Hi guys, does anyone know if a 360 engine and gearbox will fit into a 348? or what about a 355 engine and gearbox into a 348? Thanks SV
I found a breakers yard that specialize in F-cars, Lambo's, etc. They have a few 355 engines and boxes, and a few 360 engines and boxes in stock. The prices were not too bad either. My 348 is a ***** to select most gears, the engine isn't really very quick - it's also smokey and rattles a lot. I love the car, but it does need some cash spending on it and I just thought if I'm going to spend some serious cash on it, why not go the whole way and get a newer, modern engine and box fitted. I know I should and could just buy a newer 360 complete and save a load of hassle, but the point is I really like my 348. I love its retro 80's, mini-testarossa looks and I would much rather have a 348 than a 360 or 355. Although, the engine and gearbox from either of these later models would be preferred.
Sounds like FUN! IMO the time and money are the challenges. Let me know if i can help with the rest. Adam
Sounds like a fun little project!! I have seen 355 gearbox bolted onto the back of a 348 engine, in a 348. That is about as far I have seen someone go I think? Would be awesome to see a 360 engine/box in a 348!! I reckon it can be done. Not too sure about how it will handle afterwards as there is A LOT involved when they design cars as I am sure you are well aware. Good luck with it mate. Keep us posted if you ever go with it.
The 348 is a transverse-mounted engine, no? Wonder if this might pose some problems. Otherwise, sounds like a great project, but if possible I would go for the 360 engine. Doesn't sound as cool as the 355, but it has more low-end power, and is easier to service. Any added costs of doing a 360 motor will probably more than make up for any problems encountered later with the notorious 355 motor. And a good 360 motor would be easier to find it would seem, just based on the production numbers. Sorry if you know all this already.
I've been thinking about putting a 360 engine in for a while and talked to a few people about it. Firstly, anything is possible. Someone put a V12 engine in a 355 so anything can be done. To put a 360 engine in, you would need also teh gearbox and ECU's. I was given a price of around £20,000 plus. Also, the fuel tank may need to be removed and replaced with double ones like teh 360 has as teh engien is longer. On the 360, you don't need to take the engine out when changing the cambelt as there is a hatch in the cabin. See pic below. I was also going to put a 355 gearbox in as well, but the AC motor gets in the way and needs to be taken out. This was confirmed by Andyhls who told me real men don't need aircon. Talked to another fferarri specialists and he told me maybe and it's a big maybe... a smaller japanese AC motor could be installed, but he wasn't 100% sure. The cheapest and easiest option would be to put a 355 gearbox/engine in, but you really aren't gaing that much horsepower. It's proabbly cheaper to upgrade the existing 348 engine. Last option and one which i am seriously considering is putting 355 plenums on the 348 engine. This will require a modified rear engine lid and supposedly an increase of 60bhp. I know someone who has done it to a 348 engine, although that engine was transplanted into a 30GT4. According to teh owners it goes like stink now. Hope the above and below helps. By the way, I'm not a mechanic so I might be talking crap. Apologies in advance if that is the case. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
The cost difference between getting a used 360 engine/box and a 355 unit is very small, so I think the 360 unit is the one I need to get the tape measure out as I think the 360 engine with it's plenums sits a bit higher that the 348, and would possibly need the engine lid cutting out/modifying. For me, the absolutely crucial thing about this project is that the 348 cannot look different to standard, so this needs investigating. Can any of you UK guys recommend anyone who could and might consider helping with this project? Thanks in advance SV
QV London or Damax would probably be able to help you. They have a lot of experience in building race cars and engine work.
Thanks mate, QV know the car well, as the previous owner had most of the service work done there. Although, DK Engineering are 2 minutes down the road from me, but to be honest I don't know too much about them. I think I'll make a few calls next week.
It was with Mike at QV I had a chat about the 360 engine in the 348. You'll be in safe hands with them. They look after my 348 as well.
That my freind is exactly why God gave us sawsalls and TIG welders and BAM! it's short enough to fit under the hood
The 360 trans is a good deal longer than a 348 or 355, therefore I believe you will have clearance trouble in the rear of the car.
