| Author |
Message |
Nick Starai (True)
New member
Username: True
Post Number: 12
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, July 25, 2002 - 2:21 pm: | |
Chris, what did you end up doing? Still got the 348? |
Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member
Username: Miami348ts
Post Number: 2391
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, July 13, 2002 - 4:58 am: | |
The valve adjustment part is about 2h of extra work and the shims are $8.00 a piece on average. In the last 3 30Ks I did on a 348 we had between 4 and 5 valves that needed adjustment. So go and figure about $150 more for the valve adjustment in the 348. Big deal when you are looking at a $5K bill! |
Michael Yip (Mightyslash)
Junior Member
Username: Mightyslash
Post Number: 86
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, July 13, 2002 - 1:11 am: | |
355 sounds the best |
Ric Rainbolt (Ricrain)
Junior Member
Username: Ricrain
Post Number: 182
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Saturday, July 13, 2002 - 12:12 am: | |
FYI... I hate to be a pain, but the 355 has EIGHT throttle bodies, not 2 (or 1). Early 355's had ONE mass air flow sensor, later ones had two.
|
Kevin pang (Xerate)
New member
Username: Xerate
Post Number: 8
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Friday, July 12, 2002 - 10:44 pm: | |
My 348 TS don't sound LOUD (no Cats with Challenge Type Exh.) at all when I am driving with a/c and windows wind up!! But its sounds metallic and sharp when approaching high revs, while very bassy on low revs.
Maybe....I should hear harder...hahahahha |
Bak-a-lack-a Bak-a-lacka-lacka ! (Chris_n_chicago)
Junior Member
Username: Chris_n_chicago
Post Number: 54
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, July 12, 2002 - 6:27 am: | |
Is it me or does the 348 engine note sound fantastic? better than a 355....
( remember I am used to Spyders only ) |
Kevin pang (Xerate)
New member
Username: Xerate
Post Number: 7
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Friday, July 12, 2002 - 6:25 am: | |
Great!! Now everyone is here....can someone tell me about the 348 Challenge Exhaust.
What is the difference between the 348 Challenge (Street) Exhaust and the 348 Challenge (SpA) Exhaust????
Anyone has tried it?? SOme claim the SpA exhaust is too loud and has no power. While some says it helps alot especially in the sound factor!!
Does the 348 Challenge Street type means it is not race applicable??
Is there major HP difference between both?
ADVISE ME, 348 GUYS!!! |
eli (ali) Latif (Ninja_eli)
New member
Username: Ninja_eli
Post Number: 3
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Friday, July 12, 2002 - 6:10 am: | |
I too can't understand how there is vitually no difference in performance. 80 BHP and 60BHP per tonne more says there should be a difference, and a big one at that. 0-100 in 10.8 compared to 14.5 (or 13.5 depending on whether you are optimistic) is at least 150m difference at 100MPH.
Still if you really love the car (it looks great by the way) keep it and upgrade to a 360 when funds allow. I much prefer the 355 as it looks so much better. The 348 looks a little dumpy (sorry guys!!). I dont like the side strakes, and I dont like the rear lights. The front is virtually the same (except the spoiler). The 360 is such an improvement over the 355 that it is worth waiting for that and skipping the 355 if you can wait. I think the 355's engine is a lot better, its like a racing car. The 348 doesn't have that appeal, but you've got one, it looks great and if you got it at a good price it shouldn't depreciate further. I can recommend the 355 wholeheartly, especially if its a spider as you can really hear it and the roofs semi auto.
Regards |
Dave Penhale (Dapper)
Junior Member
Username: Dapper
Post Number: 120
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Friday, July 12, 2002 - 2:44 am: | |
Frank touched on it with the power steering issue. More than just the P/S, Ferrari generally pussified the 355 to appeal to a wider audience, particularly the gearbox. Driving one doesn't feel anywhere near as idiosynchratic as a 348, some like this, some don't each to his/her own.
