360CS or modded 360 F1?

After driving the 360CS I have convinced myself it's one of the most fun cars on the planet. However, it is rare and it is expensive. And quoting a friend of mine "would I really have the guts to take a rare and expensive car like the 360CS at the limit?". Or rather, wouldn't it be better to thrash an ordinary 360, which is much cheaper and much more easily replaced?

So, I have been thinking about what mods I can apply to a 360 in order to improve its handling and performance, but without investing the kind of money that would bring it too close to the CS. In Switzerland I can get a low mileage 2001/2002 F360 for $100K, while the cheapest CS is $160K.

I have thought of the following mods, and I am open to everyone's suggestions:

1) Larini exhaust system (with sports cats - I don't want to run catless) - everyone seems to rave about it. Does it weigh less than the original, and does it really give up to 15HP extra?

2) BMC air filters (or anything better to improve intake airflow - any suggestions?)

3) Anything for the brakes that won't cost a fortune?

4) Anything for the handling that will make the standard 360 behave more like a CS? I really care about optimising handling.

5) Road-race semi-slick tires (Pirelli PZero Corsa?).

Thanks for your suggestions
Andrea

 

I have gone this route and am very happy. I have factory race seats (huge weight saving) carbon mirrors, carbon fiber interior, carbon engine bay. I put on the Gruppe M intake with K&N filters and tubi race exhaust. I am within100 lbs of a CS and probably equal horsepower. Car is also lowered and corner balanced. CS magnesium wheels will also help.

 

I wish! They are actually counter pressure cast and relatively heavy.

 

The 18 challenge wheels are much lighter, many threads on the subject.

 

If your happy with the F1, buy a 360cs, no contest. It will retain its value and you need to do nothing to it! Its an awesome car.

 

A CS has so much more than "simple" mods. In terms of mechanical differences that are not so easily duplicated - the suspension and F1 system (mapping) are COMPLETELY different (not to mention "race" mode). The entire engine compartment has carbon pieces, the undertray/diffuser and complete aerodynamics are different, the wheels (and even lugs) are titanium light weight alloy. I won't even go into the braking system. In other words ... the list is rather extensive.

 

Maybe it's different in Switzerland but one thing to take into consideration is resale value, a CS will always be worth good $, you only get so much money back from aftermarket parts (usually). So even if you may end up spending less money up front in the long run the CS may make more sense financially.

 

^ The man speaks a mean truth.

 

Unless you have loads of track experience, don't get slicks/r-comps. Unless you are VERY quick they will not heat up to proper temp and will have LESS grip.

As far as brakes - just get some good track pads. When stock brakes fail, its because the pads have overheated! I've never heard of someone actually overdoing the rotors!

 

If you can , go for the Stradale. It is well worth it. Esp the Euro version.

 

In many cases, mods will hurt the value. A CS will always be worth way more plus you willl have the quiet satisfaction of owning an original instead of an attempt at one. I have driven one on the track and they are really no big deal compared to a properly set up race car. They can be very fun on the street however.

 

Well, the price different between the two cars in your area is about $60,000. For that money I would get a 360 and a nice Porsche Turbo.

 

there is no question about it. The CS is worth than the price of admission. The sum of the parts is much greater than a that of a modded 360.

 

Correct. However they are not the CS wheel.

 

I like this quote. That sums it up really. My argument for a modded 360 is that I would not feel "guilty" about thrashing it on my favorite mountain roads, as it would be "just a 360" - one of 17,000 and not one of only 852 like the CS is.

 

Check out these guys... www.r3motorsport.com.... they've built a ton of 360 GT type cars for customers from 360 Challenge cars, factory GT cars, and from stock Modenas. If you want a good handling 360, they can make it boogie... engine, aero, brakes, suspension, driver coaching. (I'm a customer of R3... I don't work there)

There is a simple formula that some PhD's worked out... (HandlingAbility) = ((Cash - NeedtoRecoupCashUponResale)*(Huevos))

 

That might even be huevos squared.