1995 F355 GTS: Restoration and Major Service | Page 2 | FerrariChat

1995 F355 GTS: Restoration and Major Service

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

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. MAD828

    MAD828 F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 8, 2011
    2,540
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    Elliott Caras
    #26 MAD828, Jul 15, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  2. 355dreamer

    355dreamer F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 3, 2006
    10,469
    DC Metro
    Full Name:
    L.C.
    Incredible work so far. Keep it up!
     
  3. MAD828

    MAD828 F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 8, 2011
    2,540
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    Elliott Caras
    #28 MAD828, Jul 15, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  4. MAD828

    MAD828 F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 8, 2011
    2,540
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    Elliott Caras
    Thanks, thats great to hear coming from a serial 355 owner such as yourself!
     
  5. MAD828

    MAD828 F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 8, 2011
    2,540
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    Elliott Caras
    #30 MAD828, Jul 15, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  6. MAD828

    MAD828 F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 8, 2011
    2,540
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    Elliott Caras
    #31 MAD828, Jul 15, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  7. MAD828

    MAD828 F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 8, 2011
    2,540
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    Elliott Caras
    #32 MAD828, Jul 15, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  8. MAD828

    MAD828 F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 8, 2011
    2,540
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    Elliott Caras
    #33 MAD828, Jul 16, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  9. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Nine Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Dec 10, 2005
    99,380
    Mount Isa, Australia
    Full Name:
    Pap
    What a great thread Elliot! :)

    Car looks amazing, congrats on the purchase! Love the fact that's a 95 and has that steering wheel.

    Excellent choice selling the 360 mate, they are a dime a dozen here in Australia now because of how many were imported over the last 5 years.

    You don't see 355s around as much and you don't see them for sale online anymore either. Definitely a great investment to go along with some great fun will have with that car.

    You are 30 years old now, imagine driving your 355 when you're 60 and it's an 80 year old car? Blows my mind just thinking about it. It will still be an amazing experience for you.

    Looking forward to seeing more pics, take care and enjoy. :)
     
  10. MAD828

    MAD828 F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 8, 2011
    2,540
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    Elliott Caras
    Thanks Pap, the 360 was a great car to get my feet wet. It was a safe option for me and the whole time I owned it I lusted for an F355. Its true the 360 is too common now, and although my car was very low mileage and concours condition I don't miss it one bit! The 355 offers a true Ferrari feeling and I'm enjoying bringing this car back to concours standard and I love driving it!
     
    climb likes this.
  11. MAD828

    MAD828 F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 8, 2011
    2,540
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    Elliott Caras
    #36 MAD828, Jul 16, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Here is a throwback photo to show how far back the love goes for the 355. Here I am at age 15 back in the year 2000, working a the Sydney Ferrari Dealership back then owned by Scuderia Veloce Motors (the same company who imported and delivered my car in 95).

    I had aspirations of becoming a Ferrari mechanic, I eventually decided I'd rather own them than work on them. And now I can enjoy working on my own and a few friends cars as a hobby.

    This F355 pictured was the first ever Ferrari I was driven in, after we had just changed the exhaust to a Mille Miglia, the memories of this drive were burnt into my brain forever!
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
    Pepsi10 likes this.
  12. MAD828

    MAD828 F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 8, 2011
    2,540
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    Elliott Caras
    #37 MAD828, Jul 16, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  13. MAD828

    MAD828 F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 8, 2011
    2,540
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    Elliott Caras
    #38 MAD828, Jul 16, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Whilst waiting for my engine out service, I stocked up on the parts required for a thorough overhaul and purchased many parts that were not entirely necessary but I felt had to be done to properly sort the car.

    Here is the complete parts list to date, that I have purchased and installed for this service and restoration.

    It would have been easier doing most of this shopping in one hit, but I kept buying more parts as I got more and more stuck into it, cost became sort of irrelevant considering how much I valued the car and how I like to approach things: do it once, and do it right!