The 355 certainly feels more in control to drive at speed on the road, on the track probably not if we are talking 348 'Challenge'.
As Frank points out many of the 348 problems were ironed out, my 348 is as early as 1991 but has the M2.7 injection factory fit.
The looks are clearly a personal thing, I prefer the strakes on the sides of the 348, whereas the side view of a 355 does nothing for my senses, but I much prefer the rear of the 355 to that of the 348.
My plan is to hop from my current 348 to the 360 when funds allow, missing out the 355. |
Modified348ts (Modman)
Member
Username: Modman
Post Number: 251
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Friday, July 12, 2002 - 1:59 am: | |
Unlike most cars without power steering the 348 is easy to steer anyway unless you're a wimp. I like the road feel on the 348 much better than the 355 but to me overall the 355 is nicer in a few ways. Love them both but the rear end and engine lid on the 355 is WAY better and easier to clean.. A must do on the 348 is to change the tires and wheels as I did, what a HUGE difference in handling.. |
Mr. Doody (Doody)
Member
Username: Doody
Post Number: 303
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 6:13 pm: | |
see dude - it's ALL about the dinos! :-) :-) :-)
doody. |
Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Intermediate Member
Username: Parkerfe
Post Number: 1069
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 5:02 pm: | |
FYI the traditional round tail lights on a Ferrari has only been a tradition since the early 1970s. Prior to that Ferarris came with various shape and style tail lights including round, square and oblong. It's funny that most of what America considers as traditional Ferrari actually came from the Dino 308 GTS on Magnum PI. |
Ron Thomas (Ronsupercar)
Junior Member
Username: Ronsupercar
Post Number: 172
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 4:52 pm: | |
Chris, I took a look into your profile and saw your car.. It is out of this world.. If the difference between the two is so close, stick with what you have.. The fact that it runs great is another plus.. You can buy the 355 and develope issue a then you will kick yourself..
On the othe hand..The F355..Those tradition of the round tail ligths come back.. The 6sp transmission.. 18" rims, 380hp..
Not easy to pass up..... |
Jon P. Kofod (95f355c)
Junior Member
Username: 95f355c
Post Number: 188
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 2:23 pm: | |
The 95's did indeed have stronger engines. Most of the Challenge cars built in the US and some built at the factory used the 95 engine because it was a bit stronger.
Matt is right, on the street you won't notice much difference between the two but on the track the 355's power advantage is noticeable.
Jon
|
Chris A. (Asianbond)
New member
Username: Asianbond
Post Number: 38
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 1:40 pm: | |
Wow! You guys are great. I see the gang's all here.
Let me reiterate by saying, I love my 348, it looks perfect, drives flawlessly and everything works on it, so I would have no hestitation in keeping the 348. It's just that the 355 prices are dropping quite dramatically in HK and upgrading to one is much more platable nowadays. For the past two years the 348 prices have held quite steadily while the 355s stay up there, now the 348s are still holding firm while the 355s are coming down rapidly. So in a perfect world with no 355s, I would think the 348 is the holy grail for sportscar, but since we don't live in such a vacum I'm tempted by the grass is greener on the other side mentality.
The reasons why I like the 355 are:
*power steering-would be a bit easier to get around town, sorry, zero chance of getting it on the track here in HK, although I definitely do not feel the 348's steering is difficult at all, I really do love the direct feel of the 348 steering, just think it be a little easier around town with the 355
*styling-prefer the front and rear look of the 355 better, seems more updated, especially love the rear tailights with the round lens, so unmistakenly a true f-car look. Also preferred the 355 18" rims.
*interior-both cars interior are identical size, the 348 with stock leather seats give me plenty of headroom (I'm 5'11"), in fact I sat in a 355 with factory sport carbon fiber seats, it provided less headroom than the 348 and my head was skimming the top. I do prefer the 355's round instrument display better, especially the center console with the three small gauges, seems much more contemproary than the squarish bin, yellow/green LED lights look of the 348.
