I have read all the archives on this subject, but wanted a current answer on people's experience. I am buying a 97 355 5.2 and it needs a new set of exhaust headers. I know Tubi does not sell them anymore, ferrari are too expensive and have their design problems. Now I saw the NAperformance headers and headers from NicksForza ferrari. What is the current status on which headers should be used for best results?thanks gordon
hey Gordon, Sorry for the "hijack" but it sounds like you "pulled the trigger" and bought something. I'm sorry I don't have much to offer on 355 manifolds as mine where tubi when I bought it (love them, but would not pay for them new). Do you have more info on what you ended up deciding on? It was a "roller-coaster" ride hearing about your search and out-of-state explorations / test drives. And of course it's time for pics- I want o see the 6'4" 275lb guy in the f-car, or at least standing next to it. I just can't imagine it... but I know you researched/drove many and must be happy. Maybe I can convince a friend or two to buy one based on your experience. Sincerely, Eric
eric, I transported the car from Kentucky yesterday to Columbus to have a ppi done on the 97 355, red/tan, 6speed. everything checked out fine, compression test was fine (all in the 170's). I will finalize the deal on monday and once this deal is done, will add capristo, test pipes, rear challenge grill, new headers, some interior leather work, engine detail, and a few other things. Car will be in the shop for a few weeks, but you can be sure I will post full story with pics once I bring it home. Yes, I will have someone take a picture of my 275+ lb, 6'4" frame stuffed into that car! I will start a new thread once everything is done... gordon
QUICKSILVER !!! $4K for the set. They Rebuild the Garbage OEM Headers with Thicker Pipes : 1.5 mm (QS)-1.2 mm (OEM) & a Higher Grade 304 Stainless Alloy. Guaranteed to pass Emissions. Problem Solved for Life !!!
QV do the same thing for around $1500 if I remember correctly. They ain't 100% pretty because they have to cut away the outer casing & then weld it back together after they've changed out the pipes - but the things work. I.
I had QV send me a set of new headers for my car. Clean product with no problems. Ferrari of S.F. has now been using there headers for an alternative as well. No complaints and cost effective. BTW..those compression numbers seem VERY LOW...I passed on 2 355's with numbers close to that after the leak down showed the engine was tired....(valve guides!!!!) The power lose continues to depreciate but is not noticable if you contunue to drive it..the car feels as though you have an extra 500lbs attached to it. Drive a car with compression in the 205+ range and threre is a NOTICABLE difference in snap and power !!! FYI Mario
On my '95 355 I have Tubi headers, Hyper-Flow cats, and the stock muffler. I like the combination of subtle sound at low rpm and that wonderful scream up high. One problem with the Tubi that I just recently discovered. They do not have the same individual "plugs" on each pipe that exists on the stock headers. Ferrari designed those in so that mechanics can run diagnostics on a cylinder-by-cylinder basis. My mechanic, Brian Crall (aka "rifledriver" on fchat), was recently doing work on my car when he explained this to me. Without these "windows" into the car's exhaust characteristics, diagnosing even something as simple as a rough idle isn't necessarily easy. Just something to consider as you look at new headers...
I thought of mentioning the Low Compression numbers also. I believe it's Gordons 1st F-Car & i didn't want to rain on his Parade. Hopefully it's not the Dreaded Valve Guide Issue.
who sells the quicksilver in the US? What are "normal" compression ratios? Maybe I wrote down the wrong numbers. I will check with the service guys again. thanks gordon
http://www.evansauto.com/index.htm They are the Distributor for Quicksilver. I couldn't find anyone else & i spoke to Numerous Mechanics, including some of our Sponsors. As far as Compression, all 8 should be & least 180+. Perhaps some of the F-Mechanics can verify. My 355 was 195-205 @ 17K, recent Major @ 12K Miles.
Gordon, if you haven't Finalized the Deal : Fax your P.P.I. results to Rifledriver ( Brian Crall ) & ask for his Expert Opinion. He is very Knowledgeable & will give you his Honest assessment. It could save you $$$ in the Future, not to mention downtime while your 355 is being repaired.I would NOT jump into a Deal.I know you are Anxious, but be Patient.
I believe the numbers were all in the high 170's (179, 179) and were pretty much all the same. They said these numbers were totally fine so nothing to worry about. THe place I took it to is a very highly regarded independent ferrari shop that has a very good reputation. 1-turbo - I did not rush into this purchase at all. I have done my homework and have been looking for the past 4-5 months, talking to countless dealers who are trying to sell these cars for ridiculous $100k+ prices, reading all the threads on the 355, and getting lots of advice on this board. When I find a good deal and it checks out OK, I go for it. I was patient from the beginning and found what I am looking for. I am only paying $70k for this car, which has a new 30k service, but needs new headers, and some interior work, etc all which should not exceed 10-12k. THen I will put on a Capristo exhaust with test pipes, rear challenge grill, etc and I should be good to go. thanks for your input! gordon
Gordon, my compression was 205 - 215 on a 16K Mile 355 when I did my 30K. Your numbers seem low and on their way down. I think a leak down would tell you more. If you do in fact contact Brian Crall...make sure you give a few $$$$'s for his opinion. I think out of respect it would be wise since he is running a business. I have been at his facility when the phone rings and my impression is that he has been abused as the Ferrari Chat resident gratis mechanic. FYI of course, not implicating you. Mario
