Model Year Differences - 355

HoustonCarNut · 06-03-2010, 10:17 AM

I've been looking at a couple of 6-speed 355 Spiders recently and hope to buy one soon to fulfill my dream. I'd prefer to NOT go with a 1995 due to some issues I previously read in this forum (thank you contributors!). But are there any key differences I should know about on a 1996 versus a 1997-1999?

I appreciate any guidance you can provide. Thank you!!

285ferrari · 06-03-2010, 11:24 AM

1996-1999 are basically the same car-Few options in the later cars, F1 trans, Shields, etc-Why are you shying away from the 95 model?

ECSofVirginia · 06-03-2010, 11:31 AM

Realisticly the cars are very similar and suffer from the same issues from 94-97. Supposedly the valve guide concearn was solved for 98 and 99 model year cars. The 99's received updated engine electronics, better valve guides and better clutch parts. Most of the earlier cars of received these updates by now (except the elctronics) so if you come across a pre-99 with good service hostory you could be fine.

355dreamer · 06-03-2010, 01:57 PM

95s are superior IMHO. Many others would agree.
Either way, buy a car with new headers and valve guides already installed, regardless of the year. They are all susceptible to issues no matter what you read on internet forums.

285ferrari · 06-03-2010, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ECSofVirginia

Supposedly the valve guide concearn was solved for 98 and 99 model year cars.

Not...

ECSofVirginia · 06-06-2010, 09:03 AM

I agree, last I read through my workshop books all the cars were listed as having "copper alloy" guides. They are all susceptible to the issue although there are less documented guide problems in 98-99's. The best thing to do really is buy one of these for the lowest price you can ever find, have the motor pulled and gone through, update the headers and have the SR Innovations connector kit installed. The you will have solved most of the know issues immediately, with no question.

Andrew · 06-06-2010, 09:47 AM

I don't recall the exact model year they switched but some of the earlier F355s had a dual air intake vs the Y-pipe on the later. The dual will give you a little extra power (~10 bhp)

bst1 · 06-06-2010, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew

I don't recall the exact model year they switched but some of the earlier F355s had a dual air intake vs the Y-pipe on the later. The dual will give you a little extra power (~10 bhp)

All 1995's (some were made in 1994) have OBD1 electronics and dual intake, and the resultant 10 hp. Starting 1996 year, all were OBD2 and air intake had Y.

06-03-2010, 10:17 AM	#1
HoustonCarNut Owner Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Houston, Texas Ferrari Life Posts: 73 Name: Jim Webster	Model Year Differences - 355 I've been looking at a couple of 6-speed 355 Spiders recently and hope to buy one soon to fulfill my dream. I'd prefer to NOT go with a 1995 due to some issues I previously read in this forum (thank you contributors!). But are there any key differences I should know about on a 1996 versus a 1997-1999? I appreciate any guidance you can provide. Thank you!!

06-03-2010, 11:24 AM	#2
285ferrari Owner Sponsor Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: East Coast Ferrari Life Posts: 386 Name: Robbie	1996-1999 are basically the same car-Few options in the later cars, F1 trans, Shields, etc-Why are you shying away from the 95 model? http://stickynomore.com/

06-06-2010, 09:47 AM	#7
Andrew Administrator Elite Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: San Francisco Ferrari Life Posts: 6,188 Name: Andrew	I don't recall the exact model year they switched but some of the earlier F355s had a dual air intake vs the Y-pipe on the later. The dual will give you a little extra power (~10 bhp) AvidSquare \| Drivers Network

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06-03-2010, 11:31 AM	#3
ECSofVirginia Master Mechanic Sponsor Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Ashburn, VA Ferrari Life Posts: 477 Name: Josh Hill	Realisticly the cars are very similar and suffer from the same issues from 94-97. Supposedly the valve guide concearn was solved for 98 and 99 model year cars. The 99's received updated engine electronics, better valve guides and better clutch parts. Most of the earlier cars of received these updates by now (except the elctronics) so if you come across a pre-99 with good service hostory you could be fine.

06-03-2010, 01:57 PM	#4
355dreamer Owner Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: MAR Ferrari Life Posts: 693 Name: L.C.	95s are superior IMHO. Many others would agree. Either way, buy a car with new headers and valve guides already installed, regardless of the year. They are all susceptible to issues no matter what you read on internet forums.

06-06-2010, 09:03 AM	#6
ECSofVirginia Master Mechanic Sponsor Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Ashburn, VA Ferrari Life Posts: 477 Name: Josh Hill	I agree, last I read through my workshop books all the cars were listed as having "copper alloy" guides. They are all susceptible to the issue although there are less documented guide problems in 98-99's. The best thing to do really is buy one of these for the lowest price you can ever find, have the motor pulled and gone through, update the headers and have the SR Innovations connector kit installed. The you will have solved most of the know issues immediately, with no question.