355 I think my TR would like a stablemate....

I'm considering adding a 355 this year. I've decided on a 98' or 99' only to avoid some of the possible issues concerning valve guides and to extent, the headers. I'd likely replace the entire exhaust so that may be a moot point.

My question is regarding the F1 transmission. I see you can now upgrade to a 360 pump or even take it a step further and to a manual conversion.

The dilemma here of course is to get into a Berlinetta I'd need to go F1 or just go for a Spider with the 6 speed.

I'm on my 2nd TR so I do know what I'm getting into with potential repairs, etc. To me, that's part of the adventure.

My question is this: Is the F1 on a later model 355 (assuming a comprehensive service history) as bad as they sound? The only thing making me a bit gun shy on the F1 is the availability of the diagnostic equipment.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

P.S. It will HAVE to be red/tan like the TR!

 

‘98 and ‘99’s are not limited to F1 transmissions if I’m reading your question correctly. Also, I have a ‘98 GTS manual it required valve guide replacements.

 

That's interesting, thanks for the info. I had read a few other stories where they later models had done an upgrade to the material or something of that nature. I would definitely love to have a car that's had this done.

I should clarify: For what I want to spend, if I go for hardtop it looks like the F1 is in price range. For a manual it appears I'd have to go with a spider. Both are sweet, but I do love the Berlinetta.

 

Did it have steel guides initially? There was a cutoff point for 98 cars. Some had steel guides, some didn’t.

 

It has steel guides now. The previous owner had them replaced. I’m not sure what was original.

 

Some of us with f1’s have had very little problem but they need to be understood
Also do not need a 360 ipgrade(if you want to call it that) as we have now sourced a direct replacement upsized pump.(actually motor)
This allows a motor to be replaced without even bleeding the system

I have had more issues with other things, some sell inflicted ha ha