Ferrari F355 Buying Guide - Rolling chassis
A new undertray was also a feature of the 355, borrowing from Ferrari's Formula One experience with aerodynamics to greatly reduce lift in the 355 compared to the 348. Rack and pinion steering featured power assistance, which the previous 348 had not enjoyed. It greatly improved the everyday usability of the 355, but many felt the 355's steering was not as sensitive or as full of feel as the 348's. At 3.2 turns from lock to lock, the 355's steering is quite low-geared but makes it a better motorway and long distance cruiser than earlier Ferraris.
Searc for Ferrari 355s here
Ferrari didn't offer the 355 in the wider array of versions we're used to with newer models, but there was the Challenge race car. It came with 18in Speedline alloy wheels, rear brake cooling ducts, solid suspension bushes and competition springs, larger Brembo brakes, roll cage, fire extinguisher, racing seats, quicker steering rack and a competition clutch.
The final 100 355s made were also built with a competition-based suspension pack. Called the Serie Fiorano, these 100 cars had a wider track, stiffer springs and thicker anti-roll bars. They also had a competition steering rack, bigger brakes and some carbon fibre trim. The Fiorano handling pack was an option for all F355s, but was only standard on these last models.
Buying Guide Section Menu:
Ferrari F355 - Introduction
Ferrari F355 - Powertrain
Ferrari F355 - Rolling chassis (viewing now)
Ferrari F355 - Body
Ferrari F355 - Interior
Ferrari F355 - General experiences
Searc for Ferrari 355s here
1) Handling...
I am pretty sure that the drive train mods were more extensive than noted, but may have actually been introduced on the last few 348s. I *think* the whole drivetrain was lowered significantly, and also believe the track was changed (at least at the rear). Pretty sure the gearbox was all new too, and it's a lovely box to use.
2) Correction : These shocks had two settings - comfort and sport. There's a warning light on the dash as a tell-tale if the dampers have failed.
I don't recall a suspension warning lamp on mine. There was a damper lamp on the dash, but this indicated whether the suspension was in soft or normal modes. Which way round this worked is a mystery! On mine (a late 'B'), it was soft when the light was on. But others have noted different combos.
3) "Ferrari didn't offer the 355 in the wider array of versions we're used to with newer models"...there were pretty much the same number of models - B, GTS, Spider and Challenge. Later V8s have coupe, spider, "road race" and Challenge. Arguably the 355 had more properly "different" options...
4) "The final 100 355s made were also built with a competition-based suspension pack. Called the Serie Fiorano, these 100 cars had a wider track, stiffer springs and thicker anti-roll bars. They also had a competition steering rack, bigger brakes and some carbon fibre trim. The Fiorano handling pack was an option for all F355s, but was only standard on these last models."
This one will also get some comments. Various opinions on these cars, how many were available and where! I *think* they were all F1 equipped, and *think* they had things like sports seats. All the options could be retro-fitted to earlier cars too I think.
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