New F355 with Photos - Capristo or Stock Exhaust?
Discussion
So, after much deliberation, I've finally bought a (new to me) December 1997, F355 Spider with 33k miles on the clock - See photos below.
I've looked back through the car's service history and see that a Capristo exhaust was fitted in 2018 (around 2,00 miles ago), then, following a change of ownership, I see within the service history again, that the following later owner chose to have the Capristo exhaust removed and the stock exhaust re-fitted back to the car.
I was actually planning on fitting a Capristo, but I'm now wondering why the last owner chose to have it removed and return to stock - Are the Capristo exhausts an acquired taste perhaps, and are owners divided on this decision?
I would be very grateful to hear different opinions to help me decide whether or not to reinstate the Capristo.
Many thanks
Allister
Photos here:
I've looked back through the car's service history and see that a Capristo exhaust was fitted in 2018 (around 2,00 miles ago), then, following a change of ownership, I see within the service history again, that the following later owner chose to have the Capristo exhaust removed and the stock exhaust re-fitted back to the car.
I was actually planning on fitting a Capristo, but I'm now wondering why the last owner chose to have it removed and return to stock - Are the Capristo exhausts an acquired taste perhaps, and are owners divided on this decision?
I would be very grateful to hear different opinions to help me decide whether or not to reinstate the Capristo.
Many thanks
Allister
Photos here:
Edited by Mulsanne-Speed on Monday 31st March 08:32
That looks lovely!!
I had a Tubi system on my F355 and Capristo on my F360 Spider. Obviously different cars but the Capristo was far more of a high pitched scream whereas the Tubi was a deeper more powerful roar. On balance I preferred the Capristo. I thought both standard exhausts were underwhelming in comparison but when I sold the 360 the first thing the new owner did was refit the original exhaust so clearly it’s a very subjective and individual thing.
I had a Tubi system on my F355 and Capristo on my F360 Spider. Obviously different cars but the Capristo was far more of a high pitched scream whereas the Tubi was a deeper more powerful roar. On balance I preferred the Capristo. I thought both standard exhausts were underwhelming in comparison but when I sold the 360 the first thing the new owner did was refit the original exhaust so clearly it’s a very subjective and individual thing.
The owner who removed the Capristo might have thought it was too loud or simply wanted the car to be "original". I'd say it's very much a personal choice. They sound great to me.
Interesting to note, from your pics, that it has a Mondial T/348/512TR style steering wheel. Early 355s had an elegant three-spoke wheel but later examples had a hideous, numb-looking four-spoke airbag wheel that looked like it belonged in a large American barge or SUV. Understandable that it's been swapped out but I'd have gone for the early 355 non-airbag wheel personally.
Interesting to note, from your pics, that it has a Mondial T/348/512TR style steering wheel. Early 355s had an elegant three-spoke wheel but later examples had a hideous, numb-looking four-spoke airbag wheel that looked like it belonged in a large American barge or SUV. Understandable that it's been swapped out but I'd have gone for the early 355 non-airbag wheel personally.
They are very loud and an acquired taste not my cup of tea admittedly. I knew someone who had it on his F430 and whilst it sounded great when launching it, I wouldn't be able to live with it. I changed the headers to Challenge OEM on my F430 (everything else is stock) and that's marginally louder and different and even that can be too much for my delicate lugs on a long run. One 458 driver behind me even commented on it and thought I'd changed the whole system. Horses for courses I guess.
Edit: forgot to say congrats - congrats on the car, lovely looking thing!
Edit: forgot to say congrats - congrats on the car, lovely looking thing!
Edited by Batfoy on Saturday 29th March 18:43
What a beautiful car ! Looks even better not being red in my opinion, congratulations.
Id love to have a drive in one of these - I love classic cars and classic Ferraris but I always wonder if they are actually good to drive or just good to reminisce/look at !
Ive a 488 at the moment which is pretty bonkers and Id love to buy something like your 355 as a longterm keeper
Id love to have a drive in one of these - I love classic cars and classic Ferraris but I always wonder if they are actually good to drive or just good to reminisce/look at !
Ive a 488 at the moment which is pretty bonkers and Id love to buy something like your 355 as a longterm keeper
Congrts...that looks fantastic!
Its the exact same spec as my first Ferrari 355 spider ( if Le Mans Blu ).
I fitted a tubi to that and had too much resonating afterwards; regretted that.
Next F355 spider was a fiorano handling pack one which after a wee while l I fitted a capristo level 2 as everyone says 'you really have to'.
It was fun for a while but after about 30 mins of each drive, I was fed up with the noise; if you have passengers there's no conversation either....regretted that decision also.
My tuppence worth is the standard exhaust is pretty near good enough.
Everyone is different; i have avoided Lambos as I have no desire for the constant noise.
Whatever you decide, enjoy.
Its the exact same spec as my first Ferrari 355 spider ( if Le Mans Blu ).
I fitted a tubi to that and had too much resonating afterwards; regretted that.
Next F355 spider was a fiorano handling pack one which after a wee while l I fitted a capristo level 2 as everyone says 'you really have to'.
