355 Model Year Changes | FerrariChat

355 Model Year Changes

Discussion in '348/355' started by Musta10000, Mar 20, 2004.

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  1. Musta10000

    Musta10000 Rookie

    Nov 22, 2003
    33
    Urbandale, Iowa
    Full Name:
    Skip Hammerman
    #1 Musta10000, Mar 20, 2004
    I am getting more and more serious about buying my first F-car. I currently have a 2000 BMW M5 and a 1999 Boxster. I have contemplated between a 348 and a 355 (spider) and have come to the conclusion that the extra money will be well spent with the 355. Is there a website or could someone detail what the changes have been in the 355 over the production years.

    Thank you -
     
  2. l'esecuzioneItaliana

    l'esecuzioneItaliana Guest

    Jan 29, 2004
    166
    #2 l'esecuzioneItaliana, Mar 20, 2004
    I dont know much about the 355, but I know that was the car they introduced the F1 transmission on. And over the years you could get it in Berlinetta, GTS, Spider and Challenge. But im pretty sure nothing changed over its run. Just my 2 cents.
     
  3. gschiener

    gschiener Rookie

    Feb 29, 2004
    16
    #3 gschiener, Mar 20, 2004
    This website may be of some help to you: http://www.qv500.com/ferrarif355mr.htm
     
  4. ghost

    ghost F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Dec 10, 2003
    10,043
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    #4 ghost, Mar 20, 2004
  5. Jerrari

    Jerrari F1 Veteran

    Jul 24, 2001
    5,463
    Michigan
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    Jerry Wiersma
    #5 Jerrari, Mar 20, 2004
    1995 355's are regarded as the fastest as they are "pre-emission" cars as well as having 2 throttle bodies (vs. 1 on subsequent years.) The early years had the possibility of soft valve guide problems and headers cracking as well. Cheers, Jerry.
     
  6. Jerrari

    Jerrari F1 Veteran

    Jul 24, 2001
    5,463
    Michigan
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    Jerry Wiersma
    #6 Jerrari, Mar 20, 2004
  7. Jerrari

    Jerrari F1 Veteran

    Jul 24, 2001
    5,463
    Michigan
    Full Name:
    Jerry Wiersma
    #7 Jerrari, Mar 20, 2004
  8. Tomf-1

    Tomf-1 F1 Rookie

    Jan 17, 2004
    4,528
    Leawood KS/ South FL
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    Thomas
    #8 Tomf-1, Mar 20, 2004
    Jerry--- How early? Would you elaborate? Thanks.
     
  9. Jerrari

    Jerrari F1 Veteran

    Jul 24, 2001
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    Jerry Wiersma
    #9 Jerrari, Mar 20, 2004
    The valve guide problem was specific to 1995 (click on above link to synopsis by Jon Koford), the header problem, I am not sure about what years exactly.
     
  10. nzo4re

    nzo4re Karting

    Mar 13, 2003
    197
    San Jose, CA
    Full Name:
    Tom Lassen
    #10 nzo4re, Mar 20, 2004
    Here we go again...That statement isn't exactly true...This issue has been way over-blown. Please read all of the indicated posts thuroughly. 1995 F355s are now heading toward their 10th birthday. If a car in question had soft valveguides, it's been addressed by now. It it didn't and the car doesn't use oil or smoke, then the problem doesn't exist for that particular car.

    Of course, if the 355 in question has high miles and is in need of a valve job, then valve guides are part of the rebuild.
     
  11. hockeyman1

    hockeyman1 Rookie

    Mar 6, 2004
    14
    #11 hockeyman1, Mar 20, 2004
    I just traded my 2001 cab for 1999 355 ww/ 6900 miles what an awesome car......so far 1 st week has been great.
     
  12. ghost

    ghost F1 World Champ
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    Dec 10, 2003
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    #12 ghost, Mar 20, 2004
    How can you make a statement like that without filling out your profile or posting pics. That's mean! ;)
     
  13. FL 355

    FL 355 Formula 3

    Nov 3, 2002
    1,665
    Ft Laud
    Full Name:
    Frank Lipinski
    #13 FL 355, Mar 20, 2004
    Musta -

    Production run 95-99. Different ECU (computer). 95 has OBD 1, 96 on has OBD 2. Some have reported 95 more HP, but marginal, maybe 5hp - advantage of OBD1 is if you want to pull the cats and replace with straight pipe you can do so without an idot light (check engine) - OBD2 is harder to fool but can be done. Spider weighs slighty more than a GTS (3,340 vs 3,294). All years same 5 vale, 4 cam, 4 coils, etc.

    NZO4RE is correct see the threads...in a nutshell:
    Some 95's had valve guide issues. Used soft bronze - fixed with steel. However just because you but 96+ does not mean you are home free. The soft guides were still used (I assume to deplete inventory) on 96 and 97. I have a 97 and it need the guides to be changed. Fortunately, I purchased from the dealer with and extended warranty and it was discovered during the pre-warranty inspection.

    Find a good clean car with all records, get a good PPI with a leakdown test and you will have a very reliable and enjoyable car...

    If you need any specific info send me a PM anytime.
     

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