F1 gearbox - experience?

try a good look here probably via search since the 355 f1 gearbox is quite a regular thread

properly set-up they give good life and work well

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=262915

for example - there are many others

 

Beware of people saying they are no good without actually trying one.
I bought a manual but drove a few F1's and found them a great drive. Just don't leave it in gear when stationary and get used to the accelerate then coast technique for reversing.

 

I am owner of a F1 Berlinetta and it's great... no problems and great driving...
You must respect the clutch, and that's all.

 

love it!!!

all 355F1's are the same with respect to performance, there was no change on 'late' F1's.

 

6 and a half years with my 355 GTS F1 would never have another Ferrari without F1 previously had a 328 GTS.

 

Question, why not leave it in gear when stationary or at a red light?

 

I was told that it wears out the clutch more....

 

Well I'm only two months into F1 ownership-

But you've got to remember it is not an "automatic" trans like a Tiptronic- It's a clutch- and reacts like a 6 speed car in many respects- It's a little bit abrupt when cold- it likes to have the revs matched- I still heel and toe even though my left foot is free!

Driving a stick my whole life it was quite an adjustment to get used to the F1- but now I find I can drive the car faster, smoother and safer- especially downshifting around tight turns- things where both hands on the wheel is important.

I think a week living with an F1 would convince even the most diehard opponent of their merit. My guy says clutch life is NOT worse with F1- in fact he seems to think driven properly they prolong clutch life a bit. (Though that's controversial)

 

I love mine.

When shopping for a 355, I thought I wanted a 6M, but found a great F1 car in my budget.
Best decision I have ever made!!! I had the clutch done and it's been perfect in every way since.

Do not let anyone sway you away from the F1, if you find a great F1 that you can afford, buy it, you will not be disappointed.

 

As we can see from the many owners replying normally the 355F1 system is reliable, I have however had a different ownership experence with the F1 system, long story short it ended with me trading the car back and buying a 6spd, the problem remained undiagnosed for over 6 months and countless hours of workshop time.

But, that said, most people report very good things about F1 and that is why I brought mine.

There is always an exception to the rule, mine, I think, was an exception.

 

what's the cost of replacing the F1 clutch ??

 

I replaced mine last August but upgraded the TO bearing to a new Hill Engineering Unit and did all the seals at the same time. Total bill including parts - a smidge over $4K.

 

I didn't realise yours was F1 Monte!! Nice!!

Do you have any photo's to share?

 

I am going to do my clutch replacement very soon and having investigated prices I am looking at approx £900 which will include the hill TO bearing I have taken advice from several people who have done it themselves and the opinion and experience seems to confirm 3-4 hours labour, I have also had quotes for it being down at 2 different independants and one main dealer the indies are together at around £1300-1500 but this is only for the plate replacement the MD was around £1500-1700 so will just do it myself.
As for clutch wear I have done 20K miles and though the car is still mobile I just feel that the clutch need replacing.

 

Remember that it does EVERYTHING just like a manual and it does fine.

The clutch does not wear more when sitting in neutral, though the throwout bearing is engaged, just as if you were sitting in a manual in first with the clutch down.

The reason this is a good practice is to get into the habit of pulling it in to neutral BEFORE you get to the light. Otherwise, the system will downchange every gear to 1, slipping the clutch a little each time. It's more wear, it's jerky, and that's not how you would drive a manual, eh?

It cost me $1500 at a great independent. That included repacking the grease but not replacing the flywheel. It's one of the easiest clutches to get to on any car.

I have 20k miles on mine. It was just in 2 weeks ago and there was no sign of wear.

 

I've been getting into the habit of doing that just cause it's so much smoother- though before I bought my 355 F1 I drove a 360 at my local dealer and the sales guy said "No you don't want to put it in neutral while moving- that'll break it"...


but that's what sales guys do....

 

Contrary to popular myth it shifts soooooo consistent!

I really believe you'd tear up a non F1 car on the track. I've had loads of fights with mine, now its set up right and works perfect!

Get one, they do phenominal burnouts!!!!! and second gear redline shifts will break your neck in "sport" mode!!!!