I have a 997 S I am using as a PCA DE track car, Just to have fun and learn mostly (1rst solo @ moroso soon and I'll instruct eventually). I love the red devil's and love the 355. What do u guys think about trading in the 997S for a 355 GTB 6 speed? ? ? Cost of maintaining one after track use? Personal Experiences?

 

Are you looking for a F355 Challenge (track only) or a standard F355 GTB? Valve guides, and manifolds are the two biggest issues to look out for. F355 is a great car and handles like it is on rails. If you are looking at a Challenge check the race and repair history carefully.

 

Modern F's are reliable and relatively cheap to maintain. The 355, while gorgeous, is neither.

Fabulous Sunday driver. Not so much a track car.

 

You can pound on the Porsche all day long and it will cost you very little relative to the Ferrari costs.

 

Have owned and raced a 355C for a long time. What would you like to know?

Car is excellent on track and is very predictable. It does lack the grunt of the bigger hp cars, obviously. 360C and 430C can walk and run away, respectively. You might consider looking at a 360C, too. Many can be had in the 90's.

Rebuild costs on the engine aren't inexpensive and a shunt can be pricey, too. But, other than fresh sets of sneakers, oil and fuel, my 355C has run trouble free. Only major work was to replace the fried headers with tubi headers (much less expensive then authorized Ferrari parts...and better quality). Cost of finding a decent car is probably in the high 50's or low 60's. There is also a new ex-Challenge car series forming. I believe they're running with NASA down in TX. You can run in ITE class with SCCA, too, though it's hard to compete with the Vettes and Vipers. It is, admittedly, more expensive to campaign than these other alternatives.

As far as tracking a street car, I can't say for sure but it's probably about the same. Remember, though, the 355C is basically just a stripped down street car with some safety add-ons, upgraded brakes and aero bits.

CW

 

I think you should get the ferrari....i LOVE porsches but, my goodness its a ferrari

 

All Ferrari's need maintenance. Since they use timing belts regular changes are required. Track use will accelerate the time for belt changes.

Certain year 355's are prone to substantial valve guide, header, and catalytic converter issues that are very expensive to remedy.

So be aware that the 355 will give you a great experience but it will also test your financial strength.

 

My friend drove with me at Watkins Glen in his 99 355TB. Afterwords, his brakes, suspension, engine all needed work. Challenge parts are obviously much better than stock, but cost serious coin. You can pound the hell out of 996+ at the track and they just sit there and take it.

 

You initial out of pocket will be higher but your running cost lower if you go with a 360 over the F355.

 

He is actually going to gut it and turn it into a real challenge car. I would love a 360, but still too rich for my blood.

 

Not sure I understand why you would go to the effort on gutting a standard car as it is not that hard to find a F355 or a 360 Challenge.

 

He likes projects! Surprisingly, with the bad 355 market, it isn't much different than trading his and buying a challenge car.