F1 355 or not?

Whilst you are probably the first to ask this year your question comes up every few days (it feels like) so it'd be worth your while doing a search on '355 buying' or '355 guide' and read some of the threads that look promising to get some background

 

Plenty of issues with the 355's. Esp the F1's (like mine) but I absolutely love my car. There is a wealth of information on this forum. Just do a search. Most guys will probably lean toward a gated shifter though. I like the feel of an F1 and it makes mine feel like more of a modern Ferrari. But that's just my two cents. Good liuck!!

 

For working on your own car, I'd say go with the gated 6-speed. Your mileage may vary...

 

First Ferrari? look for a 6 speed exclusively.

I have the F1 on my 355 and I'm really, really pleased with the car- But everyone has to have a Ferrari gated shifter at some point in their life.

 

I learned a lot about the F1 system and it's weaknesses by doing searches on this site. I have numerous subscribed threads that detail the system and repairs / faults.

I love the F1 system in my car and wanted one because I have enough three pedal auto's already. To each his own.

Take some time and do the research....then decide for yourself.

 

The gearbox and clutch of an F1 car is virtually the same as a "6-speed" car, it's the fancy whizbang control part that is different. While they are fairly reliable, if you do have a real problem there might be no economical way to fix it yourself. Your OBDII scan tool won't help you with it. A more sophisticated, dedicated tool like an SD1 is required even for replacing the clutch or bleeding the system.

 

I recently heard that is costs $40,000 for the scan tool for the F1 system. Some independent shops don't have this due to the cost.

 

No F1 for me. Ever. If that means I don't drive newer Ferraris, well, so be it.

 

Very few independent shops have one.

 

That's not completely true. There are procedures to do both of those repairs with in car resets that do not require the SD computer.

 

Happy hunting

I agree that a 6-speed is the better choice for a 355. There are tons of threads on here about the 355 and all of it's problems so with a little searching, you can find all of them. Just make sure to get a full PPI (Pre Purchase Inspection) with a leakdown test before you buy any 355.

 

To each his own- I now have the system on my 355 and my Maserati Spyder- and one of the great driving thrills is downshifitng into a fast sweeping corner with both hands on the wheel...never missing a beat....

 

Time for "show and tell".

 

It is referenced twice in the WSM's. I have read them cover to cover several times. Bradan actually walked through this with me over the phone.

WSM Book #2 - Section D - Page 41. It starts as noted below.

Too much mystery about the F1 system. If people really understand it, it is not that big of a deal. My pump was replaced with a 360 version before I got the car...but that pump failed for some reason. I put in a new one in in an afternoon and it cost me $595.00. It's not as bad as everyone would have you believe.
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Although I just bought my 355 F1 I'm loving it. Something different than that standard 3 pedal.
If it ever breaks (knock on wood) I might be singing a different tune.