*power-don't think there's going to be a huge leap in power between the two cars, especially when my mechanic thinks my car may even feel faster, I know on paper the 355 puts out at least 380hp compare to my 320hp, but in terms seat of pants feel my 348 is quite intoxicating with the factory sport exhaust, so don't think the 355 has a huge edge in the power-feel dept.
*Maintenance-not real concern since my f-car mechanic is real awesome and can handle any problem at a very reasonable cost, plus the pre-purchase inspection should minimize any chance of picking up a lemon.
Based on everyone's input, it appears the consensus is that the 355 is one step better than the 348 but not a gigantic difference. Basically I think they're both awesome cars, and so it wouldn't be the end of the world if I stick with the 348. I guess the decision is whether the better looks and easier drive is worth an extra 20k, putting it in that perspective it may be difficult to justify spending the extra bucks since it is an additional 40something% of what I paid for the 348.
Mitchell-nope, do not think about the 355 at all when I'm driving the 348, although when I see one passing by I definitely look at it with admiration.
Peter-yes, Ming told me about the yellow 95 for sale at the airport for about 500k, plus I know of another one for about the same price, so the prices are definitely dropping. |
Mitchell L. Davidson (Jussumfastgi)
Junior Member
Username: Jussumfastgi
Post Number: 127
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 12:40 pm: | |
"Mitchell, no."
Then you have your answer. You seem quite happy with your F348 |
Tim N (Timn88)
Intermediate Member
Username: Timn88
Post Number: 1204
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 12:31 pm: | |
I;ve always heard that the 95's are the most powerful and sound the best. This is apparently because they are still OBDI, not OBDII like all the cars after that. Compare a 95 engine to any other F355 engine and you can see that the 95 has 2 throttle bodies while the 96 and up's have one. From what i know about cars, the fact that the 95 is an ODBI means it will respond better to mods such as a tubi or K&N. Also, most 95's have enough milage on them where they've experienced the valve guide problem and have had it corrected.
Those 95's dont look so bad any more, do they? |
Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Intermediate Member
Username: Parkerfe
Post Number: 1062
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 12:30 pm: | |
Arthur, the 1995 355 was a little more powerful though due to its 2 throttle bodies rather than the 1 used on later models. Mitchell, no. Matt, well said. |
Matt Karson (Squidracing)
Junior Member
Username: Squidracing
Post Number: 123
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 12:19 pm: | |
Im a bit confused by the assumption that the performance between the two cars are nearly identical. Correct me if Im wrong, but I believe that the 355 has +/- 380 hp, and the 348 Challenge has +/- 300 hp. Free flow exhaust..blah blah blah...bottom line is that there are many ponies difference between the two of them.
I can tell you from personal experience (having owned 2 348 Challenge Cars, and currently a '98 355 factory built Challenge Car) that after having spanked the living Sh*t out of both models that there are major differences between the two models.
As my suspension work would preclude me from making direct comparisons between the two models, I can only say that both are predictable and a load of fun on the track.
As far as the street application for these vehicles, does it really matter if there is a hp difference? Who really uses a street car to its true potential on the street?
They are both great cars, choose the one which better stirs your passions. |
Mitchell L. Davidson (Jussumfastgi)
Junior Member
Username: Jussumfastgi
Post Number: 124
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 11:18 am: | |
Question, when you are driving your 348, do you day dream of driving the F355? |
arthur chambers (Art355)
Member
Username: Art355
Post Number: 514
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 11:13 am: | |
Tom:
The early 355s (95) had valve guide issues, and cylinder issue, etc. If you are looking for a 355, a 96 or later is the better buy. If you do get a 95 make sure that it had all of the guides replaced, the cylinder or rings replaced, etc. There were other problems such as the controller, which was a 2.7 I believe, and the subsequent cars got a 5.2 controller. All in all, some of the early 355s were prone to maintenance problems, while others ran without any problems.
