355 Headers

In looking at buying a 355, should the headers be replaced with aftermarket units on all years or was the issue fixed for the 98 and 99 models? I am guessing they need to be replaced on all years right?

Thanks for the input.

Robb

 

All years can have issues, replaced mine in 2008 with Tubi headers (heat shields, proper configuration, made in Italy) could not be happier! There are other alternatives, they just were not for me. Forza 355!

 

So if a car salesman says that the headers issues were "fixed" and not needed in the 98 and 99 years, he is mistaken and thinking of valve guides. right? Or he knows and is looking to mislead an unsuspected buyer.

So ALL 355 will need the aftermarket headers to avoid replacement problems and possible future engine damage...

Thanks.

 

All years can, but not necessarily will, have header issues (it as still an issue for the 360 and 430 to a lesser extent than the 355). Some of the aftermarket solutions are no better than factory headers in both performance and issues they create. Valve guides occurred more frequently in the earlier cars but there are posts on FChat of 1998-1999 cars still having issues with the valve guides. Ferrari did come up with a fix on the valve guides, but it seems that they continued to use the old inventory until it was exhausted.

 

I guess you could say the same for both issues. I have not had a problem yet on my 96. But maybe because I only have about 13k miles. Maybe too soon?

 

Robb,

Are you familar with these:

http://www.the355.com/mambo/index.php

http://www.***********.com/classified/buyers-guide/#ferrari-f355

Note, it's at ferrari life .com, not sure why the link is being blocked out.

 

I have 20k and have original headers and valve guides....it is a 99.

 

I have 30k miles with original headers and valve guides on my '98. The cats were replaced with new OEM cats in 2002 then replaced again with Fabspeed cats in 2012. The muffler was replaced with a Nouvolari one in 2011.

 

So in closing,It's safe to say that if it's not broke you may not need to replace it? I guess it depends on your comfort level.

 

I really thought I was going to luck out on headers too, but the driver side recently started leaking after 24K miles. I'm optimistic that I'll have no valve guide problems since my '99 is from near the end of production.

 

I have a '99 and like clockwork, needed new headers almost exactly when my mileage turned to 30k. I believe this is an issue for all years...

 

I just had a compression and a leak down and had no problems either. I wonder if I ever will. Like someone just said it may just not depend on year or mileage. My fingers are crossed.

 

Good Info. Will see what different cars need based on miles...

In the hunt.

Robb

 

No affiliation other than being a satisfied customer:

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3vwMXmLtwE[/ame]

 

still dont like the fact that they are uninsulated and a 4 - 1 design.

 

30k miles is A LOT of miles for 355 headers to last. The records on my car show they were replaced at 15k miles after 5 years. The second set I removed with 22k miles on them as a precausion.

I am a satisfied customer as well.

 

Those headers use 304 stainless steel with very nice fit, finish & welds.
And the merge collector results in additional hp where it counts with a ferrari.....in the higher rev range.
Get them ceramic coated or better yet make some full heat metal heat shields (air is the best insulater) and your good to go.

 

I agree! Many people here are against the lack of heat insulation but I am more worried about catistrophic engine damage from the stock headers. I do all my own maintance so I watch things in the engine bay very closely. No signs of excessive heat yet.

 

Great to know. I have stockers no challenge grill and the engine bay stays plenty cool


I ASSume you have heat shields?

 

Fabspeed supplies "heat shields" with their headers. They are steel pieces that go between the headers and the alternator and A/C compressor. I'm sure they help with direct heat but they are not what most people would probably think of when visualizing heat shields.

If I lived in a warm climate and drove a lot at slow speeds I would be more concerned about the heat generated. I also removed the worst culprit in the system.... the cats, so that helps as well.

 

I have ceramic coated Fabspeed on my Spider. Very happy with them

 

My ceramic coated OEM headers (coated inside the tubes and on the outside of the factory heat shield) is doing amazingly well. It is a bit over 8 months since install.

 

There's a lot of debate and discussion over the design but I am not knowledgeable enough about the subject to have an opinion.

Visually, the flow of the exhaust gases look very similar to me so I have a hard time believing that it would have a major impact (but I may be wrong...)

I did a lot of research and it seemed like that was the best cost-effective solution IMO. I had them fully ceramic coated inside and out along with the straight pipes and y-pipe. They also include the heat shields.

 

This is the key: cost-effective. The quality of the headers is undeniable. The welds and overall consturction make the OEM headers look like a sad joke incomparison. There are other aftermarket headers out there that have quality construction as well but none come close to Fabspeed in price.

 

It's my understanding that Ferrari did replaced some headers under warranty and I'm wonderig if those replacements were the same design as the orginal or were they a new, improved design. And, if they were a new design, do they have the same issues?