I have come across a wonderful looking 355 F1. Problem is: 1) The F1 gearbox does not work properly. It leaks oil, the warning light come on, it does not shift up all the time, and seem to get stuck on 3rd or 4th gear etc. 2) I don´t want an F1: I am looking for a proper manual, but having searched all kind of sites, I have not yet found THE car. However, besides the malfunctional F1 gearbox, this is the car for me. So, question is: a) Can an F1 be converted into a proper 6 speed manual ? b) At a "reasonable" price ? c) How much / what does it take ? I mean, do I need to find a manual gear box, or is it a matter of canabalising and ripping the guts out of the F1...? d) Has anyone done it before ? _Yes, I HAVE searched the formum, so all you wise guys who instantly replies to "Have you done a search" please shut up this time, thank you, and let thye thread go on with people who are willing to share their experience (again if so...)
The fix for the F1 might not be as bad as you think, if it is leaking. Could be a simply line replacement. As for swapping, I know you can do it. But by the time you are done, you will wish you hadn't. There are many parts that are slightly different. For instance, the "Sport" button on the F1 doesn't work the same as the one on the manual, it includes shift programming. Then the wheel stalk (paddles), shift linkage placement... etc.
Guess you are right. Better to keep looking for a proper manual. Sooner or later it will turn up... Anyone out there knowing about a 355 GTS Manual 98B or 99 for sale (red with beige or black interiors) ?
The question of upgrading D) an F1 to a manual has been asked and discussed before. So you may try a search to find other discussions on the subject. HTH.
Nope, the two systems are totally engineered and you cannot go from one type to the other.. The good news is there were plenty of six speed manuals made, so keep searching... Good luck!!!
I havent even got used to the 6 sp manual on a ferrari let alone a F1. Old fashioned 5 speed does it for me.
It is better to upgrade to a factory 'manual' 6-speed F355 ! Though on the probelms of that F1, fix the leaks first (probably banjo fitting gaskets or line). Then trouble shoot from there. It may or may not be worth the trouble of fixing, as it will only be an F1 after it is fixed ....... ............. !
At least wiht an M6 you can get home if the clutch is failing or the slave cylinder starts to injest air. With an F1 you are left stranded on the side of the road. But, as discussed before, and numerously: it is less expensive to sell an F1 car and buy an M6 car than to convert an F1 into an M6.
