355 F1 opinions please

I posted something similar in the Uk section but would apprecaite some more feedback.

What are the flaws with the F1 gearbox? Having now driven one I'm aware of the slightly jerky changes....I guess it improves with practice.

What about the gearbox software and clutch are they fairly robust? I don't intend doing track work.

Could I use the car as a daily drive? I've read recently about other problems and with the manifolds on the 355. Anything else lurking out there that would help?

Thanks

 

I have a 98 355 F1. At first i didnt know if i would like it, but the more i drive the car the more i like it. Yes, at first its a bit jerky but as you get better at it it's fine. When, your racing around it's really nice. I was going up one of the local roads racing a few motorcycles and i have to tell you, using the F1 made my driving much smoother and faster.

vince

 

I've had a 355 F1 for 3y, no particular issues to report on the box.

Yes the box is jerky at times, especially in crawling conditions, but assuming that you don't drive it like an automatic in trafic, there is no particular reliability problem I know of or experienced. With practice, you can learn to feather the throttle to get perfectly smooth gear changes.

My theory (speculation based on gut feel) is that in the 360, the jerkiness was smoothed out at the expense of clutch wear (much higher overlap between clutch release and throttle application at gear changes).
I heard of pressure pumps giving up, but it's not a seminal problem of the magnitude of the famous manifold mess.

Honestly, I'd stay away if you drive a lot in stop & go trafic, but for real leisure driving, it's fun, effective (except throttle blipping in 3-2 downshifts which are too shy), and not mechanically brutal . I seldom use the sport mode, even on tracks, too brutal.

 

I had my F1 clutch changed at the 30,000km (3 year sevice)...only 50% worn.

Avoid stop/start traffic.

Avoid using reverse too much (especially when cold or on steep driveways etc).

At it's best on the track.

Only use sport on the track, but not 1st to 2nd (too violent).

Practice makes it much more enjoyable.

Use your throttle like a manual to finese the changes up & down.

It will change up to the next gear at the red line unless you are in sport mode. (Important for track days).

Great fun to use, especially if you get to know all it's nuances.

Cheers,

Andrew

 

Also,

When starting do not alter your throttle setting, until you hear the clutch fully engage. Otherwise you get a lot af clutch slippage/wear.

If you want a faster start, prod the throttle initially and the clutch will engage more quickly.

A racing start, ie full throttle where the clutch engages at 6000rpm is not recommended if you want to look after your clutch AND tyres!

Cheers,

Andrew