    Ricambi:

    F355 MAJOR SERVICE KIT (2.7)
    1 x RIGHT VALVE COVER GASKET
    1 x LEFT VALVE COVER GASKET
    4 x CAM SEAL
    4 x O-RING
    2 x CAM O-RING
    8 x SPARK PLUG O-RING
    2 x END PLATE GASKET
    1 x LEFT PLUG GASKET
    1 x RIGHT PLUG GASKET
    2 x FUEL BLOCK O-RING
    2 x TIMING BELT
    2 x TENSIONER BEARINGS (HILL ENGINEERING)
    4 x CAM BOLT O-RING
    1 x FUEL FILTER
    1 x OIL FILTER
    2 x AIR FILTER
    8 x NGK PLATINUM SPARK PLUGS
    1 x PS BELT
    1 x ALT BELT
    1 x AC BELT
    2 x WATER HOSE
    1 x S-WATER HOSE
    1x Hill Engineering SKD-355-PE F355 SKID PLATES IN POLY (1 PAIR)
    1x HVAC REPLACEMENT PANEL (355) - C
    1x 355WP1 355 WATER PUMP KIT #1 (W/BEARING)
    1x 143742 BEARING + SHAFT
    1x 183759 WP SEAL
    1x 137868 355 WATER PUMP O RING

    Hill Engineering 355 exhaust clamps x2
    Shift plate retainer screws x4
    Seat bolt x2
    OEM valve with cap x4
    ZF updated power steering tank + clamp
    Scuderia Rampante F355 silicone hose kit with clamps
    Complete leather strap for tool kit
    RH brake duct
    LH brake duct
    Split pin collar x2
    Brake duct clamp x2
    Hill Engineering 355 wheel bolt x20
    Oil breather tube x2
    Rubber grommet x4 for expansion tank

    Super Performance UK

    355 CV Boot 35513015 x2
    Alternator Tensioner Pulley, Centre Bearing 123350
    Radiator with Antifreeze Sticker FER02090
    Centre complete with wheel badge 154794 x4
    Knurled Wheel Hanger Tool WH-01
    355 Engine Mount 162769 x2
    355 gearbox mount 163044 x2
    Fuel Filler Cap 180320
    CP Dome Nuts for Cam Covers 24615170 x30
    Cam Cover Washer 11197774 x26
    Drain plug 159923 x2
    Gearshift shaft oil seal 146306
    Gear linkage shaft boot 147572
    2x 355 gearbox rubber mounting spacer 163043

    Euro Spares UK

    OEM fuel rubber protector
    L.H. front lamp clear
    R.H. front lamp clear
    Front grill cavallino badge
    Steering rack rubber boot

    Ebay

    Goodridge braided brake lines
    New OEM Leather tool case
    Engine Oil: 10qts Redline 5w40
    Coolant: BMW 5 litres plus 6 litres distilled water
    Gearbox: 6qts Redline 75w90NS
    Brake fluid: Endless RF650 2 litres
    F355 rear badge

    Fchat

    Brembo front and rear brake pads NIB
    Catalyst reproduction sticker from Vas
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  14. darrenliu

    darrenliu Formula Junior

    Jun 24, 2008
    447
    Melbourne Australia
    Full Name:
    Darren Liu
    nice work mate.
     
  15. cuneo

    cuneo Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 20, 2006
    2,431
    Very nice work! Try to get a new fuel filler neck if you can. The 20 yr old ones can crack and leak fuel onto the headers.
     
  16. MAD828

    MAD828 F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 8, 2011
    2,540
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    Elliott Caras
    Hey, I saw your thread regarding this, and made sure when the engine was out that all the fuel line recalls had been carried out, and the filler neck was ok. There were no fuel vapour smells coming from it and all looked ok.
     
  17. MAD828

    MAD828 F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 8, 2011
    2,540
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    Elliott Caras
    #42 MAD828, Jul 16, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I was lucky enough to be able to perform my cars engine out major service alongside a retired Ferrari and Lamborghini mechanic of 30 years who happened to be the uncle of a good friend. Having owned a 355 GTS when new my mechanic was very well versed in the 355.

    We operated out of a very well equipped workshop at Road and Track after agreeing to terms on labour and workshop hire.

    It was very important to me that nothing was rushed and I could attend to all the cleaning, painting and refurbishment while the engine was out. The engine was removed and placed on stands, whilst the car was bolted up at the subframe with dollies to allow the car to move around the workshop and not hold up one of the hosts whilst we got stuck in.

    All up the car was in the shop for about 4 weeks in total. I would go there everyday and take home parts with me to work on at night and during the weekends. I loved it!

    Here are some before photos to show the condition. The engine bay was a real let down compared to the rest of the car and this service was going to rectify all of that.
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  18. MAD828

    MAD828 F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 8, 2011
    2,540
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    Elliott Caras
  19. MAD828

    MAD828 F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 8, 2011
    2,540
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    Elliott Caras
    Here is an itemised list of all the work I have/will be carrying out on the car. As stated before about 80% or more of this work has been completed. Most of which I have completed myself or had a hand in along with the experts of their trades.

    I will keep sorting through the 1000's of photos and update this thread as we go. The car goes in for paint next week.

