1. Is the 355 shifter as notchy as the 348? 2. Are the gear locations (on the shifter) similiar or completly different? I know the locations on a 348 but I have not seen the 355 shifter, so where are they? Is reverse still one notch forward from 1st gear? 3. Is the cluctch pedal as stiff on a 355? Thanks, Tom
The 355 uses linkage instead of cables so it should feel more direct. The 355 uses a 6 speed so 1st is where reverse is on the 348 and reverse is to the left from 1st. 2nd in the 355 is where 1st is in the 348 and so on... Can't say about the clutch I've never driven a 355. the 348 clutch doesn't bother me, but I've been told it is relatively heavy. BT
I have owned both, and in my opinion the shift feel in the 355 is not notably improved over the 348, despite the inprovement you might expect from the 355 not using cables. I also prefer the 5 speed shift pattern on the 348, with the "dogleg" first gear down and out of the way on the left, and the four gears you use most, 2-5, in the convenient H pattern to the right. I also didn't find the 6th gear on the 355 to be that big of a convenience, except on long interstate drives, which I try to avoid in a Ferrari anyway. I guess those preferences -- with which I'm sure many 355 owners will strongly disagree -- explain why I sold my 355 and went back to a 348!
Hey Lance, Good to see you found a 348. I'm still enjoying your old one. Had it on the track last month. What a treat. Richard
Hi, I have the chance to buy anF355 1996 Manual Tansmission, what should I check before to know if the car is in good condition or not? I have no experience with Ferraris, but it has been always my dream but Idont want to get stuck with an old car. any advise ?
Get a Pre-purchase inspection from an Authorized Ferrari dealer or a well-known independent mechanic. Make sure they perform a leakdown/compression test. Drive the car for about 45 minutes or so to get a feel of the car. Post where you live and perhaps there would be a 355 owner in the same area who would be willing to see the car along with you. Make sure the car has good service records - 15K service (minor), 30k service (major), oil changes, etc. Ask about the valve guides, intake headers, etc - were these replaced by stock parts or quality aftermarket parts. What is the age of the clutch, tires?
If I had wanted an NSX-like driving experience I would have kept the 355, but I wanted more of a driver's car so I went back to a 348
Hi Richard, Glad you are still enjoying the 348 Challenge -- I still can't figure out why I didn't keep that car! It looks great with the Challenge wheels, by the way.
