Firstly I have to say, never will I say anything negative about the 348 again. It's an INSANE car !!! I have 2 355's a spider and a Challenge this is a TS so I have each of the body styles The 344 is a little weaker in the chassis. not from the removable top but due to the rear subframe flex then the 355 making it seem less ridged. I will eventually measure the difference one day but nothing to even consider an issue. It ads to the feel of the car. Seems smaller then a 355 while driving due to the lower rear deck lid. you can see everything while driving. Non power steering has fantastic input at speed. Engine is a thing of beauty, powerband is fantastic for normal driving then put your foot down it goes. Runs very cool in traffic like a modern car, fan does not even come on too much. Shifter, hands down I like the shifter feel better in the 348, very notchy positive feel. Styling, this is a funny one. I never liked them being a 355 snob but I tell you it really grew on me. That 80's styling was an amazing part of history, I could almost feel going to the NYC punk clubs on the lower east side of manhatten. The wife absolutely LOVES the car and styling, she was born in the 80's LOL Anyway I just wanted to put my 2 cents down how it left me feeling Its a real old school sports car that gets the job done, it excites every stimulation point needed for a fun ride. 348 Raw and For Real Image Unavailable, Please Login
I also love the 348's and would love to add one some day. Glad all is going well and you are enjoying the new Giallo. Robb
I forget when the subframe changed around 92 93? There was no stiffness improvement only attachement point change to alter felt balance. I do not think it did anything to help laptimes. The 348 and 55 share the same subframe after 93 i thought?? I could be wrong. It is hard to keep my lies straight.
The 348 subframe is lighter duty for sure. I have an extra 355 one sitting in the back yard with a planter on it.
Congratulations Tim it looks awesome. Great to hear your positive views and especially as you have first hand experience of the 355 as well. Enjoy and look forward to hearing more about it.
My Brothers wife said when she saw My 348 TS for the first time: "It's a bit Miami vice isn't it! - And I mean that in a good way!" Later that night they followed Me for a bit as I drove home and when I got into the house she sent Me a text message saying that they both loved the narrow strip of tail-lights in the dark!: "Definitely Miami Vice!" was the verdict. (I did point out that the Testarossa is really the Miami Vice car and that the 348 came out after Miami Vice had finished on TV, but I know what she means).
So good to hear the results you are having. The 348 & 355 really do compliment each other and that is a real sweet "stable" you have!
Tim, I am vey happy you have the car and kept it in the SoCal family. I am glad further to hear that you appreciate its qualities. Goth said about the same thing when he drove my car. There is something special about these later 348's. This is why we would rather try to find more power from our engines than upgrade to a 355.
Thanks Vince, had to keep the car here in the warm climate They are totally different to the 355. It's hard to comprehend it's the same chassis. I totally appreciate the car with the power it has.
Tim Does the 355c have power rack? I wonder why 355 guys don't go to 348 manual rack to get better steering, less weight, less plumbing, and less stuff to fail
Because we didn't know those are readiliy available . I believe there was a 355 manual rack as well. Not sure it is the same spec as 348.
The F355C has a power rack, FBB. Mine has the upgraded steering rack. The belt broke on one of my last sessions at WGI last year. I didn't know until I pitted in and got to the garage area where the speed limit is 10 MPH. It was just lying there on top of one of the undertrays. The assist is minimal at speed. I did the last few sessions without the belt and I didn't notice much of a difference in steering effort on the track but it was a chore getting in and out of the garage. The belt was replaced when the car got back to the shop for post-event servicing.
For hot rodding sure I like the power on the spider. I use that as a luxury cruiser to replace an old Shelby Clone 67 Mustang convertible that I was bored of
