F355 2.7 vs 5.2

I am looking for a F355
What are the differences between the early and later F355 versions?
Of course the single vs double air filter
I also know the later versions have an airbag (driver only?)
Other differences?
Thanks

 

Forgive me for saying this, but lol! This'll be funny.

I'll get in first. It may pay to keep coming back to this post.

Here are the facts. Anything else is opinion, not fact.

1) The 2.7 is easier to work with if you like to "do it yourself", and is easier to modify
2) The 2.7 has no airbags, and a much nicer looking steering wheel
3) The 2.7 is the oldest 355 you can buy

4) There is no actual evidence anywhere which proves the myth that the 2.7 produces more power
5) There is no actual evidence anywhere that the 2.7 has less "problems" than the 5.2
6) The 5.2 cars are newer, have life saving airbags (driver and passenger), you can change out the steering wheel for a beautiful F360 wheel or several others, by all actual measurements they produce the same power, most of the early problems have been ironed out (as with any car, they get better as production goes on), you are more likely to be able to find the spec you want (as there are more of them), and when you go to sell it most people will want the newest one they can find.

Errr... That is all for now.

Oh, of course if you want an F1 gearbox instead of a five speed, you have to get a 5.2

 

fact: the OBD2 on the 5,2 cars does help you troubleshoot your car ignition compliance system better. There are more clues.

Fact: most people would prefer to rip out the antitheft devices on the 5.2 model in favor of the simple 2.7 no alarm model.

Fact: spider tops on both really absolutely suck.

 

Pretty sure US spec 355's all have airbags from the factory, not just 5.2's.

 

I doubt it

 

Steve:

Really nice write-up, although cuneo is correct. All U.S.-delivered F355s, regardless of Motronic model, were delivered with both driver's and passenger's air bags. A DOT mandate. However, my ugly airbag steering wheel did fall off and was replaced with the Euro spec non-air bag model. Thus, far no issues during inspection, but you do have to jumper the air bag connection in the steering wheel with a 3.3 Ohm, 1/2 watt resistor to avoid the air bag light from illuminating and still allow the passenger air bag to function.

BTW, yelcab I could not agree more about the 5.2 immobilizer system. That thing sucks big time!

 

I believe the 2.7 has airbags. One in dash and steering wheel.

 

And Saw1998, I humbly stand corrected re airbags in the US.

Don't see the problem with the 5.2 immobiliser.
I've found it faultless, and when he first worked on my car, my mechanic said
"Thank God you've got the later system. The earlier one is an utter PITA!"

 

Interesting. So is your 355 steering wheel smaller than an airbag-containing wheel?

All the best,
Andrew.

 

The 95 cars do not have an immobilizer. I believe the US cars all have the same steering wheel, but I could be wrong.

 

Interesting side bar...it is now required for all cars since 2xxx to have immobilizers.

 

Going deeper into the early and late 355s. There are some changes to the engine block castings.

 

From the parts catalog.

Passive restraints were mandatory in the US after 1989 and, after trying automatic seat belts, most manufacturers found it cheaper, and its customers happier, with airbags. By 1998, airbags for driver and passenger were mandated, but most manufacturers incorporated dual airbags well before that date.

Note the 2.7 F355s were also available with manual steering instead of power steering. Apparently, this option was very rare.
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and then there's the 1999 limited production of F355 Spider models designated, "Serie Fiorano."

 

Thanks Guys
I'm in Europe so US specs are unimportant to me
I prefer 6-speed manual
Also Airbags so I guess I 'll go for the 5.2
I already own a 348 that has the 2.7 but would like some more power
That is why I am also interested in the 360 but that is more expensive

 

Depends on were in Europe you are looking. A lot of 360s have been less money that 355s for a number of years in the uk. And no they are not rough ones either.

 

I have a 96 Spider with 2.7 motronic and it has both airbags.

 

Why airbags? Don't you trust yourself? All purists go for no-airbags!
And the 360 is going down on price in Europe! Prizes for 355 and 360 are levelling.

 

I wonder if that option can be retrofitted to cars today.

All the best,
Andrew.

 

No reason you couldn't. Difference is the rack and the lower steering shaft, everything else is the same. However, there's a reason nobody ordered it when it was available.

 

People often compliment the 348's steering feel, so I wonder if retrofitting a manual steering option to a 355 would get a similar feeling for 355 owners.

All the best,
Andrew.

 

It's mostly 348 owners that compliment the 348's steering feel . I prefer the power assist in the 355, it has plenty of feel when you push it but isn't a pain to drive around at slower speeds. As I said, there's a reason almost nobody ordered the manual steering.

If you were to retrofit, you'd have to be sure to use the manual steering alignment settings (or 348 front alignment settings) or it would be hell to steer. The alignment settings for power steering have a lot more caster which is why the steering weights up so nicely when you push the car, but in a manual steering car it would be unbearable.

 

my 95 2.7 had both airbags.

 

Andrew- Easy enough to do the swap. Have to realize, though, the ratio is slower because of lack of assist. 3.2 turns lock to lock on the power steering and 3.45 on the unassisted steering. Same turn circle, so just a slower (higher numerical) ratio in the rack/pinion.

Funnily enough, it looks like they left the steering section out of the WSM, or I just missed it.

Caster settings are significantly different, like Pete said, at 7 deg for the power steering and 5 deg unassisted.

 

Terry:

I can't tell you how great it is to have you posting on a regular basis. Your knowledge and experience is most welcome.

Best regards,

Scott