It was fun for a while but after about 30 mins of each drive, I was fed up with the noise; if you have passengers there's no conversation either....regretted that decision also.
My tuppence worth is the standard exhaust is pretty near good enough.
Everyone is different; i have avoided Lambos as I have no desire for the constant noise.
Whatever you decide, enjoy.
Thank you wheelspinning for your interesting take on this and also thanks to everyone else for your kind comments and opinions, which is exactly what I wanted to hear.
The colour is actually Blu TDF, which has apparently evolved into a slightly lighter shade over recent years. Not a lot between that and Le Mans Blu though from what I can tell.
I have seen and heard the Capristo on several YouTube clips and I have to say, I do like the F1 type sound produced through the Capristo, but could that become a bit too much after a while as wheelspining says, possibly, but then again, this is not a "daily" so maybe that's OK.
I think I will have to give it a few months of ownership and see if I feel the stock exhaust is adequate, or if the engine sound would benefit further from a Capristo.
Also, good point made about the exhaust being considered a modification by insurers - Has anyone advised insurers of this, and does it significantly affect the premium?
Regarding the steering wheel, apparently it's a 348 Steering wheel...... The original is still being supplied together with the car shoud I wish to change back. This replacement was bought as a new part 2 years ago, showing an invoice value of £1,750!
Thank you all once again.
The colour is actually Blu TDF, which has apparently evolved into a slightly lighter shade over recent years. Not a lot between that and Le Mans Blu though from what I can tell.
I have seen and heard the Capristo on several YouTube clips and I have to say, I do like the F1 type sound produced through the Capristo, but could that become a bit too much after a while as wheelspining says, possibly, but then again, this is not a "daily" so maybe that's OK.
I think I will have to give it a few months of ownership and see if I feel the stock exhaust is adequate, or if the engine sound would benefit further from a Capristo.
Also, good point made about the exhaust being considered a modification by insurers - Has anyone advised insurers of this, and does it significantly affect the premium?
Regarding the steering wheel, apparently it's a 348 Steering wheel...... The original is still being supplied together with the car shoud I wish to change back. This replacement was bought as a new part 2 years ago, showing an invoice value of £1,750!
Thank you all once again.
Edited by Mulsanne-Speed on Saturday 29th March 19:46
Beautiful car, many congratulations on your new your new toy. A mate of mine was going to look at that car but you beat him to it! Well bought.
Another reason the exhaust is taken off and goes back to stock is these are circa £5.5k+ brand new with capristo valve and the remote valve controller as a package. Valve controller is a must as it switches to loud all the time if you want (valve open) or can switches to loud only on valve opening under acceleration (as per stock). They are therefore worth a few quid second hand. Ferrari are also unlikely keen to sell a car that’s not stock.
I bought my LM Blu / crema spider a year ago and fitted the full capristo system. No regrets and for me a 355 fitted with a capristo or tubi transforms the car. I’ve had 9 355 over the years but always wanted a blue one. 355 in blue are pretty rare. Enjoy!
Another reason the exhaust is taken off and goes back to stock is these are circa £5.5k+ brand new with capristo valve and the remote valve controller as a package. Valve controller is a must as it switches to loud all the time if you want (valve open) or can switches to loud only on valve opening under acceleration (as per stock). They are therefore worth a few quid second hand. Ferrari are also unlikely keen to sell a car that’s not stock.
I bought my LM Blu / crema spider a year ago and fitted the full capristo system. No regrets and for me a 355 fitted with a capristo or tubi transforms the car. I’ve had 9 355 over the years but always wanted a blue one. 355 in blue are pretty rare. Enjoy!
Edited by Rari on Saturday 29th March 22:44
Thank you Supersport and Rari for your kind words.
Yes Rari, from what I understand there was a lot of interest after I'd bought the car. I thought there might be, so for this reason I paid a deposit immediately without seeing it and then quickly paid the full balance outright to secure.
Your Le Mans Blu / Crema also looks beautiful. I would have been more than happy with either colour LMB or TDF, but as you say, F355's in this colour are very rare, with these small numbers being reduced even further if you want Crema or Tan.
Thank you for your info and experience of the Capristo which is good to hear. I think I will almost certainly end up re-fitting a new one
Yes Rari, from what I understand there was a lot of interest after I'd bought the car. I thought there might be, so for this reason I paid a deposit immediately without seeing it and then quickly paid the full balance outright to secure.
Your Le Mans Blu / Crema also looks beautiful. I would have been more than happy with either colour LMB or TDF, but as you say, F355's in this colour are very rare, with these small numbers being reduced even further if you want Crema or Tan.
Thank you for your info and experience of the Capristo which is good to hear. I think I will almost certainly end up re-fitting a new one
that looks lovely
I always wanted to fit a challenge "no noise limit" exhaust to my 355 (I had to sell it before getting around to that). It would have been very loud though without cats (you can keep those, mine were removed at the time) and the challenge exhaust fitted. I probably would not do it anymore now as my dog could not come along in the car (actually I probably would and just leave the dog at home ...) .
One of the advantages of the challenge exhaust was that it was very cheap, so no big loss if reverting to original spec.
turns out it still is cheap, just need another 355 now to tick this of my want-to-do-list....
