1995 F355 GTS: Restoration and Major Service | Page 55 | FerrariChat
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1995 F355 GTS: Restoration and Major Service

Discussion in '348/355' started by MAD828, Jul 15, 2015.

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  1. MAD828

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    #1351 MAD828, Dec 25, 2022
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  2. Zamboniman308

    Zamboniman308 Formula Junior

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    #1352 Zamboniman308, Dec 25, 2022
    Any tips you can share on the process to get the cam covers correct?
     
  3. 308 GTB

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    #1353 308 GTB, Dec 25, 2022
    It looks like you matched the original color and consistency of the wrinkle finish perfectly, Elliott. Nice job!

    Here are my cam covers which have never been refinished, replete with racing patina...


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  4. MAD828

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    #1354 MAD828, Dec 25, 2022
    Yes those valve covers tell a story. Your spark plug cover on one side has been painted previously by the look of it.

    When I got my car the valve covers were horrendous!

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  5. MAD828

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    #1355 MAD828, Dec 25, 2022
    It’s just something that comes from a lot of trial and error. I would have painted F355 cam covers approximately 20 times already and each time I learnt something new.

    The prep is key, and I use the VHT wrinkle paint when the humidity and temperature is ok to do so, 3 coats as per the can instructions and make sure it’s evenly applied. I then let it air dry for a few days. The slower it cures the better the wrinkle. I don’t add heat. Then it’s top coated very lightly in rosso barchetta. I mask the fastener holes as well.
     
  6. MAD828

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    #1356 MAD828, Dec 25, 2022
    Cam cover gaskets replaced, new OEM Beru spark plug leads, Bosch ignition coils, plug lead gaskets, spark plugs, OEM acorn nuts and hex head fasteners. The cam covers really set off the engine. Lovely thing to look at.
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  7. jimmym

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    #1357 jimmym, Dec 25, 2022
    Nice job with the valve covers. Nice job with the details.
     
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    #1358 308 GTB, Dec 25, 2022
    I think so too. I know the right cylinder head was replaced when the car raced in 1996. It might have been done then.
     
  9. MAD828

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    #1359 MAD828, Jan 19, 2023
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  10. MAD828

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    #1360 MAD828, Jan 19, 2023
    The new Bosch ignition coils are missing the decals that indicate wiring orientation, so I replaced them for that factory correct look.

    Found a NOS starter motor which I fitted and replaced the a/c heat insulation with a better sized variety than I had on previously. Also I only crimped it on the one side not upper and lower as I had before. From the factory only one side is crimped.
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  11. MAD828

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    #1361 MAD828, Jan 19, 2023
    The fuel lines were rubbing on my hood damper. So I removed and replaced them, not before correcting the fuel line routing itself. This is a common issue if you don’t have the fuel line retainer clips installed in the right spots. Mine was actually missing a few from previous services. I referred to the service bulletin on the fuel recall and I was able to rectify this and now won’t have the issue of the fuel lines rubbing anywhere.
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  12. MAD828

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    #1362 MAD828, Jan 19, 2023
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  13. MAD828

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    #1363 MAD828, Jan 19, 2023
    My original alternator was fine, but the pulley had a lot of uneven wear due to a previously misaligned belt due to a botched repair I discovered last engine out on the tensioner bolt. The belt was not running true for too long and wore a flat spot on the pulley ridge. There is no separate part number for the pulley - I tried to source one and a couple arrived and didn’t quite fit right, so I bit the bullet and purchased a complete alternator. Now every single electrical item on the engine is pretty much new!
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  14. MAD828

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    #1364 MAD828, Jan 19, 2023
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  15. MAD828

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    #1365 MAD828, Jan 19, 2023
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  16. f355spider

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    #1366 f355spider, Jan 19, 2023
    So clean and beautiful, thank you for sharing all these photos and narrative.
     
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  17. Targatime

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    #1367 Targatime, Jan 19, 2023
    Thank you for the fuel line clip pics, much appreciated.
     
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  18. MAD828

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    #1368 MAD828, Jan 19, 2023
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  19. MAD828

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    #1369 MAD828, Jan 19, 2023
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    #1370 308 GTB, Jan 19, 2023
    When this thread is complete, it should be archived as a reference for proper M2.7 F355 restoration.
     
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  21. Challenge

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    #1371 Challenge, Jan 20, 2023
    This is the cleanest, most amazing 355 I've ever seen. Bravo
     
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  22. MAD828

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    #1372 MAD828, Jan 20, 2023
    Thanks Barry, I’m glad I documented this restoration in this thread as it not only documents the cars progress but that of my skill level and knowledge, which has developed while undertaking this project (and others) over the last 8 years. Can’t help but feel proud of the outcome both personally and materially in the cars function and performance.
     
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  23. montegoblue

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    #1373 montegoblue, Jan 24, 2023
    Relatively new owner of a 1995 GTS -- this thread is a wealth of knowledge! Thanks Elliott for such clear documentation.
     
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  24. MAD828

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    #1374 MAD828, Jan 25, 2023
    Some final assembly shots. Handbrake adjusted and gear linkage set for a nice alignment. Fluids all checked and topped up, brakes bled and now for a/c re gas and some driving!

    I also fitted a Fiorano rear sway bar to add to the Fiorano spec springs and FHP ECU. Will be interesting to see how it handles and how it sounds with the new headers.
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  25. ShineKen

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    #1375 ShineKen, Jan 25, 2023
    What rear sway bar bushing did you decide to go with?
     
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