Newbie Question ~ Which Ferrari is better for track use?

Buy an actual Challenge car, and save the wear and tear on your street car.

 

I've owned a 430C, 360C and 360CS. Of those, for track day use, I'd strongly recommend the 360C. The 355C is a superb car, but it doesn't have enough oomph if you want to keep up with the 360C.

 

+1

360 Challenges can be acquired for rather cheap, now that all the Challenge teams are switching to F430 Challenges.

Good luck,


John

 

Not discounting any info you'll gain from here, but Tonkin actually is an good place to go for info. Talk to Greg Thies or Steve Wintermantle. Tell them exactly what you wanting to do. They'll help you out.

 

This one's not too bad on the track.
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1. If a dealer treats you "iffy" because you ask questions....walk out their door and never come back. Not when you are ready and not when you want to buy your next car. The only way dealers will learn to threat THEIR customers with respect.

2. If a dealer cannot give you inteligent information about a Challenge car, again, don't buy from them. If they tell you up front they do not have much experience, consider them for your next street car purchase. They are honest and tell you upfront the truth.

now to your original question:

There is no 355 "Stradale" version. There is only the limited "Fiorano" edition and that really did not make diddly (yes that is a technical term ) in terms of the cars handling or performance.
There are however some 1995 355 Challenge race cars that do have titles and therefore could be registered for street use. The reason is, the 1995s were imported by Ferrari as street cars and dealer converted to race cars. As such if you get a good title with the car you MAY register the car, however DOT/EPA rules officially still prohibit you from street use since the car was converted to a race car. Neither is it a smart idea to drive a car with a roll cage installed without a helmet. In case of an accident your chances of survival are greatly reduced.

Now talking track use:

Pros of a 355 are, much friendlier to maintain. You rarely need a computer to work on the car and basically every decent Ferrari mechanic can service your car. For a lot of people the design of the 355Challenge is the last "old fashioned style, true Ferrari style".
Cons: has about 20HP less and relies on a manual shifter instead of the 360CH F1 system.

Pros of the 360Challenge: a very nimble car to drive. purpose built with excellent race capabilities. The F1 is faster then the street version, car feels light and is very responsive. Cons: the car is VERY nimble at the limits and can easily let you make a mistake by over driving the limit. Once that happens you spin. Most 360CH have had crash damage because of a spin and the driver trying to "save" the car. Brakes and pull both paddles and you have good chances you only flatspotted the tires; try to save it and you flatspotted the nose or rear of the car (sometimes both). The GT aerokit is excellent to prevent the car from breaking lose quick (you can find that on my website; shameless self promotion ). Biggest Con, the car requires an SD2 for prettymuch everything.

As one of the biggest Challenge dealers in the US I recommend my clients to look deep in their hearts to see what they are really looking to buy. The 355 is an excellent track toy for the average buyer. If you want to go test your limits and are willing to pay for the extra power and handling, the 360 is a superb car to do that. Both cars are very good track cars and drive so different from each other.

Chosing which one is a unique decision for every buyer.

Feel free to call me if you have more questions. I'd be happy to help you gather facts.

 

I would not mind taking that for a spin or two.

"I swear that brown spot was on that seat before I got in.."

 

Jeremy, what do you race? I run Spec Racer Fords in SCCA. This season I'll be in Spec Miata. I've probably seen you at the track.

 

Martin, did the 355 challenge cars only come with the six speed manual and not the F1 transmissions?

 

I have seen this car in person. It certainly stands out. Very cool if you ask me.

 

Yeh that would be the best choice

 

We just finished the paint on the hood as well. Adding some more florescent red and it now completes the car. Also done the new lexan windshield to reduce weight. Have to take the baby out for a spin one of these days.

 

They are all 6-speeds. The F1 was not available until the 360CH, which at that time was again the only option. There are a few 6-speed after the fact conversions of 360Challenge. I assume less than 5. The conversion is costly. Almost worth putting a sequential box in it instead of a 6-speed.

The factory stopped building 355Challenge cars in the 1998 season and that is when the first F1 came about. Probably somewhere around the same time. So the factory never made the F1 an option on the 355. (if I am incorrect, someone please correct me..). There may be some after converted cars. A fellow F-chat user had the last 355 Challenge built, which is actually a 99 that was built on a street car and converted with a left over package from Ferrari of Washington. So there is a possibility that there are a few 355CH out there that are converted F1 355s.

I have not seen one yet.

 

While I admire those who track a Ferrari, they have bigger balls than me. Do you realize how much one little get off can cost you?

Dale

 

I'd have that kind of reservations with a regular street Ferrari, but If I owned a challenge or GT Ferrari I would hit the track with it as hard as I would any other car. (crosses fingers I can afford both one day)