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EFWUN (Efwun)
New member
Username: Efwun

Post Number: 48
Registered: 2-2003
Posted on Wednesday, March 05, 2003 - 1:56 pm:   

Frank, I'd advise bypassing 2nd only for the first few minutes of driving, e.g., 5-10 minutes depending on ambient air temp. Also helps to double-clutch the upshifts till warm. These cars are easier to shift quickly over 5-6,000rpm, but with care and coordination, you can shift them smoothly at any speed. I'm pretty surprised to hear that they wouldn't let you drive it before buying it??
You're in for a great experience, though. When I brought my first 355 home, I kept waking up in the middle of the night and going to the garage to walk around it and sit in it!! Wound up taking it back out at 4am, and with the Tubi-solo I woke all the neighbors! Wonderful cars
Matty (Liquid)
New member
Username: Liquid

Post Number: 25
Registered: 7-2002
Posted on Wednesday, March 05, 2003 - 1:09 pm:   

Congratulations Frank. "But I am not sure about how to drive it" I assume you know how to drive a manual transmission? If you don't I would strongly advise learning on another car before the Ferrari. I don't think a F355 is good car to learn how to drive a stick on.
Frank (Fjt)
Junior Member
Username: Fjt

Post Number: 79
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Wednesday, March 05, 2003 - 12:48 pm:   

Thanks Guys. Kinda funny. Only a Ferrari would make me buy one without even sitting in it. EFWUN that is very helpful advise. Should I consistently shift from 1st to 3rd until the weather warms up. Obviously I will have to hi rev in order to do smooth shifts.
EFWUN (Efwun)
New member
Username: Efwun

Post Number: 46
Registered: 2-2003
Posted on Wednesday, March 05, 2003 - 12:45 pm:   

Frank, sent you an email re: 355 tips.
EFWUN (Efwun)
New member
Username: Efwun

Post Number: 45
Registered: 2-2003
Posted on Wednesday, March 05, 2003 - 12:41 pm:   

Probably the key is let it warm up! Let the water temp come up a bit, and wait till you have at least the first hash mark on the oil gauge before exceeding about 4,000 rpm. Also, 355s are a little stiff-shifting when the gearbox is cold, don't force it into 2nd gear. If you bypass 2nd for the first 5 min or so, it will shift much more smoothly, and you'll preserve your synchros. Other than that, watch driveways, the 355s are VERY low, and you'll need to learn to enter driveways at an angle to avoid graunching the under panels.
Wonderful cars, had 2 myself, and miss them. Best of luck and ENJOY.
Ernesto (T88power)
Intermediate Member
Username: T88power

Post Number: 1283
Registered: 2-2001
Posted on Wednesday, March 05, 2003 - 12:37 pm:   

Congratulations, Frank. Your excitement and anticipation must be overwhelming... first time in a Ferrari, first driving a Ferrari... and its YOUR Ferrari...

Ernesto
BretM (Bretm)
Advanced Member
Username: Bretm

Post Number: 3221
Registered: 2-2001
Posted on Wednesday, March 05, 2003 - 12:24 pm:   

Very cool, congratulations. The 355 is just an awesome car, it is my favorite Ferrari ever made. Everything is just so well done right from the factory.
Frank (Fjt)
Junior Member
Username: Fjt

Post Number: 78
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Wednesday, March 05, 2003 - 12:16 pm:   

when it finally stops snowing in Toronto. It is a dream come true. I have built a new heated garage with all the bells and whistles. But I am not sure about how to drive it. I am kinda nervous about driving it for the very first time. In fact, it is the very first time I have ever been in a Ferrari. I will post pictures of my garage this week.

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