Mr. JWW, you're the TH-camr that I have been following for a long time and I really feel happy to say that I have watched you share your dreams and ideas with us and you have made them come true and you will keep doing that in the future. It makes me tremendously happy to be a part of your journey. Keep growing !!
I had a die cast model of a F355 in red when I was younger. I vividly remember lying with my face on the carpet with one eye closed, staring at the rear three quarter running my thumb along the C-pillar and rear spoiler. This brings back that feeling so much, I love this car and this is a great video with so much detail. Well done.
@@sp3ckedout224 what has the value got to do with it? Hardly junk and why wouldn’t we want Sam on the suggested drive. He is brilliant and his car is stunning.
Yes!!!! You did it!!! One of the best driving experience in the Ferrari World... Sound, sensible speed, handling, Pininfarina design, pop up lights AND GATED MANUAL 6 SPEED GEAR BOX! The click clack sound join the channel! I cannot wait to see the improvements on that Red Beauty...
“355 for 3,5 litre, then last 5 , the 5 cylinder head” slight miss regarding amount of valves not cylinders 😅 Nitpicking aside, congrats on a fantastic car ! One of the all time greatest sounding engines indeed. Interesting to see how you get on with regards to the upkeep. Enjoy the car
It's always nice seeing a fresh car with no complicated gimmicks but just the driving experience, I think that's what we all fell in love with as enthusiasts
James…congratulations on the new addition to the garage. They are one of the best looking cars ever. The thing I liked the most in this video, is how you and your friends reacted to the exhaust notes in the tunnels. That says it all. You made the right choice 😎 Looking forward to the restomods. Enjoy !!
Congrats to your beautiful F355 GTS, one of the most classic Ferraris of all time. My F355 GTS has nearly the same color mix: rosso corsa with leather crema nero. Mine is a 95 with 2,7 Motoronic and two air intakes. I had it now for 12 years. A breathtaking car everyday you go in the garage...but, also very sensitive. With your F355 you will have years, in which everything works well und you will be in heaven. But there will be also years, in which your red beauty will take you down to earth...
The quintessential more fun to drive something "slow" at 100% than something fast at 50%. You can use all of it all the time and really wind it out through the gears. And then with that sound and a 6 speed... oh man what an amazing driving experience that would be.
This is a restomod we want to see. You can upgrade to F355 Challenge style and power or altogether bespoke JWW version. I myself think a darker shade of brown/tan interior would be looking great in Rossa Corsa...
Beautiful car, JWW! However, it is not a 5.2 car. This is a 2.7 version. I have done extensive modifications to my 2.7, so please reach out if you'd like any feedback.
Pffffffff remember the movie THE ROCK with Nicholas Cage and one of the best Ferrari chase ever in a yellow 355 ,man this Ferraris are just beautiful ,congrats my friend this si fantastic .
Fun fact, you can upgrade the ecu on the 355 to the 355 Challenge and combine with a dirct exhaust you can reach near 500hp on this and sound perfect! Congratulation mate! Amazing gorgeous machine!
Totally FALSE information! The challenge had almost the same power output. Also, it’s impossible to go from a 375 to 500 hp in a normally aspirated engine just with ECU tuning!!!
Tip: Do NOT slam the doors on a 355. They do not need to be slammed and in fact, you may break the window frame/track which will cause a rattle in the door.
Good point! my F355GTS driver side door has a rattle when closing with the window down. Im just hoping it can be repaired when it gets opened up next week. cheers
@@markwelt281 Hey Mark. The lower exterior door panel comes off pretty easy and exposes some of the mechanism if I recall correctly. The inner door panel is not too difficult to remove. The frame is vulnerable in a particular spot where ti typicall breaks from being closed too hard. I believe I repaired mine with JB Weld and it has held ever since.
One of the best Ferrari examples ever made. I’m all about retro-mods and tweaking the suspension, brakes, stance, hp; but, I’d leave that interior alone. Classic and simple, no one would know you refined it without actually driving it. And it looks beautiful. I’m not a purist, I just think the result would have more punch by leaving some of the classic elements alone.
This was the exact comment I was going to make as well - the only interior upgrade I would suggest is a more modern infotainment head unit with Bluetooth & Android Auto / Apple CarPlay compatibility - but still with a period look to it, so that it blends in unobtrusively with the F355's stock interior layout & design.
This brings me back a few years to the first video of yours I ever watched when you collected another n/a v8 Ferrari. a silver one with a stripe.. Anyway, soooo happy to see this addition to the channel, will be following all 355 content eagerly. There's a balance to the 355 package that's just hard to beat, even today, all these years on from it's introduction. Enjoy!
The 355 is my favourite Ferrari. I remember watching Goldeneye in the cinema when I was 12 and seeing the car for the first time and instantly wanting one! Hopefully one day I can fulfil that dream!
Huge Congratulations James. When I saw the other video that inspired this purchase I was hoping you would add one to the fleet. Sadly I never had the means to own one but I did hire one back in 2001 for a week. GTS as well. I went everywhere in it. Probably had to fill up 7 times in a week. Best week of my life. Enjoy it sir.
This is one of my dream cars. When it came out the 8250rpm redline was just stratospheric and I could not get enough. It was pure racecar and I am super excited to watch the progress of this.
Congrats! personally I think this will be the best project to date on your channel. As a child growing up in the 90's the 355, particularly the GTS was my poster car. Would be awesome to maybe incorporate some of the touches from the 355 Challenge as part of the restomod journey. And as someone else has said, a roadtrip or similar with TGE's Testarossa and Sam's 360 would be amazing.... especially before the work starts as they are all Rosso/Crema!
