Clarification on 355 valve guide/headers... | FerrariChat
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Clarification on 355 valve guide/headers...

Discussion in '348/355' started by 88MONDIAL, Dec 9, 2011.

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  1. 88MONDIAL

    88MONDIAL Formula 3

    Apr 13, 2005
    1,052
    Racine, Wisconsin
    Full Name:
    Jim Smith
    #1 88MONDIAL, Dec 9, 2011
    So is this correct, just want to make sure in case next year I'm in the market or something, but for the 355 - if the headers are replaced with aftermarkets, then they are set, it's only the OEM that will fail on you? Also, what exactly is the issue with the valve guides I have read about? If I remember if they are fixed, does that solve that problem or in time are they fairly certain to fail again? Also, if I remember, 1999's aren't prone to the valve guide issue from the factory.
    Thanks for the clarifications, as years go by you tend to forget the little nuiances of each model a tad. :)

    Also, are there any other problematic areas on the 355's beyond those 2, I don't recall.
     
  2. GerryD

    GerryD Formula 3

    May 5, 2010
    2,446
    North of TO
    Full Name:
    Guido
    #2 GerryD, Dec 9, 2011
    -The aftermarket headers will not fail if they are not insulated but your engine compartment gets too hot and will eventually cause failures in various parts such as the alternator and premature fading in all painted parts.
    -Any header you use should be insulated to keep the heat in and send it out the pipes.Tubi is the only real choice here unless one is too cheap and then looks for excuses to buy the other crap that has been talked about often in here.
    -The reason the OEM insulated pipes fail is because the cats and bypass valve hold back too much exhaust heat and cause the pipes to heat up too much and cool eventually cracking them at the bends and they are also made of low grade SS. This causes inrichening of the fuel in that bank, fuel that wont be burned off thus leading to premature piston liner failure and huge money in engine work. Tubis last longer and maybe for life because they are made of better SS than the OEM. My experience has been that if you get rid of the bypass and cats early in the cars life, the OEM headers will last many many years.
    As for the valve guides, there are many stories but the brass guides may not be the real problem. I think that some guides were not sized properly for some cars. Some have had their stainless guides go too and some have found brass guides in their 99 model years. My advice is to realize that sooner or later you will more than likely have to do the valve guides. This is a small price to pay for one of the greatest Ferraris ever made. The best one being a 95 2.7 for various reasons also discussed here in the past.
     

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