Differences betwen F430 and 360 F1 Transmissions

The 360 is a very good car but the F430 is just simply better all around. You get what you pay for. If it were not worth the "premium" price, then 360's and 430's would be priced the same.

BTW: I've never seen the purpose of "auto" mode aside from valet's using it. I never use it.

 

I found that the up shifts on the 360s I test drove were much harsher, much less refined. The down shifts on the 360s were not quite as bad.

As soon as I experienced my first 430, my mind was made up.

Good luck with your decision!

 

Has anyone noticed that the F1 transmission in the F430 seems to jerk a bit under 10mph? At first I thoguht it was me, but it happened a few times. I should not that it was in automatic mode. I thought it was me, but the dealer said its normal. I wouldn't expect this from such an expensive car.

?

 

The F1 transmission in my '02 coupe is astonishingly smooth, intuitive and effortless to drive, and dead-nuts reliable. I drive it several times every week and it would clearly make a perfect daily driver. Auto mode for the SO (or other incomps) works great although most of us seldom use it. There is a persistent internet myth that auto mode eats the clutch but the simple fact is that auto mode uses the same software as normal mode paddles so there is no significant difference in clutch usage. The F1 is also much (much!) easier than a manual in heavy traffic as there is no constant pumping of the clutch peddle. Clutch engagement is easily controlled by the gas peddle so with proper technique clutch wear can be just as good as a manual as well.

My personal experience with the F430s I've driven is that they seem a bit faster shifting but not that much smoother or significantly better in any other way. The California twin clutch system is definitely far superior, but I just don't see enough difference between 360 and F430 F1s to really matter (especially with an '02 or later 360). Also, it's true there's no need to change cam timing belts periodically on an F430 but I suspect you'll find long term maintenance costs are not significantly different between a 360 and an F430.

I've found my 360 F1 supremely drivable and would highly recommend it under any circumstance, up to and including as a daily driver. There's no doubt the F430 is a great car and its F1 works wonderfully but I honestly can't say it's enough better to justify the current difference in cost. I'd suggest using the savings to keep your 360 running perfectly for the first several years instead.

 

is the F1 shifting adjustable in the 360? I've driven some that were real harsh and others that were smooth...

 

I was in the same position as you. I too felt the performance difference would not matter.
I rented a 360 for a day and put 100 miles on it. I test drove a 430 the same week. They just felt like different machines. I felt the exteriors are both beautiful. One deciding factor was the interior. I felt the 360 was starting to look dated compared to the 430. In the end I did not want to say I should of went for the 430. If you can bridge the monetary gap I would go for the 430.Updated refined technology .

 

I would expect it from such a performance car that is mostly hand built. It wasn't designed by a committee to ease the 10 mph drivers. The transmission does jerk a bit, but that's the way it goes.

Stick with the 430 transmissions. You will be getting better technology and engineering than that of the transmission in the 360. You also get the differential which can come in handy if your SO is going to be driving it.

 

Probably explained by the major TCU and software upgrade for the '02 and later F1 360s. However, I'm not sure I would describe a properly adjusted '99-'01 F1 as "real harsh" --- maybe the one you drove needed attention?

 

I would have to agree with RSQP as per the shifting of the 360 and 430. I did an update on the software of my 360 and the difference is very good. The transmission has been very adaptive since the update and drivability is much better. This is on an 02 vehicle mind you, I'm not sure of the date of the last campaign but i'm sure the dealer can let you know. On my other 360 Spider I just dropped in a Stradale TCU and the difference was very noticeable. just my two cents but experience is the best teacher...;~)

'D

 

Initially I wanted a 360 until I really started shopping, then I started comparing it with a 430. I actually like the exterior of the 360 slightly better but the interior fit and finish pales in comparison. The 430 exterior did start to grow on me as time went on however. Now it looks better all the time. The 360 interior does look a bit dated as one poster mentioned, IMHO. It is still a great car however.

I drove both and liked the 430 better. The F salesman said the F1 for the 360 doesn't shift nearly as quickly as the 430 but I only drove the 430 F1 so I cannot speak from experience here. I drove a 6 speed 430 first, then a 430 F1, then a 360 6 speed back to back. I chose trial number one.


In the end I felt I would soon be trading for a 430 if I went with a 360 as my first one. Good luck.

 

Where do you get the stradale TCU's and how much does it run?

I'm hoping there is a better source than dealers....

 

TZL- Good luck on that. Here it is. Do no know if there is anyone out there who reflashes ECUs/TCUs.

http://www.ricambiamerica.com/product_info.php?products_id=263931

Incidentally, it appears there were three F1 ECU/TCUs for the 360, changing at Assembly No. 47115 and Assembly No. 47380, plus the one for the CS. The CS ECU/TCU is way cheaper, and better, than the 360 units, it appears.

Amazing what you can find in parts catalogs.

Taz
Terry Phillips