Two out of two, what the hell is going on with the F355?

don't forget cats, tops, buttresses, incredible shrinking dashes, and engine out for everything!!! what a pleasure to own....gotta get me one!!

ps Frankie...what was that 0-60 time for that beautiful 328?? -smiley face here....can't figure out how to do that..................

 

Sorry, my bad. Yes I realize that 355's often will need top end rebuilds. I am questioning your analysis that it is often caused by burned valve guides from failing exhaust manifolds. While this has been guessed as a possible cause, I have never heard of it being definitely stated as fact, even by our Ferrari technician advisors on this site. I think you need to be careful how you lead from A to B, that's all. The cars noted have bad compression...that is all we know.

 

It just shows that whoever buys one of these cars without a proper PPI is smoking some good hippie-hay, talk about rolling the dice.

 

Yes, that stuff isn't model year specific - and those who are scared of OBD codes should stick with new cars still under warranty or old cars that don't talk back to you with blinking lights!

No doubt the 355 has some issues that may or may not need to be addressed...but for me, the sheer beauty and sound makes it all worthwhile...
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Failing exhaust mainifolds will burn exhaust valves if the leak is close to the valve (given enough motor time). That's not something generally even debated.

To be sure, I'm referring to actual valves, not the 355 valve *guide* issue. In fact, I don't know if a bad valve *guide* would even lead to bad compression (I'd guess yes, but it would just be a guess).

But a burned valve won't seal well...making good compression more difficult to obtain (a balloon with holes in it won't compress as much air as will a balloon in good condition).

I agree with your point that we don't know if the cars in question have intake or exhaust leaks...or if the leaks are due to poor cam timing or holes/obstructions in sealing area.

If the bad compression is coming from the intake, then the rule of thumb would be to rule out a burned valve, though (I guess detonation could do it, but surely that's a minority event).

Bad compression due to both intake and exhaust leaks would tend to be a cam timing issue most times, I'd think.

Bad compression due to exhaust leaks only...well, I'd be thinking burned exhaust valve(s).

 

They are fine cars. Exhaust headers and valve guides are the known problem areas...both with viable cures that are reasonably priced.

 

Whether its a "reasonable" cost depends on WHEN its discovered. If a major is due, OK,,,,,,if a major was done 6 mo ago......F#@k!!

Robin, have seen you on the 360 board.....if you like the looks and can swing it, theres your answer.

 

Haha, my bicycle has 260 hp

 

Whatever you do........don't jump the gun, a few guys here have recently bought 355's without a PPI.

Don't be one of them.........or it will bite you in the ass.

 

You want the downhill time or like on level ground?

And a chain - no belt, right?

 

I gave up on the 355 years ago. Buy my 348 TB Series Speciale so I can by my 360.
Darryl

 

Husky,

It's not a matter of being "scared" of OBD codes. It's a matter of in many
states, OBD Codes set or readiness codes NOT set mean you CANNOT
register the vehicle for street use. Period. End of discussion.

Having lived in RI, I'm quite surprized that CT will exempt you w/ codes.

The sad fact is that many (most?) of the F355's for sale today are quite
frankly hashed pieces of c**p. When a $70-$100k car with 15-30k miles
on it needs another $30k of work to make it right - something is wrong.

The key is that neither price, nor "age" are making a difference. I've seen
low mile 99's with leakdown issues (and code issues) along with 95-98's.

Jim

 

I don't know what the fuss is all about... ... the 355 "issues" are well known and should be dealt with by a PPI, price adjustment or repair.....

+1 codes are a good thing... they tell you where to look

Exactly ND !!! To quote myself from another post on another thread:

Bullfighter and his 328 kick @ss and have nothing to prove ......... .............. this is what happens to his nero 328 on a regular basis
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in post no. 36 you state you're trying to buy "under $75k"

if so, then why are you bothering even lookin at 360's ?

you wastin' peoples time ?

if you have 360 money you should be able to buy a PERFECT 1999 F355

makes no sense

 

Here is another quote from Bullfighter worthy of a repost :

 

I registered my car in CT with a CEL, have the new plates and reg paperwork. But they do say you need to pass emissions within 30 days, not sure what happens after that. Worst case, if you spend up to $660 in repairs and still don't pass you get a waiver.

The PPI *should* at least catch major potential issues so you won't have to invest 5 figures to make it right. And if something is found, just factor that into the price. What I meant by being scared of codes is that if a potential owner is the type to run to the dealer for everything, this could get expensive REAL fast.

 

But so far looks like there are some mechanical issues with that model.[/QUOTE]

"But so far looks like there are some mechanical issues with those two F355s"
Just wanna to clarify that statement... Nothing $$$ can't fix mechanically...

 

Funny, I was in a very similar position with a 75K max budget for a 355. I looked for a while, got carfaxes on a bunch of them at that price and could not find a car that didn't have some big warning signs. I ended up getting a 348.

 

Robin,

I'm glad to see you decided to stick with a 355.

Things like ext/int colors and transmission you CAN'T change (well, technically you can but not without big bucks)....so make sure you get that Rosso Corsa with 6-speed. Car's mechanicals and other "issues" CAN always be addressed with determination and some $$...and if still can't be fixed then try $$$ or $$$$. but the sound coming from a 355 @ 8000rpm is definitely worth $$$$$$$$$$$$$.

Good luck on your purchase!

 

I discussed this issue with James of Norwoods a little while back. He has been seeing more and more issues with 355s, even on those that have had very recent valve services.


His theory is that the new blends of gas with higher concentrations of ethanol are not very compatible with the 5 valve design on the 355. I forgot the more technical reasons for this, but his recommendation has been regular cleanings with off the shelf fuel additives. He advices to try several cycles of this before doing more extensive work. There is one cleaner in particular he likes but I can't remember the name off hand (though I do have a can on the shelf at home).