What's the real danger in driving a 355 with a cracked exhaust manifold

Everyone will say I'm an jerk-off..... but personally, I'd suggest parking the car and getting it fixed properly. Patience is critical in the Ferrari game, because impatience always costs more.

I know from experience... my 348 is grounded for other reasons too -- despite the fact the engine runs and gears shift.

 

BTW: You live in Bruges? How cool !! I sure miss those yummy (and very juvenile) Suzy sugar waffles from the grocery.

 

I heard the ticking sound, knew the header was going out, and at a Concoursa/track day soon after I knocked a chunk out of a valve. It did need the valve guide redo at that time, but always thought the exhaust issue was the final straw. After new guides, redoing the heads, and getting the QV manifold fix, I have had 2 years of 355 bliss with no issues (knock on aluminum).
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Hi Rik,

This was the same scenario when I bought my 98 355 F1 spider. After the PPI, both manifolds were cracked and needed repair. I bargained down the price for replacements (QV of london rebuilds) and it took about a week or so to get them in. I drove my car during that time and enjoyed the car. Nothing happened to the car during that time. However, I did not beat on it since I was careful. With that being said, I did not baby it either.

I guess it depends on how comfortable you are with driving it.

Theo

 

I would not risk it....though the damage may not be readily apparent, it is possible (though slight) it may weaken something or create damage that could have longer term consequences. I would error on the side of safety and wait.

 

I would suspect that the crack didn't develop 10 seconds before you bought the car . The prior owner likely put many miles on it in its current condition...

 

^^ I agree with Bo. However, the best possible outcome is that nothing gets worse. If that's the "best possible outcome", it just doesn't seem prudent, in my opinion, to drive. The "worst possible outcome" is the kind of problem that'll make your Ferrari experience short-lived, and quite painful financially.

With QV London so close to Belgium (compared to us in the Colonies), I'd just send it there and then drive with confidence when it's all buttoned up.

 

Rik, glad to hear you bought a car. Is this the one you were telling me about that was located in the UK? I will be in Antwerp again the later part of October, I'll give you a call. Enjoy your car, they are hoot to own.

RL

 

If the exhaust header is merely cracked a little bit, then have your local welder seal it up. It's just metal. You can easily fix it. Then drive it. Won't take 2 hours. Won't cost 100 Euros.

However, if the exhaust header is "melted," then you'll need a more professional (read: expensive and time consuming) repair.

 

Main problem that can occur from driving the car with the cracked manifold is that you can burn exhaust valves. I suggest replacement as soon as possible. Tubi makes a very nice header replacement for the 355 that is a little better priced that the OEM and just as good (if not better).


best regards, Jim

 

don't spoil the Ferrari ownership experience by wrecking the engine because of impatience, dude. distance makes the heart grow fonder, and a well-sorted engine will make the heart fall in love all over again. Fix it, and rev it to the redline with full confidence, until something else breaks... man, I love the 355

 

Park it until repaired.

Dave

 

If you feel like spending "quality time" with the car. You can do what a few others on here do instead of driving it......... ........... and detail it inside and out to no end... !!!!!

 

I concur. There's nothing more nerve-wracking than driving a Ferrari while worrying about Something Bad happening.

Also, you negotiated for the car based on the manifold crack, so IMO you should honor your own 'commitment' and take care of it.