    Body fittings:

    - New tool kit case
    - Fit new leather tool kit strap
    - Number plates (95GTS)
    - Fuel body protector rubber
    - New fuel cap
    - Front cavallino
    - Re anodized front grill
    - Rear F355 GTS badge
    - LHS & RHS front clear indicator lights
    - Hill engineering skid plates
    - Remove, clean and paint wheel liners
    - Remove, clean and paint rear diffusers
    - De-sticky rear window surround
    - Repair and paint front bar
    - Paint under tray panels
    - Remove and polish out stone chips in fog lights
    - Sourced OEM GTS targa cover and pouch
    - Paint second GTS targa panel in rosso corsa
    - Detail and paint correct entire car
    - Touch up all stone chips with Chipex paint

    Wheels and tyres:

    - Refurbish wheels, strip, prime and paint specific to magnesium wheel
    - Centre caps (old style) x4
    - Valve caps x4
    - Hill engineering wheel bolts x20
    - Michelin Pilot Super Sports 225 F 265 R
    - Full wheel alignment

    Interior:

    - De sticky all interior parts
    - 2 step Leatherique clean and moisturize
    - Polish wheel arch kick plate
    - Steam clean interior carpet and mats
    - Replace seat bolts with new
    - Replace shift plate screws
    - Polish shift plate and gear knob


    Engine out major service:

    - Update power steering reservoir
    - Install engine and gearbox mounts
    - SRI silicone pipe coolant kit
    - Ricambi 30K service kit
    - Water pump rebuild kit
    - SKF alternator pulley bearing
    - Braided brake lines front and rear
    - Full fluid flush (BMW coolant, Redline engine and gearbox oil, endless brake fluid)
    - Refinish coolant expansion tank
    - Replace coolant tank sticker
    - Wrinkle paint refinish oil reservoir
    - Strip, prime, paint and polish cam covers
    - New cam cover bolts and washers
    - Inner CV boots replaced
    - Paint exhaust heat shield
    - Wrinkle paint air box heat shields
    - Repair and paint driveshaft heat shield
    - Paint pinstripes on plenum covers
    - Hill engineering exhaust clamps x2
    - Rebuild a/c compressor
    - Rebuild fuel injectors
    - Paint firewall heat shield
    - Refinish charcoal canister sleeve
    - Total engine and gearbox clean
    - Zinc plate disc brakes and machine surface
    - Clean all wheel hubs and suspension arms
    - Replace front brake ducting and clamps
    - Install front and rear brembo OEM brake pads
    - Clean, strip, sand and paint engine under tray and diffusers
    - Install new oil breather pipes
     
  20. Drock28

    Drock28 Formula 3

    Jan 13, 2013
    1,430
    Montreal
    Full Name:
    Tony
    given how extensive you are going with the Major..

    just curious if there was a reason why you went with a Water pump rebuild kit versus the complete pump #177561 for less then $100 difference that Ricambi now offers..?

    also looks like the stock headers are still on.. how are they..? any plans to change them.
    if so what set would you consider..
     
  21. Andy 355

    Andy 355 Formula Junior

    Jun 2, 2013
    434
    Sydney
    Great work mate! Just finished my 355 berlinetta resto and drove to terry hills cars and coffee. Awsome show that is!! Driving along mona vale road and i hear a familiar sound at 7am.. A 355 gts pulls up along side,thumbs up and we meet for a coffee. Hope to see you there in sep. This time ill bring my 550hp 930 turbo. Cheers!
     
  22. DonJuan348

    DonJuan348 F1 Rookie
    Owner

    Aug 5, 2008
    4,441
    Taxing Jersey

    Where did you order this ?
     
  23. Drock28

    Drock28 Formula 3

    Jan 13, 2013
    1,430
    Montreal
    Full Name:
    Tony
    in his list of parts on page 2, he categorized where he sourced parts from.

    he put the rubber fuel protector under EuroSpares..
     
  24. MAD828

    MAD828 F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 8, 2011
    2,540
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    Elliott Caras
    Hi Drock the money was not the issue, the new improved water pump was offered for sale exactly 2 weeks after I had purchased the rebuild kit from Ricambi. Up until then all the research I had done showed many here including Bradan etc used the rebuild kit.
     
  25. MAD828

    MAD828 F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 8, 2011
    2,540
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    Elliott Caras
    Hi Andy I have been to nearly all the cars and coffee events at Cavallino. I will be at the next one we had 4 355's meet an drive up there last, shame we did not see you then. Will look out next time.
     

Share This Page