Newbie Question: F1 trannys 360 vs 355

Doing some research here.

Considering the issues people have experienced with the 360 F1s, what's the mechanical relationship between the F1 box on the 360 and the 355? Same transmission? What about problems?

Should I skip over an F355 with an F1? I certainly don't mid a reg. manual transmission, but I do see a lot of F1 cars for sale. I don't want to mess with a problem like that with a vehicle that's way out of warranty.

Thanks,

Music Guy (Remix)

 

The 360 tF1 trans is 100% better then the 355..newer technology. But there are problems with both cars in this area. You just have to do your research on a per car basis to find out if any of the ones you are looking at have had issues in the past,and how they were repaired. Again a service history is very important to avoid problems.'

But like anything that gets older,things will go wrong. So just remeber that these trannys will be expensive to fix. As long as you are prepaired to feed the beast then go ahead and buy which ever one you like the best.

 

355 F1 transmission is a bit jerkier than the 360 unless you feather the gas pedal when shifting, throttle blips when downshifting less convincing (especially 3rd-2nd on the 355). The 360 went through several design changes through its life though, so not all 360 were born equal.
However, in polishing things, the 360 has the reputation to be a clutch chewer, my belief is that 355 F1 clutches last noticeably longer (assuming comparable usage patterns).

 

I would actually buy an F1 in the 355, and go with a 6-speed in a 360. Why? The 360 has drive-by-wire technology that makes throttle input incredibly sensitive, a major factor in not-so-smooth starts with the F1. Also, the 6 speed box in a 360 is perhaps the best I have ever shifted.

With a conventional throttle in the 355, starts from stop are a lot smoother with the F1, and more mechanical feeling, which I prefer.

Bottom line.........it all comes down to personal preference.

 

You took the words right out of mouth...thanks b/c I suck at typing.

Cheers,

Todd

 

Not sure if the 360 as a clutch chewer is a justified reputation. A reputation of hearsay by people who don't even own the car (ie. "I heard that..."). There are quite a few of us still have the original clutches in our cars as noted in other threads. And we DRIVE our cars. I have nearly 30,000 miles in mine.

 

Starts are much smoother in Sport Mode. A firm foot and smooth application of pressure is required on the throttle.