Popped my F355 cherry...
Discussion
Was trying to talk about this but I stupidly named the topic 'Verdi Ferrari'. Anyhoo....
Got a test drive at Verdi. Never having driven a 355 (so I drove like a granny), initial impressions were:
Great looking car, sounded superb (esp with a capristo), quick enough to have fun without being shatteringly fast (not much more than my m3 really), pretty much exactly how I thought it would be.
What was an eye opener was that it was surprisingly comfortable, with a decent driving position (was expecting something akin to an old Dino, the only other I have driven which is a nightmare), nice light controls and good visibility / driveability.
Just some questions for owners out there:
1. Is it me, or does the GTB have less room behind the seats than the GTS??
2. they seem to have next to zero torque so you need to work the engine (which is half the fun admittedly)
3. Is there a big step between a lvl 1 and 2 Capristo?
Got a test drive at Verdi. Never having driven a 355 (so I drove like a granny), initial impressions were:
Great looking car, sounded superb (esp with a capristo), quick enough to have fun without being shatteringly fast (not much more than my m3 really), pretty much exactly how I thought it would be.
What was an eye opener was that it was surprisingly comfortable, with a decent driving position (was expecting something akin to an old Dino, the only other I have driven which is a nightmare), nice light controls and good visibility / driveability.
Just some questions for owners out there:
1. Is it me, or does the GTB have less room behind the seats than the GTS??
2. they seem to have next to zero torque so you need to work the engine (which is half the fun admittedly)
3. Is there a big step between a lvl 1 and 2 Capristo?
Yip... get it bought!! 
I was initially surprised how pleasant it is in the drivers seat. I had expected something as claustrophobic as an Esprit or as intimate as an Elise. However it really is a comfortable place to be. I have the GTB and didn't pay too much attention to the GTS (the one I tested had a roof which REALLY squeeked so much that it put me right off although I now know they don't all do that) but don't recall there being much/any difference in the space behind the seats. Fabulous cars!!
I was initially surprised how pleasant it is in the drivers seat. I had expected something as claustrophobic as an Esprit or as intimate as an Elise. However it really is a comfortable place to be. I have the GTB and didn't pay too much attention to the GTS (the one I tested had a roof which REALLY squeeked so much that it put me right off although I now know they don't all do that) but don't recall there being much/any difference in the space behind the seats. Fabulous cars!!
renmure said:
I was initially surprised how pleasant it is in the drivers seat. I had expected something as claustrophobic as an Esprit or as intimate as an Elise.
There's something quite 'airy' about Ferrari interiors I think. I went in an Esprit once and it was cramped to the point of being sinister - I was half expecting someone to lift it up any minute and lower it into the ground! I've not been in a 355 but I have been in two 308s and they both felt refreshingly spacious. While the 308 certainly couldn't be described as large it felt psychologically comfortable (as well as physically comfortable) and had none of the sense of imminent mortality that the Esprit had.The 355 is definately roomy inside, although very sparse, but what else could you want in there? The CD player just adds weight as far as I'm concerned! Its got its own live orchestra in the back!
I went for the Spider and I couldn't be happier, I tried a Berlinetta but it was just too civilised (and quiet) for me. The Spider still handles so amazingly well though. And its a full manual. I tried the F1 box and found it slow and jerky.
Then engine seems to have plenty of torque all the way through, but especially at the top. But yeah these engines benefit from being revved.
And what you mean they're not that fast to be shatteringly fast.... Try revving higher next time!!!!
I went for the Spider and I couldn't be happier, I tried a Berlinetta but it was just too civilised (and quiet) for me. The Spider still handles so amazingly well though. And its a full manual. I tried the F1 box and found it slow and jerky.
Then engine seems to have plenty of torque all the way through, but especially at the top. But yeah these engines benefit from being revved.
And what you mean they're not that fast to be shatteringly fast.... Try revving higher next time!!!!
Edited by Jonty355 on Wednesday 18th June 07:26
[b]
2. they seem to have next to zero torque so you need to work the engine (which is half the fun admittedly) [/b]
Take the cat bypass valves out, this will help you in the low down revs, and also may aid you getting some nice bangs out of the exhaust.
3. Is there a big step between a lvl 1 and 2 Capristo?
Ive heard that the lvl 1 is loud and the lvl 2 is nearly deafening.... oh and the lvl 3 makes peoples ears bleed for miles around.
2. they seem to have next to zero torque so you need to work the engine (which is half the fun admittedly) [/b]
Take the cat bypass valves out, this will help you in the low down revs, and also may aid you getting some nice bangs out of the exhaust.
3. Is there a big step between a lvl 1 and 2 Capristo?
Ive heard that the lvl 1 is loud and the lvl 2 is nearly deafening.... oh and the lvl 3 makes peoples ears bleed for miles around.
Jonty355][b said:
2. they seem to have next to zero torque so you need to work the engine (which is half the fun admittedly) [/b]
Take the cat bypass valves out, this will help you in the low down revs, and also may aid you getting some nice bangs out of the exhaust.
3. Is there a big step between a lvl 1 and 2 Capristo?
Ive heard that the lvl 1 is loud and the lvl 2 is nearly deafening.... oh and the lvl 3 makes peoples ears bleed for miles around.
Not sure what you mean, take the cat bypass valves out??? the bypass valve can be wired open, but that certainly wont help you low down, thats the whole idea of the valve to increase back pressure low down in the rev range, and provide higher flow in the high end of the rev range when open.Take the cat bypass valves out, this will help you in the low down revs, and also may aid you getting some nice bangs out of the exhaust.
3. Is there a big step between a lvl 1 and 2 Capristo?
Ive heard that the lvl 1 is loud and the lvl 2 is nearly deafening.... oh and the lvl 3 makes peoples ears bleed for miles around.
You can remove the cats of course.
Ive got level 3 decatted and its not THAT loud, its very loud at full chat, but not ear bleeding by any means.
baptist said:
Jonty355][b said:
2. they seem to have next to zero torque so you need to work the engine (which is half the fun admittedly) [/b]
Take the cat bypass valves out, this will help you in the low down revs, and also may aid you getting some nice bangs out of the exhaust.
3. Is there a big step between a lvl 1 and 2 Capristo?
Ive heard that the lvl 1 is loud and the lvl 2 is nearly deafening.... oh and the lvl 3 makes peoples ears bleed for miles around.
Not sure what you mean, take the cat bypass valves out??? the bypass valve can be wired open, but that certainly wont help you low down, thats the whole idea of the valve to increase back pressure low down in the rev range, and provide higher flow in the high end of the rev range when open.Take the cat bypass valves out, this will help you in the low down revs, and also may aid you getting some nice bangs out of the exhaust.
3. Is there a big step between a lvl 1 and 2 Capristo?
Ive heard that the lvl 1 is loud and the lvl 2 is nearly deafening.... oh and the lvl 3 makes peoples ears bleed for miles around.
You can remove the cats of course.
Ive got level 3 decatted and its not THAT loud, its very loud at full chat, but not ear bleeding by any means.
And can I come and hear your lvl 3 please? Where abouts in North Yorks are you? I'll be up on the East coast around Scarborough area this weekend?
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