Hi all, long term reader, first time posting. The 355 is a long time dream car of mine and I am finally ready to take the dive. I've been watching the market for years and quite obviously have seen the discrepancy in prices between the F1 cars and the gated cars. I am looking for a GTB or GTS gated car. I was well aware of the manual conversions in the 360 and 430 worlds but had not seen much of it when looking at 355s, until recently, and it looks remarkably easy to pull off, even reversible if done a certain way. So I am considering going the route of acquiring an F1 car and converting it to a gated one. I welcome any thoughts/feedback on this as well. My questions to the forum; 1) Where is the best place to source the conversion kit items? I've seen groups that make/offer turn key kits for the 360 and 430. Is there anything out there for the 355? Does anyone have a list of all parts needed for the conversion? I have seen random listings like the ebay link below for a full kit, but I would like to know what is and is not necessary to do it right. https://www.ebay.com/itm/225973538637?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=225973538637&targetid=1645685073248&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9028758&poi=&campaignid=20133407470&mkgroupid=147476396765&rlsatarget=pla-1645685073248&abcId=9312979&merchantid=5305488174&gclid=Cj0KCQiAw6yuBhDrARIsACf94RXq7xHCYVb2W1i7sAOfWYjf7fAwPo8FN0Z5KXjYfa_MLREvegNUChwaAoatEALw_wcB 2) My days of wrenching are done and I'm looking for a highly recommended shop that could do the conversion. I'm willing to ship the car anywhere in the country if the shop is worthwhile and there's nothing close. I am outside Houston, TX. Thanks in advance!
Check with EAG in TX. They're the leader in auto -> manual Ferrari conversions, though the 355 is not supported by them at the moment. They may be able to point you in the right direction.
I actually called EAG couple of months ago inquiring about the same thing, but they said maybe in the future, but no plans on it yet. In their eyes, the market isnt there.
I appreciate the feedback. Would EAG do the install if all the parts were provided? Happy to call them and ask if that wasn't part of your phone conversation.
Not a fan…. (EaG) There are several threads on here about that project - 355 to F1. Parts are becoming nearly impossible. 355 is shaft linkage, and a very “race” oriented design. I think the Pedal boxes are becoming difficult to source as well. Again, see the many post in the 355 section. 348/360/430 are cable shifters. Not the same as a 355. Buy a gated car. The delta to F1 and Gated does not support the conversion cost unless you do yourself. Nice F1 cars are $95 to $130 and gated are $150 and up. The special cars are $250 and up. Spiders are a nice entry point for a gated 355, $95 and up. Best of luck. Read up! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalki
Appreciate the feedback. I'll revisit the conversion threads in this section. I look at available 355's daily and a gated version of the 355 I'm looking for is in the $175-200k range, where the F1 equivalent spec is in the $100-125k range, so I'm seeing a $60k+ delta. I figure a conversion will be in the ~$30k range with labor based on 360/430 pricing, assuming you can source all the right parts. So I still see the value proposition in going that route. But if parts are unobtanium then there's nothing to consider
I don’t think it’s worth it for that delta unless you can get the car around $80k or you find a fully loaded F1 car with all the options such as FHP, carbon seats, etc… There are alot of other minor differences that should be addressed if you really want it to be undetectable such as removing the studs on the rear frame, getting the proper lateral covers, steering column cover, and the carpeting behind the seat etc. They add up.
I appreciate the feedback. I've seen many of your posts throughout this section and was hoping you'd chime in as you seem to be one of the most informed 355 guys out there. I am not concerned about the car being undetectable in terms of a conversion taking place. But regardless, it does seem sourcing all parts for the process is a lot more difficult than expected. It's too bad there isn't a group out there that makes a turn key kit as they do for the 360s and 430s. @ShineKen do you work with 355s as part of your profession? I am wondering if you're able to assist buyers with locating cars/parts for 355s or if this is recreational on your end. Would be interested in some assistance if not the latter. I have been reading for months and looking at prices for years but still seems there's tons I do not know about what to look for when shopping these cars
I am less interested in the conversion process now. Will still look into a few more corners to completely rule it out. I am in Houston. I am interested in a GTB or GTS, gated, in any color but red or yellow (love black, silver and blue), any interior but red. Ultimately would like a pre airbag wheel, carbon seats, FHP would be nice but not a deal breaker. I see that many of the wish list items for interior can be sourced aftermarket. It is not a deal killer if desired options are sourced/added later after purchase. Mileage does not bother me (to the point it does not push the car to a much higher maintenance category) as I plan to drive this car often. Trying to be all in for $175k
You won’t find a manual FHP car for that price or even see one for sale. Will have to be a ROW. Your chances are significantly higher with an F1 car (Row). FHP parts, carbon seats, pre airbag wheel are unobtanium outside of the car. You’ll be looking for years. You missed the yellow GTB on BaT with carbon seats with that budget. Price would be higher if it were red or a rare color. Your best bet is a pre-airbag ROW car. Do-able with that budget. You might want to Contact Stradale Vintage in Europe for assistance or Winding Road in Canada. There’s a pretty nice 95 US Spec Rosso Barchetta, which I think is great value at that price.
https://pulseexotics.com/products/1995-ferrari-f355-berlinetta This car is great value. I would buy this car and call it a day. You have some chance of finding a pre-airbag wheel outside of a car, but it is very high demand and easily fetches between $5-10k.
I have a US spec 99 GTS F1, Rosso on Nero with carbon seats, red calipers and challenge grille. Tubi exhaust and fabspeed headers. Dm if interested
Rosso Barchetta. Pictures don't look like it. Must be the lighting. Different car. Same color. Different lighting. Great color. GL! Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Lighting and pics. It’s not Rosso Corsa, but holds its own. Great color. Looks like it here. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Famous World Tour 355 is Rosso Barchetta. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Rosso Barchetta is much more burgundy. Also more original Ferrari red: Picture, circa 1990, Lime Rock. Car, circa 1947. (The car and I arrived in the same year. I think the car is holding up better.) Image Unavailable, Please Login
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