| Author | Message | ||
| Scotty (Pzerowaster)
New member Username: Pzerowaster Post Number: 11 Registered: 10-2002 |
I agree with Matt. Toiling over our Ferrari's performance in a drag race with an American muscle car with twice the displacement is a waste of time and clutch material. But if you are hell bent on beating them, find a way to get a 4:11 ratio final drive and install a nitrous kit and some mickey thompson stripmasters.  Sorry, just havin' fun... | ||
| James B (Jimmy_b)
New member Username: Jimmy_b Post Number: 4 Registered: 10-2002 |
1) Do you really want to go faster? My standard 355 does the UK 70mph speed limit in second gear. It still has four gears and over 110mph to go - which I have very briefly tested for myself. I promise you I don't wish it went any faster. I don't want to die yet. 2) Why go in a straight line? I got my racing licence to learn to be a better driver and I've taken my 355 to some of the UK and Europe's greatest race circuits for various trackdays. Once you've seen what it can really do, you have no interest in drag races in a straight line (my Fireblade does 0-60 in around 3 seconds, so any car is slow by comparison). It's all about cornering on rails, not going straight. 3) Power to weight ratio matters, not power. A 355 Challenge is not significantly more powerful than a road 355. It simply has better air filters, lighter fly-wheel, sports exhaust without CATs, and possibly a different ECU chip - all of which give it a real 380bhp instead of a claimed 380bhp (probably real 365). However, it's about 300lbs lighter by throwing out the A/C, hi-fi, carpets, passenger seat, window motors, interior leather, etc. and most of all it has slick tyres for improved CORNERING (at least in the dry). The air filter is the only one I'd advise as any other change is too much money for too little benefit, IMHO, or not road-legal.... Don't get hung up on any numbers, just enjoy driving an already brilliant machine.... | ||
| Mitchell L. Davidson (Jussumfastgi)
Junior Member Username: Jussumfastgi Post Number: 235 Registered: 4-2002 |
Yes, only Lamborghini is designed for street racing. ;) Here is Lamborghini on street racing his old Ferrari's: >>> "All my Ferraris had clutch problems. When you drove normally, everything was fine. But when you were going hard, the clutch would slip under acceleration; it just wasn't up to the job. I went to Maranello regularly to have a clutch rebuilt or renewed, and every time, the car was taken away for several hours and I was not allowed to watch them repairing it. The problem with the clutch was never cured, so I decided to talk to Enzo Ferrari. I had to wait for him a very long time. 'Ferrari, your cars are rubbish!' I complained. Il Commendatore was furious. "Lamborghini, you may be able to drive a tractor but you will never be able to handle a Ferrari Properly.' This was the point when I finally decided to make a perfect car. "To start with, I bought a bigger clutch from Borg & Beck and had it fitted in the tractor factory workshop. Then we discarded Ferrari's cylinder heads, which were rather simple affairs with just a single overhead camshaft and 12 rockers. I had them replaced by heads of our own design with twin cam shafts. We then put the engine back in the 250GT and fitted six horizontally mounted carburettors, just like on the 350GT two years later. It was already quite a good car. Several times I used to wait for test drivers from Maranello, with Prova MO plates on their cars, at the entrance to the motorway near Modena. After some time we would be doing 230, 240kph [145-150mph] and then I would start to pull away from them - my Ferrari was at least 25kph faster than theirs thanks to our four-cam conversion. 'Hey, Lamborghini, what have you done to your car?' they would ask me later 'Oh, I don't know' I used to answer with a grin!" <<< | ||
| Matt Karson (Squidracing)
Junior Member Username: Squidracing Post Number: 179 Registered: 3-2001 |
STREET LIGHT RACING A FERRARI?? PLEASE!! The engineers in Maranello were not taking this type of behavior when they were designing the 355. If you want to run 0 - 60 against other cars, the cheapest way to better your times would be to change your gearing. Ferraris were designed to 4 wheel drift at 100+ mph, scream at 8,000+ rpm in 5th gear, trail brake through turns, while rewarding the skilled driver. I know I may be opening a can of worms here, and I DONT mean to offend anybody....but why in the world would a person take a Ferrari and run it in stoplight racing against anyone?? Really, if you want a car that will do that well, buy one. Ferraris are NOT DESIGNED FOR THAT CRAP! And for what its worth, I have NEVER been beaten on the track by a Corvette. | ||
