Well, I decided to do the oil change in the 355 today. First off, this is the most difficult car I have changed oil even in before. Its not as simple as the 911s!!! I took me about 4 hours with getting parts, hopping on fchat to check where the nuts were, and how to get to the sump and getting the oil back into the car!! Luckily I had new washers and bolt and filter kit. First off if you dont have a lift, I wouldnt really attempt this. Removing the cover around the alternator and getting up into the nut on the sump area would be almost impossible. Also having a large adjustable oil pan (Harbor Frieght) helps out alot. That oil comes out fast and if you dont have the huge oil pan up on it you have a Valdez going on. I would also get the oil filter change tool made it SO much easier. Also need a 12 MM hex to get the oil pan nut off so plan ahead. Large oil funnel is needed. At same time I did the coolant and not nearly as tough. Might be cleaning up the lift and floor most of the morning hehe. After doing this once, the second time sould take less that 1 hour I think. Great learning experience!!!!
You can do it on jack stands, it is not that difficult. Most of my oil changes have been done this way (I have done a couple on a lift). It is a much slower process than most cars, mostly because of the damn undertray removal and installation...there are so many fasteners! Ditto on the large oil catch pan, I have the one from Griot's Garage and it works great. Oil filter swap is easy enough, and you don't need that fancy Hill Engineering tool, though it would be nice. I simply use a rubber strap wrench, I bought a set of four at Sears, I think...they are cheap. I can do the whole thing from start to finish in about 1.5 hours, taking my time and double checking all fasteners. This includes clean up and putting all the equipment, and tools away.
You didn't say whether you drained the oil tank too, depending on how long the car set after warmup there can be oil in the tank. You can also get about a gt. out of the cooler if you remove the lower line. (on my 355CH the oil coolers hold 3 qts so I drain them when i change the oil) Same with the coolant, you didn't say if drained the block about 1/2 the fluid will still be in there after you have drained the rads. Just thoughts. Agree on the lift makes life much easier. Regards, Vern
Did you use the Ferrari Puriflux Oil filters $40? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220196961380
