Hello, I'm new on this model thread. I used to be in the 3x8 section. Right now i'm having a 348 wich i wil be converting into a racecar. In order to seek some (fast) extra power i tought to put 355 heads on my 348 block. Is this possible? Things i should now before i buy? Guessing that there is the most of a 355's extra power(?) I have found a pair wih are ok in price. Thanks! Enzo
In my opinion, I would stay with 348 heads. The custom camshafts would be possible and cost less than having the the cantered ground 355 intakes re-profiled for your race car. Porting, big valves, and a cam change will be easier than changing heads. I have worked on both 348 & 355 race engines. I would go with 348 parts. Just my thoughts.
Thank you. I think i need to clear some things. My plan would be to keep it within a budget and within a surtain time fraim. I know these 2 things do not compute with racing but we could try. Since the 355 is 80hp more powerfull my guess was to put the heads as i believe the power is (?) For the rest I would stay with stock things. Except for the ignition and injection as I have a full matched set of TBs from KMS. I think that should do it. All tips and tricks are welcome! I guess porting, cams etc wil be more expensive then the 355 heads I can have for 2000 for both. Thanks, Enzo
You should change the belt drives to F355 at the same time. You must use the F355 Throttle bodies and injection. You must use, then, F355 ECU and Air intake system. You are going to want to use F355 headers and exhaust. And at this point you have a 3.4 litre F355.
Do you have someone that can reprogram the ecu's for this combination? Seems like it would be much easier to sell the 348 engine/trans and install a take out F355 engine/trans.
Given cost of a good used 355 engine is $10-15k, I'd probably swap the whole thing rather than put all the 355 bits on a 348 block. You'll have to spin it higher with the lower displacement to get similar power, plus you'll lose compression unless you also swap pistons in the 348, costing you some power (10-15hp). So you'd probably be looking at 365hp at 9000rpm vs. 380hp at 8250rpm at similar cost and also sacrificing longevity.
The 348 block casting is wrong to drive 355 cams. Look at this thread for a reasonable alternative: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/348-355-sponsored-bradan/125988-355-throttle-bodies-348-project.html
So no need to swap the heads. The power is in the TBs. GREAT. I have my KMS setup for injection and wil have them do the setup for the 3.4 engine. It stood on a Lancia 8.32 engine, tuned and porduced 280hp (on a 3L) Porting the heads and put in bigger valves i could consider. Reprofiling the cams to.
I am curious to hear your plan, percieved 348 weaknesses, where you will race, what class and organization. I raced a 348 about 10 years ago and developed the car from streetcar to racecar.