| Manu Sachdeva (Manu)
Member Username: Manu Post Number: 460 Registered: 2-2002 |
Unlike Porsche, Ferrari overstate their power output figures. Every engine is different - take a sample of F355s and according to those in the know (people who sell, service, modify and tune Ferraris) your stock F355 could be running anywhere from 365hp to the supposed 380hp. BTW - this doesn't just apply to the F355 - it goes for all cars and manufactureres. It's much like Lambo saying the Murcie weighs ~1700kg - it ACTUALLY weighs 1815kg. | ||
| BretM (Bretm)
Advanced Member Username: Bretm Post Number: 2701 Registered: 2-2001 |
There a little different, but same basic idea. The 360 is a bit more efficient, but nothing monumental. I wish we had definitive trans power loss numbers from the common Fcars. I would say Ferrari slightly overstates HP, they are classy as hell when it comes to cheating and conniving, but I doubt they overstate by too much anymore because nowadays it would be too easy to catch them lying with all the tuners out there. This is all just my $.02 on it so if you feel different fine, congratulations, no intentions to start some sort of arguement. As far as a street car, the 355 is running like 108hp/L with 10.8:1 comp and relatively aggressive cams, titanium rods I think, lightweight flywheel, clutch, etc. The most I could really see getting out of it is like 125hp/L naturally aspirated and still be a driveable street car, and even at that I would be very impressed. So the most you're gonna get like 440hp out of it and still have a car that can be driven relatively normally. And that is really pushing it IMO. Plus you're gonna probably have to swap injectors, and either remap the ignition injection or get an aftermarket setup like an Electromotive Tec3. Remember after all of this your car is a mess, wont pass emissions, no longer resembles stock and is deemed off as a hot rod. As far as a race car, I know where you can get 13:1 pistons made up for it (they already made a set recently) and I would bet you could get some serious HP out of the engine. The DOHC can be taken much much farther than a pushrod engine can, but it costs a lot of money. To me the twin turbo is a waste of time, it's fast as hell, but Ferrari is all about high revving and F1 wails. Yes, they did make the F40 and 288, but what were their races cars running at the time (plus that was a very small moment in the company's history which has been NA and high revs). I think putting in a nice exhaust, maybe seats or other small touches that please the particular owner are cool as hell IMO, but for the most part Ferrari has done an amazing job with the 355. Some of you guys see how I get wrapped up with all these a__hole mods of mine on the 308, if I had a 355 not in million years could you get me to do this stuff. I love the 355 if you haven't noticed. All this work I'm doing is to essentially make my car run close to how a stock 355 runs (in revvability, etc, not quite the power yet). If I had a 355 I would keep it running perfectly and drive it like I stole (picture going around a lot of turns sideways). Everything you do for a substantial gain is going to cost a lot of time and money, Ferrari has made a car very close to its streetable limits IMO. The suspension is already very good, rims are light (you could get a high dollar set of aftermarkets and drop a little), the seats are kind of heavy (but comfortable), the list goes on. The 355 isn't a small car, it's already pretty light for its size. Once again, just my rambling $.02, usually when 355s come in for "mods" they are extra things that make it heavier, but either safer or more comfortable, not faster. | ||
| Robert Ziino (F355bob)
New member Username: F355bob Post Number: 22 Registered: 8-2002 |
We must remember that the F355 tested 3sec a lap faster than the more powerful 512TR which shows power in not everything. | ||
| Robert Ziino (F355bob)
New member Username: F355bob Post Number: 21 Registered: 8-2002 |
The F355 looses alot hp to the rear wheels because of the transverse rear end like Mitch explained. Most cars are dynoing 300hp or less to the rear wheels. If I am not mistaken, the 360 rear end is not set up like the F355 and hp lose to the rear wheels is less. So even though the 360 only has a few more hp, it is getting more to the rear wheels which is all that counts. | ||
| Mitch Alsup (Mitch_alsup)
Junior Member Username: Mitch_alsup Post Number: 173 Registered: 4-2002 |
