In the market for an F355, valve guides | FerrariChat
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In the market for an F355, valve guides

Discussion in '348/355' started by mcfeeley, Nov 18, 2013.

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  1. mcfeeley

    mcfeeley Rookie

    Oct 23, 2013
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    Stuart
    #1 mcfeeley, Nov 18, 2013
    Let me first begin by saying this will be my first F-car and that I am a total noob to Ferrari. Current P-car 993 owner and have lusted over a F355 for years, so I began perusing the internet in search of preferably later model F355 Berlinetta. I have decided to go the F1 transmission route, but what I am really concerned about is the valve guide issue with the cars. I currently have one in my sites and it is a '99 model with less than 16,000 miles.

    My questions: Should I be concerned about the valve guides considering it is a later model, or does it really matter and it is just one of those things that eventually will fail? Should I just go with an earlier car with higher mileage that has already had the work done?

    Please lend me your knowledge.
    Thank you.
     
  2. treedee3d

    treedee3d F1 Rookie

    Apr 1, 2011
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    #2 treedee3d, Nov 18, 2013
    Don't let Fchat scare you, many will come on saying "Stay away" from a 355 unless the valve guides have been changed and it's not true. If the car runs well and the price is good, buy it and enjoy it!

    There are plenty of high mileage 355s from all years still on the road doing just fine....
     
  3. tazandjan

    tazandjan Three Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jul 19, 2008
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    #3 tazandjan, Nov 18, 2013
    Stuart- Have a leak down check performed and that should give you a warm and fuzzy feeling the guides are fine. And the odds are very high that the guides are good.
     
  4. mike_747

    mike_747 Formula Junior

    Dec 15, 2008
    794
    Seattle
    #4 mike_747, Nov 18, 2013
    Ditto. Have the compression checked as well as the leak down.
     
  5. Chupacabra

    Chupacabra F1 Rookie
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    #5 Chupacabra, Nov 18, 2013
    +3! Inspect it, buy it, enjoy the hell out of it!

    As a fellow 993 owner, I can promise you that a 3x8 series car is a great compliment and contrast.
     
  6. 05011994

    05011994 Formula 3
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    May 1, 2004
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    #6 05011994, Nov 18, 2013
    +1 have it checked, valve guides have failed all the way through the production range including a Fiorano, but not to the level the horror stories you read here would have you believe. Less likely in later years, but still possible. Pay for a good PPI, check compression and leak down, if good buy and enjoy it!
     
  7. gothspeed

    gothspeed F1 World Champ

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    #7 gothspeed, Nov 18, 2013
    +1 ... on the advice above ...... then buy it and 'sort it', if it is not already ... upgrades and mods are a great way to 'bond' with a 355 ... :)
     
  8. RS6bird

    RS6bird Formula Junior

    Mar 20, 2006
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    #8 RS6bird, Nov 19, 2013
    All good advice. If leak down is OK, then the valve guides should be fine. Check when the last major was done, and if the stickies (if there are any) have been corrected. Also, budget on headers which will be needed, probably sooner than later. Once these things are clear, drive it!
     
  9. stevew3765

    stevew3765 Formula Junior

    Oct 27, 2012
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    #9 stevew3765, Nov 19, 2013
    And please hurry!!! I need a driving buddy....lol
     
  10. mcfeeley

    mcfeeley Rookie

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    #10 mcfeeley, Nov 19, 2013
    Thanks guys, for the responses. Everything has checked out on the car so far, and the PPI will be the final item to perform.

    Is there a place that you guys recommend out near the Pasadena CA area?
     
  11. Markphd

    Markphd Formula Junior

    Mar 10, 2012
    713
    #11 Markphd, Nov 24, 2013
    Just my 2 cents, there should be a leak down test as part of any PPI.

    Additionally, the valve guides are worth being concerned about, but not paranoid over... I say that because they are an expensive bit to have to replace. Ring issues, valve guide issues, or anything else that results in the rebuild of the F355 motor is not going to be an inexpensive proposition. If they aren't a problem now and the car has some significant miles on it, they shouldn't become a problem soon.

    If want a 355, buy the best maintained and documented one you can find, UNLESS you are a serious DIY kind of guy. I might add, this is not the easiest car to work on. I have spent quite a bit of time cursing at things like header bolts. :)
     
  12. mathewr

    mathewr F1 Rookie
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    #12 mathewr, Nov 30, 2013
    Mcfeely,
    Did you close the deal on the silver 355 Coupe in Pasadena, CA?
    Owner say's the car has been sold, hope it was you.
    This was by far the best car on the market.
     
  13. 355redcar

    355redcar Karting
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    Feb 21, 2013
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    #13 355redcar, Nov 30, 2013
    it don't mean squat ,I have 1995 with 35k miles , no problem drives every day
    you can get a newer f355 with lots of different problems,

    just be careful with what you buy
     
  14. mathewr

    mathewr F1 Rookie
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    #14 mathewr, Nov 30, 2013
    Congrats to you.
    The car in question is an FCHAT car with excellent history.
    Thanks for telling us about your car though...
     
  15. mcfeeley

    mcfeeley Rookie

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    #15 mcfeeley, Dec 2, 2013
    Yes it is the silver one in Pasadena. Everything looks great so far. Looking to get it ASAP. Will post photos when it arrives.

    Thanks for all the comments.
     
  16. ssnowball

    ssnowball Formula Junior
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    Oct 28, 2013
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    #16 ssnowball, Dec 2, 2013
    Congrats, I too looked at that little silver beauty, she was beautiful.

    Enjoy!
     
  17. mathewr

    mathewr F1 Rookie
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    #17 mathewr, Dec 3, 2013
    Seller says its sold, did you buy it?
     
  18. mcfeeley

    mcfeeley Rookie

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    #18 mcfeeley, Dec 5, 2013
    Yes, purchased and now it is a waiting game for delivery...
     
  19. Markphd

    Markphd Formula Junior

    Mar 10, 2012
    713
    #19 Markphd, Dec 6, 2013
    Congrats... The 355 is a fantastic car for the street.
     
  20. wrk2ownCT

    wrk2ownCT Karting

    Nov 30, 2012
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    #20 wrk2ownCT, Dec 6, 2013
    PHOTOS TO US UPON DELIVERY? :)
     

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