Part #8 in the diagram
https://www.eurospares.com/Parts/167003/Ferrari?pi...
I like the sound of the Capristo, but it does sound a bit contrived sometimes to me / a bit "all show and no go" if that makes sense
Edit to add: mine was a Berlinetta and I also wanted to put it on a diet (the challenge system is very light), so slightly different approach to what I would do to a spider
I always wanted to fit a challenge "no noise limit" exhaust to my 355 (I had to sell it before getting around to that). It would have been very loud though without cats (you can keep those, mine were removed at the time) and the challenge exhaust fitted. I probably would not do it anymore now as my dog could not come along in the car (actually I probably would and just leave the dog at home ...) .
One of the advantages of the challenge exhaust was that it was very cheap, so no big loss if reverting to original spec.
turns out it still is cheap, just need another 355 now to tick this of my want-to-do-list....
Part #8 in the diagram
https://www.eurospares.com/Parts/167003/Ferrari?pi...
I like the sound of the Capristo, but it does sound a bit contrived sometimes to me / a bit "all show and no go" if that makes sense
Edit to add: mine was a Berlinetta and I also wanted to put it on a diet (the challenge system is very light), so slightly different approach to what I would do to a spider
Edited by MDL111 on Sunday 30th March 09:13
MitchT said:
The owner who removed the Capristo might have thought it was too loud or simply wanted the car to be "original". I'd say it's very much a personal choice. They sound great to me.
Interesting to note, from your pics, that it has a Mondial T/348/512TR style steering wheel. Early 355s had an elegant three-spoke wheel but later examples had a hideous, numb-looking four-spoke airbag wheel that looked like it belonged in a large American barge or SUV. Understandable that it's been swapped out but I'd have gone for the early 355 non-airbag wheel personally.
The early non-airbag cars are reasonably desirable and the steering wheel is nigh on unobtainable these days. There are many many scams promising such wheels but you’d be very very lucky to find an original for sale. I’ve heard of wheels trading for 10k plus if and when they can be located or an owner willing to swap. OP that is a lovely car in a lovely spec and yes I am biased but blue 355s are just magic looking things!Interesting to note, from your pics, that it has a Mondial T/348/512TR style steering wheel. Early 355s had an elegant three-spoke wheel but later examples had a hideous, numb-looking four-spoke airbag wheel that looked like it belonged in a large American barge or SUV. Understandable that it's been swapped out but I'd have gone for the early 355 non-airbag wheel personally.
Insurance - if you get a quote online and click the bit to add modifications, there will be a section for exhausts. I've seen some allow you to declare "Modified exhaust" or "Performance exhaust". So, yes, you have to declare an exhaust box as a modification. This even includes if you were to pay someone to sleeve the perforated pipe in an exhaust silencer or add valves.
Let's face it - insurance companies will do their best to get out of paying out in the event of a claim.
On my fun car, I've been told that in the event of a claim, I would only be provided with a standard silencer. Not an issue for me but it's worthwhile checking especially if you pay £4k for a special exhaust.
Let's face it - insurance companies will do their best to get out of paying out in the event of a claim.
On my fun car, I've been told that in the event of a claim, I would only be provided with a standard silencer. Not an issue for me but it's worthwhile checking especially if you pay £4k for a special exhaust.
Mulsanne-Speed said:
So, after much deliberation, I've finally bought a (new to me) December 1997, F355 Spider with 33k miles on the clock - See photos below.
I've looked back through the car's service history and see that a Capristo exhaust was fitted in 2018 (around 2,00 miles ago), then, following a change of ownership, I see within the service history again, that the following later owner chose to have the Capristo exhaust removed and the stock exhaust re-fitted back to the car.
I was actually planning on fitting a Capristo, but I'm now wondering why the last owner chose to have it removed and return to stock - Are the Capristo exhausts an acquired taste perhaps, and are owners divided on this decision?
I would be very grateful to hear different opinions to help me decide whether or not to reinstate the Capristo.
Many thanks
Allister
Photos here:
My experience is from the 360, and I’ve had two capristo exhausts. A sound 1 and a sound 3. I've looked back through the car's service history and see that a Capristo exhaust was fitted in 2018 (around 2,00 miles ago), then, following a change of ownership, I see within the service history again, that the following later owner chose to have the Capristo exhaust removed and the stock exhaust re-fitted back to the car.
I was actually planning on fitting a Capristo, but I'm now wondering why the last owner chose to have it removed and return to stock - Are the Capristo exhausts an acquired taste perhaps, and are owners divided on this decision?
I would be very grateful to hear different opinions to help me decide whether or not to reinstate the Capristo.
Many thanks
Allister
Photos here:
Edited by Mulsanne-Speed on Monday 31st March 08:32
The construction is excellent and add a bit more to the engine bay art. However on the Spider I found the sound pressure level of the Sound 3, with the top up unpleasant, especially at low rpm.
I’ve just sold the sound 3 and have bought a valved Kline. The sound is fun at higher speeds, but trundling along can be tiring, so think about getting a valved system.
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