New 355 owner, a few questions

You can run the pressure anywhere in between the suggested pressure for the OE tires up to the max printed on your sidewalls, whatever feels better to you.

When I wash the car I simply avoid spraying much water on the engine lid, others may be more paranoid and cover the engine, but I'm not.

If you ask me NO oil dripping on the ground (or even weeping from the engine or anywhere on the car) is acceptable to me - again others may feel differently.

If you mean the windshield has permanent white or opaque spots, then I have seen one other car with it - not a good sign.

Freeplay is about 1" or so - you can read the specified limits in the service manual.

As far as lighting goes, I chose to put HID/xenons in my car, I use them in every car I own since there is no easier way to get even close the the light output - I used 55W HID in the fogs and low beams -I'll probably do the high beams too at one point. You could also install the Silverstars you mention, it's just that 10% more light doesn't do it for me, again - there will probably be those who disagree and say that you should only use HID's in a housing made for them - I say enjoy the darkness...

 

never wash a 355, only wipe it down...washed mine once!
I run 30 lbs in my pilots
F cars are not known for leaking oil
I have silverstars in my 99, going to HID tho

 

If you have an adjustable nozzle, set to spray a light mist when you rinsing of that area, a little bit of water won't kill it...you could also cover the engine cover with a plastic bag to keep the water out

 

I installed xenon (HID) headlights in my 96 355. It is relatively easy. I'm local and would be happy to help install them. It is all plug and play, no modifications necessary.

Here is my thread: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=296834&highlight=headlights

 

To wash the car and keep the engine dry I use an old blanket folded to cover the engine.
then use minimal water for the engine cover. the blanket will soak up the water.
Just remember to remove the blanket prior to starting the engine

 

Congrats on the car. I saw it on the FOW website and it looked very nice.

Although I don't have Michelins, I took the average pressures listed for the Spider's tires from the owners manual and run those pressures. It is something like 34F/32.5R cold.

As far as protecting the engine when washing the car, I do not subscribe to the flip notion of "oh it won't melt if it gets wet." It might not melt, but it may corrode, rust or throw CEL's. I cover my engine bay by taping contractor garbage bags over it with painter's tape. I sometimes stuff plastic grocery bags in the side air intakes as well. If you are extremely finnicky you can wrap the taillight connectors and the cat ECU's (particularly the passenger side ECU since it is low and in the water's drainage path.

I don't like any oil leaks and try to fix any leaks asap. You could be correct that colder weather may cause leaks (seals and gaskets shrinking) but I am doubtful any seal "adapts" to colder temps.

My clutch has very little play before providing a very positive feel. Check the WSM for exact specs.

I can't speak for the HID conversion but it does seem like a tasteful & practical upgrade. I almost never drive this car at night (bugs & idiots come out) so headlights have not been a priority.


Good luck

 

What's the correct air pressure for Michelin tires?

The answer to this question depends on how the car is set up, how your drive, and what you want the car to communicate back to you.

I have my car setup so that 34 PSI is optimal for street driving and 32 PSI is optimal for track driving. The tires last a long time, and all 4 become slicks within a few hundred miles of each other. This is done with ride heights, corner weighting, and suspension alignments. In my care, the measurements are all at factory spec.

What's the best way to wash the car without drowning the engine

The 3 bucket method. There is a detergent bucket filled with water and detergent. There is a second bucket wiht water and a third bucket with water. Dip towel in detergent bucket, was a small spot on the car (4 sq-ft), take dirty towel and rinse in second bucket, then take partially clean towel and do a second rinse in the third bucket. When the second bucket becomes dirty, dump it and refill with fresh water and make it the third bucket.

To wash the bonnet (engine cover) dip towel in detergent, wring gently, wash a small area on the bonnet, rinse, re-rinse, dip in detergent and clean another small spot. You might get a few drops in the engine bay, so afterwards, go after 'em with a clean towel with water.

With the season change and the wider variation with outside temps what's acceptable in regards to oil dripping under the car after sitting a week?

Ferrari's don't drip oil. Ferrari's that do drip oil actually CAN be fixed with gaskets (unlike some other Italian brands.)

For some of my previous non-xenon cars that I've owned I've gone the Sylania Silverstar route with great success. I see that's not possible on a '97 355. Any other ideas on improving lighting or it is what it is.

Never had a problem with the stock lighting myself.

 

Wouldn't worry about getting water on the engine. If you're out when it rains it'll get soaking wet anyway. Pretty sure Ferrari planned for this...

 

I thought I was the only one.

I mean really...do u think that F355's pulled in for a pit atop when it started raining during the races???

It's a ****ing car. I'm anal about ALL my cars...but I just wash it like I do my Lexus.

 

+1. This is a car and the motor is sealed against the elements.
If you have electrical issues after washing the car then its time to replace the defective connectors,seals, ect.
I wash the car the same way I wash any car and soap up / hose down the motor to clean the engine compartment from dirt or dust buildup (as needed).

 

Wash carefully like any other vehicle, then run the engine on a 20+ min drive!