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Need urgent advise on which 355 to look for

Discussion in '348/355' started by AndersJL, Apr 16, 2010.

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  1. AndersJL

    AndersJL Formula Junior

    Apr 16, 2001
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    #1 AndersJL, Apr 16, 2010
    I have been offered a 355 GTS -95, with very low milage (14.000 km or 8.700 miles), two owners, very good condition, new belts and service. But, nothing done on the engine: valve guides, manifold etc.
    Would you go for this, or would you rather look for a -98 B / -99, perhaps with higher milage too ?
    Need advice, and please, spare me from comments about searching the forum, thank you.
    If everything should be refered back to searching the forum, I suggest closing this chat site and rename it "Archive"...
     
  2. roadracer311

    roadracer311 Formula 3

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    #2 roadracer311, Apr 16, 2010
    I'd get a PPI and then go for it if the price is right. Just make sure to keep some money in reserve for upkeep and repairs.
     
  3. Monteman

    Monteman Formula 3
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    #3 Monteman, Apr 16, 2010
    A GTS is a pretty rare car so I would definitely see if that deal makes the best sense. Just because the valve guides haven't been done doesn't mean that it will need them. There is no real binary way to know that it is going to need them. Having said that, budget for the manifolds since we know it is going to need them at some point. I would probably recommend getting them done right away since there appears to be growing evidence that leaking manifolds can cause premature wearing of the cylinder liners.

    The key is going to be getting a solid PPI that includes a leak down. You didn't mention how long ago for the major service was done so the a good PPI will be worth every penny to flush out any additional items that may have come up.
     
  4. J. Salmon

    J. Salmon F1 Rookie
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    #4 J. Salmon, Apr 16, 2010
    '95 GTS is a rare bird. You get a slightly more powerful motor with the best body style (of course I am biased).

    PPI with leakdown and compression. Yes you may need manifolds and/or guides down the road, but I would fix 'em when they break, not before. (My manifold just went and the compression and leakdown numbers were great at 35,000 miles).

    Good luck!
     
  5. UConn Husky

    UConn Husky F1 Rookie

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    #5 UConn Husky, Apr 16, 2010
    tough call...both have strong points. I'm partial to the late model GTB...but GTS's are hard to come by and that sounds like a nice car too. of course price plays a role and you didn't mention that....so I vote to check out both. :D
     
  6. greyboxer

    greyboxer F1 World Champ

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    #6 greyboxer, Apr 16, 2010
    It seems to me a much lower proportion of European cars need valve guides anyway

    Also how long are you prepared to keep looking ?

    If its a good car just buy it
     
  7. Oengus

    Oengus F1 World Champ
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    #7 Oengus, Apr 16, 2010
    Get 95
     
  8. PeteyP

    PeteyP Formula Junior

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    #8 PeteyP, Apr 16, 2010
    GTS / Spider are the best models in my opinion..
    And '95s dont throw the check-engine-light like the 96-99 cars do..

    take it from me ;)
     
  9. johan6504

    johan6504 Formula 3

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    #9 johan6504, Apr 16, 2010
    No problem with CEL error in europe like in the US...
     
  10. ferrari 512 tr

    ferrari 512 tr F1 Rookie

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    #10 ferrari 512 tr, Apr 16, 2010
    thats top advice brother!!!
     
  11. AndersJL

    AndersJL Formula Junior

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    #11 AndersJL, Apr 16, 2010
    Thanks guys, so bottom line is: don´t be affraid of a -95.
     
  12. AceMaster

    AceMaster Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #12 AceMaster, Apr 16, 2010
    correct
     
  13. djfrens

    djfrens Formula 3

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    #13 djfrens, Apr 16, 2010
  14. Vegas-Guy

    Vegas-Guy Formula 3

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    #14 Vegas-Guy, Apr 16, 2010
    +1 '95...:D
     
  15. 05011994

    05011994 Formula 3
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    #15 05011994, Apr 16, 2010
    +2 on '95.
     
  16. AndersJL

    AndersJL Formula Junior

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    #16 AndersJL, Apr 17, 2010
    Looks very nice Frans, but I am after a low milage.
    Kind regard Anders
     
  17. JOW02

    JOW02 Karting

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    #17 JOW02, Apr 22, 2010
    Ive got a 95 GTS with 65k (kms) on it and it screams. Just replaced the manifolds at 62k and original guides are still good. I do a few 2000km trips in it and its never let me down. If everything looks good, go for it before someone else snaps it up.
     
  18. AndersJL

    AndersJL Formula Junior

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    #18 AndersJL, Apr 22, 2010
    Thanks for the input, but that´s twice or three times as much Km´s as I maximum have in mind...
    And there are plenty of them on the market.
    What´s rare are the low milage ones and that´s what I am looking for.
     
  19. JOW02

    JOW02 Karting

    Apr 3, 2008
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    #19 JOW02, Apr 22, 2010
    What Im saying is a low km 95 GTS (15 years old now)would be an excellent buy and so are higher km cars as long as they have been looked after. I have had mine for ten years and always serviced it annually and its still fells like the same car I bought 10 years. Get your cheque book out and buy the one your looking at. All the Best.
     

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