Dillema on 355

The car will be blowing blue smoke out of the exhaust, especialy when under load. It can still be driven but will need to be done or the guide will wear more.

 

Chill mate - most Americans aren't out of bed yet

Try this : http://www.the355.com/mambo/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=28

ANd the link back here at the bottom of the valve guide section

Or just do a search here

Like any car if it breaks you either fix it or ditch it

 

Take it to a Ferrari specialist and get <b>them</b> to tell you if it's got a problem or not, then once you know whats wrong come back and I'm sure people will point you in the right direction to get it fixed

As Chaa's said if you drive it, it will only get worse.......and you risk the Valve guide getting loose which will pretty much mean a complete rebuild and lots and lots of new parts

 

Any 355 made between 1995 and 1998 can potentially have the valve guide problem. The cause of the failure is the use of bronze valve guides vs sintered steel valve guides.
To repair the problem in Canada at a non dealer garage is aproximately $5000.00.
A 355 in Canada costs between 100,000 to 140,000.00 depending on the year and condition. So a repair of this size, although not welcome, should be manageble.

When I purchased my 355 I just considered this a cost of ownership, IF THE GUIDES SHOULD FAIL.
Remember not all cars suffer this failure.
And should you require the repair it is a one time repair only.

If it really concerns you then perhaps a 355 is not for you.
348's are great cars too (I almost bought one) and don't have the valve guide issue or the exhaust manifold issues either.

 

What's up with your forum name?

 

I have a race Tubi installed, stock cats , no bypass valve and
stock exhaust manifolds.

The installation of a Tubi exhaust will allow the exhaust to flow quicker out of the car (reduced back pressure) and should allow the manifolds to run a little cooler.

Since the problem with the stock exhaust manifolds is heat causing the (too thin) stainless steel manifold to fail.....it could help a little bit but I believe there are many owners on this site who have had the failure regardless of the type of exhaust installed.

Also challenge cars seem to change their manifolds yearly....suggesting that heat and high revs are the true cause of the manifold failure.

Having said all that, there are several after market manifold manufacturers that provide stronger manifolds to resolve this problem. And, if you are inclined......it is a do it yourself installation.

 

The valve guide issue exists on all F355s that were made with bronze guides. This encompasses 1995 through mid-1998 production.

 

I got this from somwhere on the web.

"Starting from assembly #27689 all 355 Engines are equipped from the factory with new Valve guides, which are manufactured with Sintered Steel instead of Bronze.
New updated part numbers are:
Intake Guide #176437
Exhaust Guide #176438

The assembly number is located in the engine compartment/Plate and I have seen some very early 98's with lower numbers."

 

You are a Bit Confused.

Exhaust Manifolds(Headers),Cats & Muffler (Tubi,Cap etc) are DIFFERENT Parts. Chris is Correct. Potential Valve Guide Issues are NOT Limited to '95s.
I don't remember the exact Production Number (not VIN) when they were upgraded. It was mid '98.

 

Hence my quote #9 above.
LOL!