I rang the selling dealer in SA and they pulled the VIN and told me that it had 2 recalls done to it (Fuel lines and something else, I don't recall), but this particular car didn't have the brass guides. Apparently some did from factory, some didn't - even the early ones I was told. Apparently none by 1997 had them. I'll be having it verified on its next major though. Will be putting a new clutch in as well since I know it hasn't had one done in the last 18 years.
It's no simple thing to inspect the valve guides. You'd have to remove one cam, then the springs from one valve in order to lift the valve stem seal. 355 valves are small and delicate, very easy to bend. I wouldn't be fuchsing with them for the sake of knowing the guide material. If you have the bad guides, you'll soon know about it due to oil consumption. Leave it be in the meantime.
Cheers... It's got pretty bad fuel consumption Then again I'm used to driving a hybrid corolla as my daily
Well when I got it, it had 3/4 of a tank - now it's got 1/4 and has only been driven a couple of times for relatively short trips. I'm guessing it's got a rather non linear fuel gauge. Or rather, I'm hoping it does!
When mine is completely full it registers a graduation below full and the fuel light comes on with about 20 litres left after a distance of 400 kms driving conservatively.... never been game to run it to empty
I really dig the dials. Whilst they are far from being truly "old school", they really do have a lot of analog charm. It's nice having factory temp for both water and oil, as well as oil pressure. Even has a nice old analog clock!
And wow what a sound.. What a sound... It's not exactly a super powerful car, but when it hits 4000rpm it really takes off and just sings the most beautiful song. It's the smoothest V8 I've ever driven. Just could use a spot more torque. Great thing is you can just drive it sedately with absolutely no bother, then when the howl comes in it just goes to a different place all together. It almost feels multi-lobed (even though I know it's not), because it just surges after 4krpm and takes off with a mighty howl. The sound is just biblical.
When I first drove my GT4 i couldn't believe how smooth the entire car felt, both engine and ride. Sure it was firm but it was so smooth not a hint of vibration. They are great cars. Well both of mine have been.........so far
I was thinking more smoothness of the engine. Most V8's I've driven have all been as lumpy as hell. This thing feels as smooth and balanced as can be - even at low RPMs. It's also extremely civilised. Could easily be a spirited daily driver if you wanted it to be, no problem at all. I say that because I've had some pretty hair raising cars in the past. This thing is very civilised and well mannered compared to some of those.
Most noteable I suppose were Supercharged CV8 Monaro (Sorry back in my unrefined bogan days) "Stage III" Mk5 Golf Pirelli edn. Spent an absolute fortune on this thing. Ultimate sleeper but was brutally fast with handling/braking to go with it. Lotus Exige V6 (Now THAT was a car. I still regret selling it) M4 (Fast but supremely boring) Supercharged BRZ (Great fun) The Exige was absolutely barking nuts, by far the best drivers car I've ever owned. I still regret selling it. Stupid. Got a few Ducati's in the shed as well. Daily is now a hybrid corolla LOL. I keep my skeletons in the closet (man cave) these days.
haha yeah most people who know me were a bit surprised about that one, I gotta say. It's my new Clark Kent approach to motoring. Keeps people on their toes.
I don't think they're right. Sorry. Check in the 355 section. A leakdown test would be a great idea. Or maybe you're better off not knowing.
