"Best year" 360 with F1? very curious about something I heard

I have heard that a combination of a "2003 360F1 with software and/or computer (TCU) from 2004-05" is a better combination than any 2001-2003 or 2004-up.

I'm just the messenger here. Somebody asked me about this, and I am immediately very curious for several reasons, not the least of which is the very specific combination mentioned.

I do not know why a 2003 was specifically mentioned instead of 2002, I don't know the TCU or trans difference, if any. Or perhaps it was garbled to be 360CS TCU, which I think you can do? I don't know, and can't find out by searching.

Is there any validity to this? I checked F-chat archives and Snopes.com, and I can't find anything. The person who asked me about this, is actually willing to try to buy this combination if the experts, and that means you, support the claim.

So.... what say you?


Thanks in advance,

Jay


PS if you think I'm putting you on, do a search of my name and "other posts by this user"

 

I know the CS has a different clutch and different TCU

Im not aware of anything changing in the transmission except the update of the 6 ring ( think its called)

people have said when they switch to the stradale TCU and the clutch they feel an improvement of quicker shifts ( look up the 5th gear video review of stradale to see how smooth the shifting is in it)


maybe someone else can chime in as I'm new to ferrari's and maybe Im wrong/forgot something

 

I have heard the following:

- 360 will take CS TCU and it will shift better

- Ricambi America has or can get CS TCU

- Separately, 2002 and later 360 shift better than 99-01 due to TCU upgrade

Note: I have an '00 and find that if I drive it properly it shifts really well. Maybe I am benefiting from not having driven a CS or a later 360!!

 

The only difference performance wise is the TCU. The clutch is the same for all 360's/CS's (3 bolt to 6 bolt ring gear) the only noticeable upgrade. I DON'T think that the transmissions are the same from the 360 to the CS I was never able to get conformation either way. The best I could figure mid to late 2002 the TCU got it's last upgrade (with the exception of the CS).
I run the CS TCU in my 2000 and I can tell you the difference is worth the cost.

 

2003 was the best year,

2002 was too rough in 1st

2005 was too soft or "detuned"

Did not try an '04 so I don't know on that one.

 

Curious as to where you obtained this information? The TCU was not updated by year but by the assembly or VIN of the car. In other words, in one MY there can be two different generation TCU's. By late 2001 Ferrari had updated to a later generation TCU. '04/05 production, (excluding the CS) utilize the same TCU. No such thing as a 'softer or de-tuned' TCU. The PIS or Point of Initial Slippage values are set in accordance to factory parameters.

 

It's interesting that this matches what the lead mechanic at FoSV told us, in general, during an F1 tech session a few weeks ago. I don’t remember the years he stated as when the transitioned happened.

Some late model 360 owners complained that the F1 was too “soft”, especially getting off the line, and wanted it fixed. The mechanic said that Ferrari intentionally made the shifting at lower RPMs less jerky which essentially means slipping the clutch more upon takeoff, for example. He said they did so as to appeal to a "wider" audience.

He suggested the fix was to go to a CS ECU (which was expensive).

Maybe others that attended the session can recall more the specifics.

Tim

 

Early US production cars, '99-mid-'01 were equipped with the first generation TCU, (#189) which was absolute crap. Later cars equipped with the newer generation TCU improved clutch operation, shifting and ultimately a longer clutch life. The so called too 'soft' shifting or slipping upon take off is either driver induced or the PIS, (which is adjustable to suit the driver) was not set up properly by the tech.

 

PIS?

 

Point of Initial Slip

Hello Tom. Hope all is well. Looking forward to hear what you think of all this. I have considered it but I have too many other projects right now.

 

This is how it felt to me when I drove these diffrent years. I was also told by the service department the 2005 shifting was really softened up to respond to complaints about pervious years being too jerky. It was not able to be changed apparently, something set by the factory. The 2005 was not junk by any means, but the 2003 felt the best to me.

 

Usually the latest version of a car should be the best.
That would be my best guess.

Having said that, I own a late MY 2003 Modena bought new from the dealer.
I have 38k miles and still have the original clutch and original battery!
And my alarm still works.

I've had a few problems though. Rear axle boots leaked and were replaced and clutch sensor failed and transmission mount cracked.

I don't know if late 2003 is a good vintage or if I got lucky. I'm keeping her and hoping to add a second Ferrari. I would recommend against the first two production years of any new car.

I also own a Mercedes CL 500 which is a first production year car. The car was in the shop more than 30 days the first year and has had countless problems. Fortunately, the factory warranty covered it all and I bought a one year extension .

 

I heard that you cannot adjust the PIS on an 02 car.

 

I have a 2004 with absolutely no issues....very smooth under normal riving and very quick under aggressive conditions.

MB

 

Point of Initial Slippage

 

I think that 2002 cars got the TCU upgrade.

Earlier years TCU's were not capable of being programmed by the SD11 but were done by the car software itself through a process outlined in the workshop manual.

 

not to thread jack, but what PIS # is everyone running?

 

I think I'm down around 4.5.

I'll double check my last print-out later and confirm.

 

Correct. By '02 all 360 production had the 2nd generation TCU in which the PIS could be adjusted through the SD2/3.

 

Strange - my '01 shifts extremely smooth and very fast! Sport mode is "insane". I think the pre-'02 stuff is "urban myth".

C-

 

Compared to what?? Trust me grasshopper, its no urban myth.

 

Having run my stock (2000) TCU, a 2003 TCU and a cs TCU in the same car I can tell you it's no "urban myth".

 

Ok, My $.02 for what it's worth.

I have a 1999 360 since this last September. The 1999 U.S. version had no precats so it is a little faster and a bit louder than later models (especially with my Tubi). The major campaign (which I had done last month) is one of the cam variators which failed on occasion during racing. Another update is a 6 bolt ring gear which includes upgrading to a Stradale clutch. Since I had a transmission problem my rebuild updated some internals that I am not clear on. I also upgraded my TCU, and it was no "Urban Myth". The big difference as discussed is in that it adjusts the "kiss point" and comes in quicker with less slippage. The difference between the later years is the the factory settings, not the car. Any shop with an SD2/SD3 can "fix" that.

I bought my 99 because of price and my intention to drive the hell out of it. Since then I heard many argue that with the updates it is not only as good as the later years but the best year because of the lack of pre cats.

 

IIRC, the best TCU upgrade is to the 430 version . It smooths out the shifts .Second would be CS upgrade . At least for the early cars.

 

430 F1 > CS F1 >>> Early 360 F1