That 380 HP was measured at the crank. A typical car has a transmission gear, a differential, and half shfts. This reportedly removes 15% of the crank HP by the time it gets to the rear wheels. The F355 has a crown gear, a spur gear, a transmission gear, an output gear, and 2 half shafts. This arrangement HAS to absorb more HP and TQ than the typical 15%. The advantage to all this gearing is that the transmission is below the output shaft and the engine crankshaft centerline, and the engine is already dry sumped. This gives the F355 a center of gravity about 3 inches lower than the Vete. This lower center of gravity means less weight transfer under acceleration, braking, and cornering, which gives faster response to steering, braking, and throttle inputs. | ||
| A.Tonokaboni (Senna1994)
New member Username: Senna1994 Post Number: 22 Registered: 9-2002 |
So anybody here have a Dyno to know the HP figures for a F355? Oh by the way Manu, since none of the cars were running 380 hp, how much were they running? | ||
| Robert Ziino (F355bob)
New member Username: F355bob Post Number: 20 Registered: 8-2002 |
A friend of mine was driving my modified Porsche 930 which is faster than my 95 F355 in a staight line. Once we got on a curvey road, the F355 walked away form the Porsche. The F355 was not made as a 1/4 mile car because it has no torque. It is a fantastic handling and braking car and you really only feel how great the car is under more severe conditions. I drive the car 30mi/day in city traffic and it feels depressing sometimes because unless you go the 7000rpm in 1st and 2nd a Honda will out accelerate you, but you need to take it out and really push it to feel great about the car. | ||
| A.Tonokaboni (Senna1994)
New member Username: Senna1994 Post Number: 20 Registered: 9-2002 |
The 95 F355's were rated at 380 bhp, from 96-99 they were rated at 375 bhp due to OBDII. First the 95 F355 were tested from a low of 0-60 4.5 sec (C&D) to 4.9 (R&T) so lets say the average is around 4.75. Now the F1's were never tested in the U.S. Mags at anything faster than 4.8 due to the intial pick up and probably the OBDII. I doubt the cars ever put out 380 but I don't know what the true figure is, however, if you are comparing the feeling of a Corvette vs. F355 what you are feeling is probably the Torque. I owned a C5 (99 MY) and it felt faster off the line, but the 355 once you wind it out feels quicker. If you want to do Mods contact FAI in Costa Mesa California, they specialize in MOTEC FI systems. Just my 2 cents. By the way real drivers go around corners not just 1/4 mile.... | ||
| Mitchell L. Davidson (Jussumfastgi)
Junior Member Username: Jussumfastgi Post Number: 233 Registered: 4-2002 |
380 is about right for a F355, however some of the older Fcars where a bit over-rated. Not quite the 80hp the Lamborghini's the day day where, but a bit. | ||
| Dave (Netviper)
New member Username: Netviper Post Number: 13 Registered: 11-2001 |
"Guys - NEVER forget that basically none of your cars were ever running the 380hp the factory said that they run." Manu, What were they running?? | ||
| Mitchell L. Davidson (Jussumfastgi)
Junior Member Username: Jussumfastgi Post Number: 231 Registered: 4-2002 |
Don't try to compeate with the Corvette for performance. We can't. Sure, we might be able to beat them stock. But for a few k the vette can make some serious (IE 570+hp) power. How much $$ would it take us to make that much power? .. ;) More than it is worth to keep up with a corvette I would say. Enjoy your car for what it is. If you want more power, do it for yourself, not because of someone else's car. Vette's and Vipers will always be faster than Fcars in a drag race with the same amount of money put into each car. Who cares? | ||
| Mitch Alsup (Mitch_alsup)
Junior Member Username: Mitch_alsup Post Number: 172 Registered: 4-2002 |
Well--let's see--The F355 is reported to be a 4.5 to 4.7 machine doing 0-60 (6 speed)* and 4.3 to 4.4 sec 0-60 in F1 configuration. The Z06 Vette is reported to be 3.9 to 4.0 sec 0-60 #. In order for you to catch up, you need to get rid of 250 pounds of weight, and add another 30-80 HP. This is more than a simple "open up the exhaust, and add a chip" type of power adder. To get into the 4.0 sec 0-60 ball park, you are going to need cams, headwork, exhaust work, bigger rear tires, and lower weight. You probably won't like the car after you getit all done. *(I have a 95 F355 and had a 96 Vette Grand Sport. The GS was reported in the press as a 4.7 sec 0-60 car with its 315 rear tires for traction. The F355 is (probably) just about as fast as the GS (and feels that way to me). ) #(If the Z06 has been breathed on, there isn't anything you can do to a F355 to catch it. Some have put 7.0 Litre engines and 640 HP naturally asperated engines in their vetts, and 770 HP supercharged engines. A guy in town broke into the 9's (9.92) naturally asperated in the 1/4 mile in a Vette last year.) | ||
