The F1 system has some issues which are quite pricey to fix and not worth it if it were my money. I think the OP made the right choice because of that. I also think the 3 pedal layout is more enjoyable but you think F1 is more. To each their own.
That's fine. But I and my mechanics would disagree with the suggestion the F1 box is plagued by expensive issues. If you prefer the manual box that's fine, but I'm tired of listening to BS about how unreliable the F1 is. Most problems occur because people who don't have a clue what they're doing mess it up. That is hardly the fault of the car. (The same could be said of virtually all "issues" with the 355). For the record, I've owned more manual cars than Auto/F1, and driven many more miles in manual cars. I get it: There is something fun about the whole 3 pedal thing. But, guess what? The early F1 boxes require considerable skill and practice to get them to work well, and when they do it is extremely satisfying. Hammering along a nice mountain road clicking up and down through the gears pretending you are M. Schumacher in the '90s is loads of fun.
4 seasons with my F1 and it operates flawlessly If the day comes when it does not, it will be fixed properly. If my air conditioning breaks, I will fix it - I won't remove it
I will have peace of mind and one less thing to worry about as the car gets older , parts will be unattainable. i liked the f1 system but manual is better for me. The car is nearly 20 yrs old id reather have a basic more reliable system.
As far as value goes ( not that i care) i really dnt know? If its more desirable...will conversion help value hurt it?and i did not cut any corners. It is being done by a reputable ferrari dealership so...?
IMHO, you have hurt the value. The car will now be a bastard. In the Ferrari world people want original. This why I hang on to the god awful OEM mufflers in my basement IMO, if you wanted a manual car, should have fixed the F1, sold it and got a manual. But, it's your car, your money and your happiness so it's really none of our business (Of course, unless it's sticky - then it's my business - Haha - just kidding )
Again, spot on. You should have taken your car to someone who knew what they were doing and fixed the F1 for far less than the conversion cost. Then you could have sold your car and bought a manual one if you really wanted a manual. Having said that, as long as you keep and enjoy your car for a long time now, who cares?
If you say so... Don't hold your breath. Manual F355s are far more common than F1s, so they will never be "rare". And there is no evidence that they are more reliable. But does it really matter? You own a Ferrari 355. You are winning. Enjoy it.
No flaming, Ken - he asked about value. You bought your car converted - are you saying you did not get a better deal due to that? It's all about personal enjoyment - does not matter what us (the peanut gallery) thinks. If someone wants a pink 355 - then that's cool..
Exactly. I don't give a ****, Ken, about the intricacies of your car. You own a Ferrari 355. It's an awesome car. That is all. The only reason I enter these discussions is because I'm sick of wankers looking down their nose at people who own F1 cars, or non '95 cars, and so on. It's such a bunch of childish BS that it needs to be called out for what it is. Especially if it influences potential new owners or current owners thinking they have made the "wrong" decision.
Interestingly my car now takes a long time to "pressure up" from cold in terms of the gearbox before starting, but changes gear beautifully. My expert mechanic laughed when I suggested it may need a new 360 pump. I suspect he'd happily take the money, but....
I understand what you're saying I dont like it when people elevate these cars to the point that they have a soul. It a friggin chunk of metal with wheels! To many people have their self-worth all wrapped in their stuff. Sure, we roll our eyes when someone rattle cans all the interior trim yellow, or puts 22" wheels and airbags, or swaps the motor for a corvette ls1 (or does anything non-oem). But this ins't that. This is almost the equivalent to putting a challenge grill of the car, and i say almost because the challenge grill never came on a non-challenge car while the cars in discussion did come with either trans. another example would be putting the sports seats in and taking the good regular seats out. The point is: its removing the 4 bolts that hold the actuator to the trans and installing an OEM Ferrari shifter rod in its place. There is no cutting, welding, nothing permanent. Its taking one ferrari part off and adding another ferrari part back on. The OP had a choice, sounds like he was bored of the paddles and wanted to row his gears. Why sell a car you know is a perfect gem and take the risk of possible never finding that gated car in the same condition. It would be like divorcing the perfect woman when she could have just got a boob job lol Most 355s fit into two categories: the museum concourse pieces that are never really enjoyed but are valued highly due to their originality and the drivers cars that are enjoyed and driven. I think all would agree an F1 to gated conversion would be a horrible decision on the museum cars. Im almost at the point where i can have mine changed back an forth from gated to F1 in a few hours on a weekend. I was not the one who chose to convert my car, and in the same situation, I think i would have fixed the F1 on mine with the 360 pump. But I couldn't decided between the 2 when shopping so this one gave me the options of both! Best of both worlds ha!
+10 he makes percect sense , smart man , my car is gorgeous i love it , but by know means is it a a+ concourse car. I never said i did not like the paddles ...i did ! It just more sense to me to go 3 oedal route instead of installing used part's that could fail without a warranty. Like he said its just bolt on stuff fully reversable, if my car is one day worth 7 figures , then il think about switching back...but that day aint coming anytime soon . Cheers.
Interesting discussion. Great to hear you will back on the road with 3 pedals in no time. Take care and enjoy your weekend man.