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Help - looking at a 355

Discussion in '348/355' started by GT3nut, Sep 15, 2008.

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  1. GT3nut

    GT3nut Rookie

    Sep 2, 2007
    20
    #1 GT3nut, Sep 15, 2008
    I was looking at selling my Gt2 and topping up for a 430 but something tells me it's the wrong trade as 430 prices are looking at falling pretty sharply. So now I'm thinking about keeping my Gt2 and instead looking at a 355. I remember before that it had issues w/ the valve guides being made of bronze for certain years. Which years were they? Are the bronze valve guides really prone to so much failure? Both a '97 and a '95 are being offered w/ the '97 at a US$20K premium - too much? Is the '97 $20K better than the '95? Both have similar mileage (5K miles). Also, I remember the entire engine has to be dropped to change cam belts. How long can cam belts last once serviced? Should I be worried about electronics? Thanks in advance.
     
  2. James-NZ

    James-NZ F1 Veteran

    Jun 26, 2007
    5,822
    Hamilton, NewZealand
    Full Name:
    James
    #2 James-NZ, Sep 15, 2008
    Welcome aboard brother! A search will reveal plenty of threads on the topics you mentioned, lots of opinions here on these subjects.

    As far as the guides go, have the car checked out correctly prior to purchase and just drive it, make sure the headers have been replaced and if something goes wrong fix it and drive it some more. These are just cars and the Internet has a way of blowing some issues out of proportion.

    As far as the 95 vs 97 cars go, plenty here as well as my self would argue that the 95 is more valuable than the 97, 95's run different engine management systems and are slightly more powerful out of the box and varsity more tunable if that's your thing. Also if it is that much cheaper I would buy it and bank the change as a possible maintenance fund, can't hurt to have money stashed away just in case. Also great for upgrades along the way also.

    The engine out service, some time referred to as "major" service or cam belt service will require the motor & subframe to be removed, it is costly but there are some benefits to removing the motor every now and then, cleaning is one that is at the forefront for me. There are many opinions on cambelt life the consensus seems to be somewhere between 3-5 years with Ferrari officially recommending 3 year intervals. In all honestly if the car is used regularly the belts will last far longer than if the car is left sitting for extended periods.

    All in all the 355 is a great choice, you do have to pay to play but this comes with all Ferrari's. ;)

    Most of all enjoy the search, some real bargains to be had out there at the moment. :)
     
  3. greyboxer

    greyboxer F1 World Champ

    Dec 8, 2004
    12,667
    South East
    Full Name:
    Jimmie
    #3 greyboxer, Sep 15, 2008
    Last edited: Sep 15, 2008
    1995 car with under 5000 miles hmmmmm

    as mentioned there's millions of threads answering all your current and many other questions

    if you like the 430 looks but not the cost how about a 360 which you may also find stronger than a 355 ?

    oh and haven't you just reposted yourself from two years ago ?
     
  4. 285ferrari

    285ferrari Two Time F1 World Champ
    Sponsor

    Sep 11, 2004
    20,958
    MD and NE
    Full Name:
    Robbie
    #4 285ferrari, Sep 15, 2008
  5. mwhitesell

    mwhitesell Formula 3

    Sep 17, 2006
    1,083
    Atlanta
    Full Name:
    Mark
    #5 mwhitesell, Sep 15, 2008
    Oh yes. Every 355 is going to have a cam belt fail once a year, the valve guides will burn up and need to be replaced, and the cats will heat up and cause a fire that will turn it all into a smoldering heap.

    I think we all need to discuss these issues...... again.....
     
  6. GT3nut

    GT3nut Rookie

    Sep 2, 2007
    20
    #6 GT3nut, Sep 15, 2008
    JDM-NZ, Thanks for your lengthy reply. Appreciate that. I didn't know that the '95 was stronger than a '97. That's a revelation.

    I guess the engine has to be dropped to change the headers too right?
     
  7. GT3nut

    GT3nut Rookie

    Sep 2, 2007
    20
    #7 GT3nut, Sep 15, 2008
    Greyboxer - we don't a have a good supply of F cars to choose from and are limited to the current offers sadly. Having said that The 360 is about a 55% premium to the 355. If I go that route I'd have to sell my GT2 - and if I did - I'd rather get a CS! Yummy!
     
  8. GT3nut

    GT3nut Rookie

    Sep 2, 2007
    20
    #8 GT3nut, Sep 15, 2008
    285ferrari, yes I posted this two years ago which is why my post read 'I remember certain issues about the 355...' Anyway, a lot has happened since then. I sold my 7GT3 ( a decision I regret!) and got a E60 M5 (another decision I regret) and then had to get a nimble/strong sports car and chanced upon my GT2. here's a speed camera pic at 199km/hr!

    http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn279/gt2man/P8310027.jpg
     
  9. GT3nut

    GT3nut Rookie

    Sep 2, 2007
    20
    #9 GT3nut, Sep 15, 2008
    Your being facetious right? Change cam belt once a year? But the leaking headers may cause the cylinder to turn lean and not necessarily cause fire right? Or does it? Wow...
     
  10. James-NZ

    James-NZ F1 Veteran

    Jun 26, 2007
    5,822
    Hamilton, NewZealand
    Full Name:
    James
    #10 James-NZ, Sep 15, 2008
    Headers can be done with the engine in place no problem. 95 is not necessarily any stronger, just more powerful out of the box.

    Yep, I think he was playing around...... ;)

    Seriously, stress less, buy a 355 and enjoy the ownership experience.
     

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