| Manu Sachdeva (Manu)
Member Username: Manu Post Number: 457 Registered: 2-2002 |
Guys - NEVER forget that basically none of your cars were ever running the 380hp the factory said that they run. | ||
| Robert Ziino (F355bob)
New member Username: F355bob Post Number: 19 Registered: 8-2002 |
I have a 95 F355 and have tried two different chips One was from TAP and it raised the rev limit to 9000rpm but nothing else. I then put a chip in form AutoSport Design and that came out of a challenge car and that seemed to give more midrange. I don't think that the chips will give more total hp, but will increase hp and torque midrange. I also have a Tubi which I don't think adds any power and the K&N filters which didn't seem to make a difference. The 355 makes power in the high rpm range so drive it on a curvey road and keep the revs about 6000rpm and it will be impressive. Off the line in regular street driving it can be embarressing slow because there is so little torque down in the low rpm's | ||
| Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Junior Member Username: Artherd Post Number: 83 Registered: 6-2002 |
Unfortunately, the F355's engine comes in an already very high state of tune stock. If you want to move faster, might be a better idea to shed weight, than try to increase power (freer flowing intake maybe, but that's mainly as asthetic (sound, similar to the Tubi) change. Other than that, there's basically forced induction, or a displacement (bore) bump. Both serious $$$. Best! Ben. Of course, I have long been thinking about something that would put some incredible ammounts of power into the 355, but it'd make an F40 look cheap | ||
| Modified348ts (Modman)
Member Username: Modman Post Number: 353 Registered: 11-2001 |
Just so you know, you shouldn't buy any chips unless you have all you needed done to your car as far as performance upgrades and then have the person burn the program in the chip and do a before and after dyno test. When I had my 911 I had an expert burn in a chip on his computer, drove the car multiple times, change the program a couple more times and I took it to the track and saved me .6 sec in 1/4 mile time and I even got better gas mileage. You may feel little or none but every bit counts. | ||
| A.Tonokaboni (Senna1994)
New member Username: Senna1994 Post Number: 17 Registered: 9-2002 |
I am with Jon on this one, I have a tubi and I believe it added close to 4-5 hp, the K&N might be the way to go though. | ||
| Jon P. Kofod (95f355c)
Junior Member Username: 95f355c Post Number: 239 Registered: 8-2001 |
I am not here to argue but a Tubi and a K&N do not make 25 hp on my 355. My 95 was dynoed back in 98 when we put a "chip" and a Tubi Sport exhaust on it. The car gained 4 hp and I put the stock chips back in. When the car was converted to a Challenge car we put some different chips in and I recently learned that the so-called performance chips lost me 16 hp over stock. Beware of all the chip claims out there they are full of baloney. Regards, Jon P. Kofod 1995 F355 Challenge #23 | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 696 Registered: 6-2001 |
David: My friend has a rather expensive, but very, very effective HP boost. He welds up the exhaust port. Worth about 10% in power. My 355 eats 360s big time. Also have the chip and the Tubi. If you're interested, his name is Ken Augustine, 415-472-4952. Art | ||
| Jeffrey Davison (Jeffdavison)
New member Username: Jeffdavison Post Number: 5 Registered: 7-2002 |
I have a '97 with a Tubi and a set of K&N air filters. Seat of the pants dyno says about 20 to 25 HP with better sound and revs just a bit more freely. I've heard that there are chips available for the '95. Remember the addage: How fast you want to go is how deep your pocket. I'm sure that Norwood could set you up nicely with a couple of turbos ;^P. Jeff Davison | ||
| David A. Spear (Detailman)
New member Username: Detailman Post Number: 26 Registered: 5-2002 |
Looking for something to give a good boost of power for 95 355, Any owners have anything that works well for as for improving take off speed. I dont normally race my car but was almost taken by a vett the other day,I guess this guy had something extra under the hood but if I had been a second longer taking off he'd had me for breakfast. |