Compiling known issues and aftermarket fixes for 355s

With all the talks about the 355 lately and having gone through all the posts from the beginning of the 348/355 forum, I wanted to start a thread (for my own knowledge) about aftermarket replacement parts for some infamous failure issues.

Using a 97~98 6-speed Berlinetta as a range of examples, I've come to realize that the 4 most prominent mechanical failure issues are Valve Guides, Headers, Cats, and Manifolds. My conclusion of all the threads read is that these issues are just a matter of time before they haunt you. It seems that there are many aftermarket fixes that seem to be better alternatives to factory OEM parts. So set the story straight, I just wanted to go over these issues hopefully with the help and knowledge of those who have actually had to deal with them.

1). Valve Guides: I've heard Kressieg makes an aftermarket unit. Does anyone know how this unit performs in relation to the factory part? Would it take care of the Valve Guide issues once and for all? How much does it usually run to have this swapped out? Are there any other brands to consider?

2). Bypass valves: Eventual wear and tear item. What aftermarket alternatives are there? I heard getting the "steel" factory OEM parts will do the job if the original part that failed was made of the brass material. Is this true? How much would it cost for the material? How much to have it installed?

3). Cats: eventual wear and tear item. Heard Hyperflow was a good choice. What are other alternatives? Does using aftermarket systems compromise passing the SMOG check (in CA)? How much for parts and install?

4). Manifolds: These eventually crack. Heard Tubi was a good but expensive choice. Are there other brands to consider? How much is material and how much to install?

Please feel free to address any other mechanical issues I might have left out.

Thanks!

 

I think you have valve guides and the exhaust bypass valve swapped.

Valve guides are in the engine - the problem lies in that the bronze alloy used
wasn't up to handling the loads placed on it, hence the guides wear, the
valves themselves no longer seal 100%, and you consume oil because it
leaks past the valve seals and guides.

The "fix" is to replace them with either properly hardened bronze guides or
sintered steel guides.

Ferrari did this as a change in the series sometime in 1998, with a specific
assembly number (guys?) being the magic one.

The Bypass valve opens the secondary ports on the exhaust from the
"short cat" Y-pipe into the muffler. I'm not sure if the Kreis-sieg valve
works with the normal exhaust system, or only with their special "F1" system.

Jim

 

I might have missed the answer to this, but we're the cars recalled by the factory/dealers for this issue? Or were people left on their own for the fix? I'm guessing then there's no real incentive to go with aftermarket choices and using the factory steel guides would be just fine? Does this fix require engine out? What does it cost on average to complete this job?

Thanks.

 

I have been told (by a dealer) that some replacements were factory sponsered and conducted "under the radar". These cars may not show the work on their service records. Most valve replacements are at owners expense since the failure occurs years after warranty expiration. Again, mechanics have told me it's not if but when they fail, so for me, it's a "must" for a car to have the work done. Also, based on annecdotal info, years '95 to '97 are affected, '98s might be depending on build date and '99s are exempt.

 

I understand the Clutch throwout bearing goes out too.

$510 for an uprated version from Ricambi:

http://www.ricambiamerica.com/product_info.php?products_id=261280

 

1. I would use the later factory guides.
2. I think the bypass valve can be rebuilt to avoid replacement. Check with ferrarioldman (Tom at Sport Auto).
3. Hyperflow, for certain. Less $$ than factory, less weight than factory, less restriction than factory, great sound, gorgeous...what's not to like? www.ricambiamerica.com
4. A lot of folks have done a refresh of their manifolds by Quicksilver. Factory heatshields and look, lifetime warranty. Also NA Performance headers, ceramic coated.