355 model year info

[2ba 355]

Can anybody help with some info. I am looking at buying a 355 GTB and even the official dealers give conflicting answers. I understand that the 97 MY cars have the later Bosch 5.2 system with airbags etc, however when I enquired ref a 96 car with airbags I was told it still had the earlier bosch 2.7(?) system. Another dealer said that a 96 car with airbags would have the later bosch system. Can anyone give the definitive dates and spec details. Were the 98 cars updated any more? Any help most welcome.

[ninja_eli]

The 355 with airbags that would be the 2.7 system is only the spider according to what I have heard.

I think the ABS cut off switch is perhaps a better indicator of being a 2.7, but I'm not sure.

The change was on the later 96 cars, so a P reg 355 should be the later type (5.2).

Search the archives at www.ferrarichat.com, and if you still don't find the info you need, post the question.

You could always call Ferrari UK and ask the chassis numbers of the cars that start with the 5.2?

After 98 the only changes were that a 355 could have the F1 system. Apparently the F1 systems have the wiring on the suspension switch reversed (i.e. light on is sport mode).

[ajaym]

Pre 97 355s use the Bosch Motronic 2.7 ignition and injection system and later cars use the Bosch Motronic 5.2 ignition and injection system. There are a few differences between the models for example with regards to the catalysts the sensor and thermocouple are in different places etc.

However the differences are not really an issue when it comes to servicing or maintaining etc.

[manu]

5.2 cars sound don't sound as good and actually have less power than the earlier 2.7 cars... The 2.7 cars have a dual air intake channel to the 5.2s skinny one channel - I've spoken to a man that modifies them - the 2.7 cars get more air in, and faster giving them better low end response. The lack of later OBDII emission commpliance means that they run 1 ECU per bank of V8 and differences in Cats means they sound hornier too. When you mod them, its easier to get more power out of a 2.7.

>> Edited by manu on Tuesday 21st January 12:10

>> Edited by manu on Tuesday 21st January 12:55

[2ba 355]

Thanks for the help Guys

[F355GTS]

The change to 5.2 Motronic came in around July/August 1996 however there were a number of cars that were a bit of both for example my car registered Sep 96 has the 5.2 ECU and intakes but a 2.7 exhaust and according to Ferrari UK a bit of a mixture when it comes to the loom!