F360 New F1 ECU SW & Clutch Wear out | FerrariChat

F360 New F1 ECU SW & Clutch Wear out

Discussion in '360/430' started by Victor Li, Jul 7, 2009.

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  1. Victor Li

    Victor Li Karting

    Sep 1, 2008
    74
    Hong Kong
    Hi Guys,
    I am driving a 01 F360 F1 and my clutch is going to wear out soon and I need to replace a new clutch for it. But my dealer also recommend me to upgrade the latest F1 ECU software as my car is still running on old SW.
    I am wondering if there is a big difference to upgrade the F1 SW for my car as the new SW is quite costly. I know that the gear changing on the new F1 ECO on F360 will be more smooth than old one. But will it be as smooth as comparing with F430 F1?
    Also I would like to know if the new ECU SW will help to reduce the wear out of clutch as the gear changing is more smooth?

    Hope to get your advice before I can make my decision on the upgrade. Thanks.
     
  2. rustybits

    rustybits F1 Rookie
    Professional Ferrari Technician

    Jan 28, 2007
    2,509
    Somewhere, anywhere
    Full Name:
    Eddie B
    Yes, it can reduce the wear. The early unit used an "auto-set" method to aquire the P.I.S (biting point of the clutch) and it was woefully inadequate. It also meant that subsequent alterations were limited, resulting in higher clutch wear. The software in the early unit also had problems like over-zealous clutch overheat warnings etc. If you are going to do this modification you have the option of fitting the Stradale e.c.u which will give you very fast gear changes. A dealer won't sell you that though!
     
  3. P1-EH

    P1-EH Formula Junior

    Sep 10, 2007
    416
    Waterloo, Ont.
    Full Name:
    Mark
    What year did they introduce the software that didn't have this issue? I have an 04 360 Spider and expect to have to do a clutch job in a year or 2. In fact, I noticed during some 'demonstration' laps at the FCA event in Ottawa a few weeks ago that when shifting from 1st to 2nd at under 8k RPM, the gear change appeared to get stuck, and it sounded/felt like I was bouncing off the rev limiter for a second or 2 until the gearbox found 2nd. I think I've read this indicates clutch wear. Any advice?

    Thanks for your help
     
  4. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,098
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    Whats the part # on your current ECU?
     
  5. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,098
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    Not a typical symptom for worn clutch.

    Your car should have come with one of the good TCU's.
     
  6. Dem

    Dem Formula 3

    Mar 21, 2004
    1,029
    London
    Full Name:
    Dem
    Hi,

    Where can I find the TCU to check the part number?

    Thanks!
     
  7. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,098
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    In the electrical compartment behind the right side seat.
     
  8. Dem

    Dem Formula 3

    Mar 21, 2004
    1,029
    London
    Full Name:
    Dem

    Thanks mate!
     
  9. Victor Li

    Victor Li Karting

    Sep 1, 2008
    74
    Hong Kong
    Thanks, guys. If a newer F1 ECU will help the clutch wear out issue, then it worth for me to install. (it cost USD2600)
    For Stradale ECU, will it wear out the clutch faster than stock? If they are the same, then will consider to find Stradale ECU.
     
  10. 360racer

    360racer Karting
    BANNED

    Nov 19, 2008
    180
    Sydney
    Full Name:
    Carlos
    If anybody is interested, i can supply Stradale TCU's without a problem at the lowest possible price. Just PM me. I have 3 in stock at this time
     
  11. Victor Li

    Victor Li Karting

    Sep 1, 2008
    74
    Hong Kong
    Thanks for your advice on Stradale ECU. But someone told me that Stradale ECU will not work well on normal 360 Modenza. Does anyone have experience on doing that? Is there any serious problem?
     
  12. rustybits

    rustybits F1 Rookie
    Professional Ferrari Technician

    Jan 28, 2007
    2,509
    Somewhere, anywhere
    Full Name:
    Eddie B
    I've fitted a dozen or so of these over the years, with no ill effects. The trick is to find someone who knows how the system works to install it for you. As long as it's been set up properley, it really changes the way the car shifts. I've seen a couple of cars that have had this mod where the P.I.S has been set too low (for ultra quick changes) and then they fail to start from cold. No damage, just an adjustment. The software on the late '02 360's onwards were vastly improved over the earlier t.c.u's.
     

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