My dad currently has an NSX and is looking to either get a 996 Turbo or a 355, and this...
My dad currently has an NSX and is looking to either get a 996 Turbo or a 355, and this (http://www.chicagomotorcars.com/web/used/Ferrari-F355-Berlinetta-F1-1999-West-Chicago-Illinois/883971/) 355 has caught his eye. Does anyone know about that particular car or the dealer? Also, is the F1 pump going to be a potential issue down the road? I have heard stories about issues with them and I just wondered how common that problem actually is. Thanks for any input.
I don't know the car. Would you be seeing it in person prior to buying? If so a PPI is a must. I would be most interested in the compression/leakdown of the engine, the condition of the F1 system/pump and possible rust.
That one caught my eye too although I am already in negotiations on a different one. Thats my favorite color on the 355. Truly beautiful car
The car would definitely be seen and test driven. What's the best way to go about having a PPI done? Sorry for the mega noob question.
Good you understood my statement even though I mistyped. I haven't had a PPI done but from what I know I would start by contacting competent shops/dealers/mechanics in the area and get a quote for a full PPI (including full engine compression and leakdown) on a F355 without disclosing what specific car you would be looking into. Make sure there are no relations between the seller and the shop you end up taking it to. From there you see the car, drive it, negotiate everything down to the price and all details PENDING a full PPI coming out clean and to your satisfaction. Once all terms are set the car is taken to the shop you chose for the PPI and it is performed. If it comes out as you like then seal the deal. If not, walk or renogotiate with the PPI as leverage.
They can't be factory shields as the only 355's with factory shields were the final 100 (or 104) 1999 355's,Serie Fiorano. All Serie Fiorano were Spiders. Factory Shields became an option at order during the 360 Modena.
You should expect to pay about $300 for a compression and leak down test. A full PPI is quite a bit more.
$700-1200 would be the range I would expect to see. Ferrari dealers would be on the high end. Independent shops in non-expensive area's (like not NYC or San Fran) would be on the low end.
Actually this is not correct. My 99 non-Fiorano has factory shields. Not sure when this became an option, but the telltale indicator is that the fenders are embossed to perfectly accept the shield. Aftermarket shields are typically adhered to a "plain" fender, like the car in the ad.
Ahh, very good to know. That clears up a question I've had about mine recently regarding a timeline of shields/non-shields being applied.
Are you sure? I have been looking at 355s for about 9 months and have seen a 95 355 with shields embossed (recessed) into the fenders. That would seem to indicate factory shields.
There are a couple of options/answers here: 1) The previous posts were technically correct - some very late 99s could be ordered with factory shields and the Fiorano editions had them. Non-Fiorano 355s with factory shields are extremely rare. 2) Option 1 - There are actually some shops that will stamp the fender so the recess is there, and drill the mounting holes to accept a "factory" shield. This is a VERY expensive way to get shields but I must admit I respect and admire anyone who goes to this length. 3) Option 2 - I believe (not sure however) you can actually purchase "replacement" fenders from Ricambi for a Fiorano that have the recesses and then purchase the factory shields ($1400+ each BTW). Again - a Very expensive way to get shields on your 355. Most people go with Yoshi shields which are as close as you can get to factory at a reasonable price. => http://yoshield.com/ Cheers
How often do F1 systems fail, whether it be the pump or the gearbox itself? Is it basically just a how hard/how often the car is driven scenario? What can be the cost of a pump replacement? Thanks again for help with questions.
People will talk about how unreliable the F1 system all day long, but I think the major failures are pretty uncommon. One of the mechanics here, can't remember which, said he's never had to open the gearbox in all his years of servicing 355s. Makes sense because it's pretty much impossible to mis-shift or grind any gears. There was a poll a while back asking how many people had to replace the pump and if I remember correctly, it was a very small number. I've had mine for over 7 years now, and at 51k miles the only issue I've had with the F1 system is the LEDs on the gear indicator started burning out, which is a fast and inexpensive fix. As for this car, I'm not positive but it looks a lot like the one the old service manager at Ferrari of Washington owned. They sold it a few years ago and I'm pretty sure it was a titanium over grey F1 car.. probably not many of those around so it could be it, which wouldn't be a bad thing.
It seems a few of you out there a 95, 98, and 99 claim to have factory embossed shields. Please post some close up pics fellas! I was unaware that these were available options for 355's other than Fioranos. Can anyone who ordered a 355 originally from the factory remember if scuderia shields were an available option at that time. Well, it seems you can learn a new thing every day.
