Engine on the Ferrari 355

Of course the engine will last--it's Italian isn't it?? If your worried it may break and you can't afford to fix it--stay with the Honda or I mean Acura..

 

Just put a 355 bodykit on your NSX. Then it will have good looks AND be reliable. If thats to expensive, just put Ferrari emblems on it. You'd be suprised how many locals think my car is a Porsche or a Lambo...never been called a honda though.

 

Well after those "major" issues are addressed, most of the other stuff is mostly "nuisance" items. Clutches wear fairly quickly too.

But the experiance is "priceless"!!

 

Make sure they did both sides on the valve guides if they need to be done....Make sure the racks are not leaking also......I saw a 95 coupe nice shape good cosmetics serviced up new clutch BLA BLA BLA.....ONE SIDE WAS DONE ON THE GUIDES!!!!!!TICK TOCK TICK TOCK.....15K PLEASE!!! GREAT CAR GOOD LUCK IN YOUR SEARCH THERE OUT THERE......THE GOOD ONES...BEN

 

Simply -No

Without getting into the details you are rushing what appears to be an impulse decision. This is the last marque you want to approach on a quick sketch-approach. That, you can get away w/ on the NSX it is quite forgiving. This car will require you peel the onion a bit before you understand the level of finanical commitment. You won't regret ownership if you prepare for it.

 

DUDE, not another NSX vs. F355....blah...blah...!!! As a friendly suggestion, I suggest you stick with the NSXprime if you are not ready for real prime time, or just add some lambo doors to the NSX to make it look more EXOTIC...!

 

You can drive the car all the time just know that your operating costs will be higher than an NSX. The parts and labor on a Ferrari are more than a NSX. The experience is that much more--an NSX just does not come close to the personal nature you will have with a Ferrari let alone a 355.

The comment regarding a financial obligation is true. The 355's need normal service just like all cars but cost more..Simple, the more you drive them the better they run and the less it cost to support the car.

 

Sure!! As was said above, driving mine "more" actually made it idle better and accelerate smoother. It purrs like a kitten and roars like a lion on full throttle!!

 

I think the answer to your question is all relative, the engine itself beside earlier valve guides (Myth) is quite strong. I have close to 20k miles on mine with only regular maint. and (1) timing belt change required. However, I have seen higher miles from MY99: 50k miles, and one other F355 recently on ebay with 82k miles. Being NSX is relatively easy to rack up miles, but F355 requires costly timing belt change every 30k miles. Only thing that I find Ferrari isn't good at is its emission system: check engine light and slow down light are very common occurence, but it is fairly easy to fix w/o going to the dealer. Hyper-flow, new headers, O2 sensors, and OBDII scanner, etc. Other than that, it is still one of the best sounding Ferrari, or exotic car for that matter.

 

The answer to your question is YES. The engine will be fine to 100K miles if maintained(like all engines).

 

No, actually thats not always true either - I had to get my 355 engine completely rebuilt at 20k miles because one of the connecting rod bearings spun, ruining two connecting rods (they come in balanced sets so all 8 had to be replaced) and scratching the cylinder walls.

I wish you the best of luck, but so far, I have put about 23k+ miles on my 355 and have spent close to $50k in maintenance. My story is not the same as others who have spent much less, but remember that 355s do not have the same build quality or quality control as your NSX. And if you buy an F1 transmission, be prepared to fix it at some point (full replacement is $15k).

355s are awesome to drive, even more fun and satisfying than many of the newer Ferraris, but they are not super reliable and the engine is not the only thing you have to worry about. Even if your engine lasts till 100k miles without a rebuild, the rest of the car might not.

If you want to own and drive a 355 like I do, plan on spending $5k-$10k per year maintaining it (mechanical, oil changes, tires, shocks, brakes, electrical, etc). If you can afford this, buy a 355 and it will make you very happy

 

I also upgraded from a NSX to a Ferrari. Wanted a 355 at first, the repair cost scared me a way. Do like I did and just spend the extra $20k upfront and get into a more reliable, engine-in service, 1999 360. BTW you can get a 1999 6 speed with up to date services, with mileage in the 20's for low $100's. Most cars listed for $115-$120k you can get for $10-$15k below asking price.

 

No more horror stories, you're all starting to scare me! I took the 355 leap knowing the maintenance cost wouldn't be Honda-like, but $5-10k per year and I'll get thrown out of the house!

 

Relax it shouldn't be that bad. Or you could just trade "up" to a 348...

That extra performance in the 355 is really costly. Besides you can almost bridge the performance gap in the after market and becoming a "stooge".