Impression on 1st F355 drive-Have a few questions

Got to drive my first 355 yesterday, 96 GTS, completely stock. Took it out for a 20-minute drive in street and highway condition in all gears. Low-end torque is not too impressive under 4K rpm, even compared to my daily 540i6 or 89 911 C4. But rev to redline or downshift and you realize what everyone is raving about and what you are really paying for. The car was surprisingly easy to drive. Clutch is light and the gated shifter was easy to engage. Owner even asked if I ever owned a F-car. (I’ve only driven a TR once and a 308 a few times). Seating position is perfect for me, 5-7 and thin. Front visual is very good. Rear is very acceptable especially compared to a TR. The steering was really light, maybe too light. I made a U-turn with one hand. But the turning radius was very tight. The suspension & ride was pleasantly soft too. Which is great because I plan to lower it anyway and so it won’t be too stiff. The Top did squeak and rattled a little over uneven pavement but noise free everywhere else. I personally would prefer a GTB.


Now a few questions. After the drive, the engine bay was hot. Not a little hot, but egg frying HOT! I guess this is why the challenge grill is needed and so many headers and cats burn up. Is this the norm? Also, the oil pressure was at 30-35 at idle, normal? Overall the car drives great. It had the 30K service done and (1) manifold replaced. Can you replace only one and not the other? The price was low 60K. But I’m passing on it cause it needs some interior and exterior cosmetic help. Plus I want one with the grill and exhaust installed already. Overall a very productive & fun afternoon. I found myself liking the car a lot but not loving it where I couldn’t sleep at night. Not sure if it was this particular car or the 355 in general. I’ll keep searching and driving different 355 to get a better feel.

Warning for any others that will be test driving a F-car. When driving a F355 or any Ferrari, especially a red one, cars behind you at the light always seem to be right up on your ass. I was paranoid half the time that I was going to get rear-ended. Also, everyone seems to want to pass you or cruise with you. It is definitely an attention getter, which is why I’ll be searching for a “subtle” silver or Titanium. It’s hard to be modest in a Ferrari, I guess.
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Car is located in No CA. 19K miles-clean title in hand. $8K-30K service done by Symbolic motors at 14K miles last year. Books/tools included. have not seen Service invoice or past records. Has had front bumper & fenders replaced. Hood repaired due to accident. Passenger quarter panel has had painwork. Lower side skirts & rear bumper need repaint due to chips from rear wheels. Front bumper will need repaint soon. Interior has usual dash shrikage and sticky parts(center console, door handle). Seats look fine but carpet needs cleaning. Overall if you are looking for a daily driver that is completelyt stock, it's a decent deal. Especially since it's a GTS. I need the exhaust, C-grill and a nicer paint so i'm passing on it. PM if you want the contact info. Owner is very motivated because he has an 02 turbo he wants to get. He including a new set of tires before the sale also. Shocks may need to be checked because the light was on. May be just a reset.

 

I can assure you that it is the car I drove and i am 100% sure it is a GTS. Look carefully and you can see the lines of the roof in the front and rear. The sun is just hitting right on the roof at the time. So why would I post a pic of another car??? I didn't.

 

The soft mode was on but the light that was lit was definitley on the right. I did not take any hard corners so the shocks may have been worn. I guess it felt soft to me because I was expecting it to be stiff. Not comparing it to my 540 but to my expectations. And ride is always an objective subject anyway.

Colby, I've actually spoke with Mike M. in Sac about his 95 for a while. The only think holding me back was the color. While yellow is great, it's just not me. But if I don't find anything in a few months, I may call him back if it's still available. Then I'l can cruise with you and the Stockton crew.