as opposed to the 2-into-1 system of the later years. I think these differences give the horsepower advantage to the '95. | ||
| stu cordova (Balataboy)
Member Username: Balataboy Post Number: 499 Registered: 4-2001 |
I'm getting close to "pulling the trigger" on one and I thought I better ask the question; Aside from the valve guide issue, which has been discussed extensively here, are there any significant differences between a '95 and '98 355 GTS (model & years I'm looking at) - mechanical or cosmetic - that might influence my decision making process? I looked in "search" but didn't come up with anything specific to my question. Thanks in advance! Stu |