Does anyone have informations on the changes for each of the model year F355? I assume is from 1995-1999? Thanks
1994 - There was no Spider version, only the GTB and GTS 1994 - 1995----2.7 Motronic --- equates to little more HP 1996 -1999-----5.2 Motronic 1998 introduced the F1 trans which was not available on previous years----the cars were badged as F355, until this trans option--those cars with the F1 trans were known as 355F1 cars.. Basically the cars design was left untouched during the run. A few little changes were made over the years such as upgraded valve guides for later years, the Fiorano models were introduced as 99 Spiders only.. Is there something you were looking for specifically? There is some basic info on the registry site also--- www.ferrari355registry.com
Thank you for the detailed information, here are more questions: Was there a performance difference from 2.7 to 5.2 motronics? Does the F355 uses e-gas? Traction control? Is there issues with the 2ndary air injection (Like all 96-99 Porsche 911s)? Was there any updates to the HVAC system? Was there any updates to correct the dash board shrinking problem? Sorry about all the questions. Thanks again Robin
Others here know more than me but let me try. The 2.7 had a few more HP than the 5.2--so I guess a VERY small performance advantage in terms of HP.. e-gas? Ethanol? There are 2 different settings on the car for suspension--Normal and Sport mode. And yes there is a difference--My car in Sport mode shifts faster and is much tighter in the suspension areas than in Normal mode.. Not sure about the air injection--I do know the 2.7 motors were set up a little different in terms of the airboxes and crossover for the two sides.. Not sure about the HVAC I have not seen any problems with the dash shrikage---the sticky console pieces are a different story..
So the newer motronic had less horse power? e-gas = Drive by wire The 2ndary air injection is used to inject fresh air into the exhaust port to diluent the rich cold start exhaust. An OBD2 smog requirement, many 96-99 range model cars have check enigine lights from stuck 2ndary air injection check valves from carbon, was just curous if Ferrari had the same issues. I guess I have read about the issues for the leather on the dash board would shrink from being out in the sun, something like that.
95's have 385 hp, 96's on have 370 hp. Having had a 355 with CEL issues, I would really prefer a '95 and thus OBD1, due to the reduced sensors. The interior is the same thoughout the model range. The same dash leather and sticky parts are on the '94-'99's, including the fiorano. No HVAC differences. Other than valve guides, which is a can of worms I won't pop, there are no significant differences throughout the run of production besides the big obvious ones (F1 tranny, OBD1/2).
Throttle is cable operated. There is an air pump... Dash? Just treat the leather with conditioner a few times a year and you will be fine.
I've heard mention about some sort of change in the airbag and/or steering wheel when they made the Motronic 2.7->5.2 switch... Does that make sense to anyone here, or did I mis-read something? Orrie
I think some of the early Euro cars were airbag less--thus different look to the wheel. In the US by 94 drivers side airbag was already mandated by the Feds---I think..
mid '98 and '99 had a fuel line fix to prevent wear through a hose (I think). There was an NHTSA recall on the earlier cars to have this fixed. And I believe the 5.2 cars are rated at 380 hp, no? For that matter I don't know if Ferrari ever released 'formal' reduced HP ratings for the 5.2...
Yikes! Does that explain why that there are several 355s caught on fire for sale in salvage yards? VTC, looks like I am going to buy a 355 instead of a 348. That's was one of the "conditions" for the wife allowing me to buy a Ferrari. She thinks the "side grills" whatever you call it on the 348 is just way too old school for her. (What does she know!) Now we are having giant debates over the color. (She want yellow, I want red). Oh, one of the other condition is that one of the Porsches have to go.... And no more new toys for a long time... like no more shot gun, no more vinyl players, speakers, amps etc...... For a Ferrari, hell yeah it's worth it!!!
Somebody might sell you a yellow one, in fact, I think I even saw it hinted at that is was for sale (!!!) on the whisper market. My vote - go for RED. 1995s are a bit simpler, louder, and have more power. Those are all big +'s in my book.
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=153849 Sorry the wife is correct, yellow would be the color of choice for a 355. Just see the above thread for proof!!! I had the same stipulations too, had to sell the Firebird and no more STi upgrades. Lucky for me I've already done ALL the upgrades, and so far the 'bird is still in the garage!
That is exactly what I bought yesterday! 95 GTS, Red, Nero and Tubi...Damn I can't wait for it to arrive.
Hi Robin! Looks like another rennlister has strayed over to the Italian side. I guess the reliable German wife gets a little boring after awhile. Nothing like an Italian mistress to stroke the fire. You think p-car parts are expensive? Try f-car parts. Nope, we haven't met but your website saved me loads of cash during my 993 ownership (p-car ownership on hold now - currently putzing around in a 348). Unfortunately, there isn't one for the F355 but No Doubt set one up for the 348 (www.the348.com). Supposedly, the 348 is more DIY-able vs F355 but since I haven't taken the wrench to mine, I can't comment on this. In terms of F355, I would steer you towards a '95. While the 96-99 doesn't have the same SAI issue as the 96-98 993s, they do have the same OBDII related complications. You'll hear talk about valve guides but it appears to be a Russian roulette with no clear year or production figures that indicate whether the guides are bronze or steel (hah! welcome to Italian mfg). Exhaust header failure are almost a guarantee eventually. Since I don't own an F355, I can't comment on the ownership experience. But coming from a 993, I can tell you that f-car ownership has been a more wholesome experience for me. The sound, the feel, and the looks, even with the 348 side strakes (they look better in person). IMHO, the 993 is probably the better track car, but the 348 a better weekend car. One thing you can look forward to is that changing plugs on the 348/F355 takes about 15 minutes vs. the 10 hours on the 993. The F355 power steering is a disappointment vs. the 993's as it's a little on the vague side. The 348 has better feel but you pay for it when parking due to the lack of Power Steering. When I got my 993, I was thrilled that someone had modded it up the wazoo (inc. your trick mufflers). I've found the 348/F355 to be a more complete package from the factory (not too many suspension or even wheel upgrades). The exhaust upgrade, however, is high on everyone's list. And unlike your RSRs, Tubis or Capristos start around USD2500 upwards. The crap interior panel eventually gets cleaned up or replaced with CF pieces. A few F355 owners have started replacing their ugly airbag wheels with the newer 360 type. Unlike the 993, you also have the GTS option. The one I drove creaked and they occasionally leak. GTS is the weakest structurally but since you're in CA, the extra sun may make up for it. A few people here also own or have owned 993s. They may able to comment as to what you might expect with F355 ownership (vs. 993) Hope this helps.
Thank you for your insight on the F-car ownership, I think all of us eventually makes it to become a f-car owner. I mean that's call progress, right? And what's next, a Lambo? LOL! ducking my headl. Glad the p-car.com site was able to help you with your 993 ownership. Hopefully I will find the right car soon and be part of this brotherhood. Thanks
Red or yellow (or silver for that matter) you can't go wrong. I love Pcars but the 355 is a lot more fun. Enjoy your new car!