Art |
TomD (Tifosi)
Intermediate Member
Username: Tifosi
Post Number: 1010
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 11:10 am: | |
I think the early 355 had valve guide issues, right? |
Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Intermediate Member
Username: Parkerfe
Post Number: 1059
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 10:53 am: | |
Arthur, 1)The 348 ECUs were improved in later 348s from the 2.5 to the 2.7 which have no realiability issues. 2)the later 348s came with the same ND alternator as the 355. It was only the early 348s that had the problems with the Delco alternators. 3) per T.Rutlands, the emission systems on the late 348s and 355 are the same for the most part including the O2 sensors and thermal couplers. 4)While the 355 does have hydrolic valves , the service cost between a 348 and 355 are about the same. In fact, in most cases the 355 major service ends up costing more as the parts are a little more expensive. The valve adjustment part of a service is not that much. It is the engine removeal/replacement that cost the bucks. 5) the 355 brakes are better . But for most cars, especially Spiders, that doesn't really matter as they are not driven on the track much anyway. 6)The seats may be different, but I don't see that as that major of a deal. The seats betwen the Challenge, GTS/GTB , Competition and Spider models of both cars are different too. Daren, the floor pan, and thus leg room, for the 348 and 355 are identical. And, for track use a car without power steering is easier to control than one with power steering. |
TWA (Exoticars)
Junior Member
Username: Exoticars
Post Number: 79
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 10:24 am: | |
Didn't the 95 355's have a few problems that were corrected in the later years? It seems that this sticks in my head as the 355's not to get..... Otherwise, I would definitely step up to the 355. No questions. If you had a 94 348 and were going to a 95 355, I would feel the 20k was worth it, so of course, a 91 348 to a 95 355 for only 20k is worth it in my mind. |
Daren L Adkins (Schumi)
New member
Username: Schumi
Post Number: 18
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 10:20 am: | |
I'm with Patterson on the room issue. At 6'4" the 348 is a bit tight, but the 355 seems to have much more leg room a a better driving position for us tall guys. I have only driven a regular 348 and a 355 6-speed(thanks again Parr) and for me there is no comparison - the 355 is MUCH easier to drive at speed without fear of you a** becoming your front. |
arthur chambers (Art355)
Member
Username: Art355
Post Number: 512
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 10:15 am: | |
Chris:
I think that if your comfortable with the extra dough the the 355, that you should get it. The 355 is an improved 348. There are a good many problems that the 348 has which Ferrari corrected on the 355. Some of those are; 1. More dependable ECUs, 2. Alternators don't break as frequently on the 355, 3. The emissions on the 348 are ALWAYS breaking, such as the oxygen sensors, etc., 4. The 355 has hydraulic adjusters in the valve train, which means that you don't have to adjust the valves on the service (It should reduce your 30k service bills), 5. The brakes are better, the 348 brakes can be overheated easily, 5. the bolsters on the seats are adjustable on the 355, while those on the 348 are not.
In short, Ferrari listened to their owners, and made as many improvements on the 355 as they could. A good comparison is buying a new 1990 chevy, or a new 2000 chevy. The manufacturer has made improvements, and the extra cost is the price of those improvements.
Art |
Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Intermediate Member
Username: Parkerfe
Post Number: 1058
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 9:58 am: | |
I would agree that you should get the 348 and save the $20K. But I would add more to it and get a 550, not a 360. |
ross koller (Ross)
Junior Member
Username: Ross
Post Number: 182
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 9:50 am: | |
my 2 cts: i wouldn't bother switching. the challenge has virtually the same performance as the stock 355, so no real advantage there. you obviously like the looks of the 348 or u wouldn't have bought it in the first place.
here's a suggestion. hold onto the $20k switch up money, add a few more to it over the next 2 years, and then get a 360. |
David Prall (Davidpra)
Junior Member
Username: Davidpra
Post Number: 101
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 9:49 am: | |
yes |
Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Intermediate Member
Username: Parkerfe
Post Number: 1056
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 9:35 am: | |
Martins correct. The interior of the 348 and 355 are almost the same. In fact, the dash is the same with the same part#s as well as many other parts. The Spider has the most head room of both cars. |
Peter K. (Bubba)
Junior Member
Username: Bubba
Post Number: 65
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 9:15 am: | |
Chris,
Are you referring to the yellow one at the old airport? |
Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member
Username: Miami348ts
Post Number: 2379
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 9:14 am: | |
The interior room on both cars is identical. Don't know what you mean Stephen?
Remember it is the same base car. Engine mods and body panels.
Both cars look fine to me. At present I could not see paying the extra money for a better look and some extra ponies. The 348 suits me just fine. When the 355s are down to todays 348 prices I will likely change cars. Till then...348 |
Stephen Patterson (Srpatterson)
Junior Member
Username: Srpatterson
Post Number: 233
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 9:08 am: | |
One of the main reasons people move into a 355 from earlier cars is the extra room provided. If you are much over 6 ft. you might "fit" better in a 355.
As for looks, you already know it's a matter of personal choice. I personally think the 355 is a major technical step from a 348, but that also is a hotly contested topic. |
Jon P. Kofod (95f355c)
Junior Member
Username: 95f355c
Post Number: 187
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 9:08 am: | |
Chris,
I drove at least a dozen 348's (including street legal Challenge cars and serial #1 Speciale) before I bought my first 355 (95 TB). I agree with Frank about the side strakes, but that partly comes from being a former TR owner (still my favorite car).
I actually had no intention of buying a 355 but the sales person at FOW who is a good friend of mine talked me into driving one at a track event for a few laps and this hooked me, even though I liked the looks better on the 348, I didn't want Corvette's, Camaros, RX7's, NSX's and the like nipping at my heels. At the time I bought the 355 those cars just mentioned couldn't begin to hang with the 355, but the 348 was a different story.
Now a Z06 is faster than a 355 and so are a bunch of other cars.
If money is a concern the 348 is fine for street use. If money is not a consideration and you also track the car frequently, the 355 is a better choice.
Hope this helps!
Jon Kofod
1995 F355 Challenge #23
|
Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Intermediate Member
Username: Parkerfe
Post Number: 1053
Registered: 9-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 8:49 am: | |
While I love both models, I would not trade my 348 Spider for a 355 because I like the 348 looks better. Although I acknowledge that the 355 outperforms the 348. Hey, call be nuts, but I like the side strakes of the 348 and TR better than the Japenese-like look of the 355 and 360. |
Dave Penhale (Dapper)
Junior Member
Username: Dapper
Post Number: 119
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 8:37 am: | |
Problem you may have here is anybody who's made the switch is likely bound to defend it as positive.
FWIW I think 348TS/TB to 355 would be a no brainer but 348 Challenge to 355 is a bit more tricky. With your 348 being a 'Challenge' you have something a bit special (not that all F's aren't special but you know what I mean) whereas, great though it unarguably is, the 355, like a 348 etc is more run of the (Ferrari) mill.
Have you driven a 355 at length, what impression did it leave on you, if so and you are still in two minds then I would imagine the answer is there, don't do it. |
Chris A. (Asianbond)
New member
Username: Asianbond
Post Number: 36
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, July 11, 2002 - 4:28 am: | |
I was offered a 355 at a very decent price, thinking about trading in my 91 348 Challenge for a 95 355.
I only owned the 348 for a month and love everything about it. It looks and runs perfect. I have zero complaints about the car.
My mechanic thinks my 348 is actually a more fun car to drive, probably due to the manual steering. He also thinks my car is just as quick as a 355 (I think due to my car being a Challenge version).
Not sure if it is worth the hassle and additional cost (about 20k). Any past 348 convert to 355 owners care to comment? |