Just wonderful. In my view, one of the greatest Ferrari's made. I've kept my 94 pre airbag F355 for 14 years now. It's peak Ferrari for me. The noise, the connection to the car. Very, very special.
Looking at that engine layout. That's a 2.7 moronic ((2 airflow meters) , not a 5.2 (one airflow meter). Hey enjoy it 🤗. I love them and you owning one is so cool for the exposure of the f355. 😁 Subscribed, exited to see what you do to it🤗
Very nice addition, James! I concur with your comments regarding the targa style roof. I have heard many comments about the roof looking one way or another, but I think Ferrari nailed it. I did happen to notice that the 355 was next to a Mondial. You love the 355 because of its more classic, ‘old school’ features, and the Mondial has those features as well. One of my Ferraris is an ‘88 Mondial 3.2 coupe, (which is my favorite Ferrari by far,) that also has great features and soul by the bucket full. I know you are going to install a Capristo exhaust on the car. I have a Tubi on the Mondial, and I must say that it does make a huge difference in the music the engine makes. I will subscribe to your channel. Very nice video, Sir and I am glad you are preserving and driving that ‘90’s icon! ForzaFerrari!
I’m confused, you say it’s a later M5.2 car but the engine bay has separate inlet feeds which indicates an earlier M2.7 car? On the later M5.2 cars the inlets combine and they only have one mass airflow sensor……that’s what I thought anyway?
It’s a 2.7 motronic. Being a 96 model and from UK it’s a half way house between the early 2.7 with non airbag setup (the ultimate) and the later 5.2. It has a a few changes but retains the 2.7 ecu and gains airbags and some other slight changes.
I’m here for this F355 GTS journey!! 😍 I’ve casually watched your vids for what feels like forever, yet strangely never subscribed… Until now! You are the Nicest of ‘Car Guys’. No arrogance, No BS, just passion for cars and you’d a really likeable ‘petrol head’! 👌 Whilst you’ve showcased some incredible modern day masterpieces… NOTHING and I mean NOTHING, is more appealing then watching the journey of this GTS in your hands. Like you said, it was the Poster Supercar to many of us! Make it right Mr. JWW! ✌️
Bravo. Great cast James. The description was spot on then of course we were finally gifted some gorgeous sound bites..Thankyou. Was a bit hesitant when you mentioned, substantial mods. Thought a pipe, yeah but hold short on too much. But then, considering you are also looking at suspension, dropped all doubt, go for it. Keep that interior or at least put it aside for re-fitting for future owners. It's pin sharp already...go mad, make it good. As soon as you mentioned the previous cast from a couple of months ago, I hoped 355, it was always a handsome supercar and Italian.
I remember having this Ferrari when was younger on a 1:18 scale and I love it so much!!! Now seeing the real deal it's such an amazing car! Congratulations 👏👏👏
I’m with you - long time desire for this car! Need one! I’m a tad older than you so my dream poster car as a kid was the 512 BB from the 70’s. Enjoy this awesome classic! 😃
Although the F40 was on my wall with the 288 and the 308, this is likely one of the most bountiful Ferraris of the period. I really love this model and most in TDF blue over tan.
Still THE Ferrari for me, most beautiful car they´ve ever build for me personally. My first own car was a Ford Probe2 24v and since there were virtually no parts to modify them over here in Germany, i had to make my own mods to it. And the best one by far was a Ferrari style open gear lever gate i made out of a 5 mm stainless steel plate. I must´ve put around 10 hours into it bending and cutting it manually, but my god, shifting that felt awesome! And with the folding headlights it was my own little Ferrari, really loved that car!
How to make your F355 better? New front wings with the recessed Ferrari shields, carbon fibre inner sill plates, you’ve already got challenge rear grille, so to finish, a Tubi exhaust (although Capristo is great too).
Interesting that this car has the airbag (4 spoke) steering wheel but the older style 2.7 Motronic intake manifold. Typically it's the 3 spoke non-airbag wheel paired with the dual 2.7 intake. Airbag wheel is usually paired with the single pipe 5.2 intake. I bought a 1994 GTS in Belgium 3 months ago - amazing cars.
Very nice addition. Love the 355. Also, your car is the earlier 2.7 ecu. You can easily tell by the intake system. The 5.2 cars join up in the middle the setup is a bit different. I think most enthusiasts actually prefer the 2.7. Ferrari also only used the 2.7 ecu in the challenge models. Cheers.
I believe you have chosen one of the best Ferrari for engagement and sound. I’m so happy for you and can’t wait to see what you do with it. You have the perfect blank canvas. I have heard that Fab speed headers are a great starting point for the exhaust
Mr JWW absolutely Incredible and Congratulations on taking Delivery of your 96 Ferrari 355 GTS and I think it's pretty mint for how old it is and I can't wait to see the Mods and the Exhaust
Congrats James, I think it will be absolutely phenomenal if you consider Kreisseig exhaust and tuning induction sound cause IDK if you noticed but at high rpm the induction sound really kicks in
Correct about the car getting under your skin…drove one early 2000s and had to have one. My dream spec showed up for sale locally during 2005 and I managed to come up with the funds by selling my Honda s2000 and 3000gt vr4 convert. It’s still with me 18 years later.Mine is Rosso Corso, Nero interior, gated GTS. Engine went through - new valve guides, fabspeed headers and sport cats. Right now thinking of the toda stroker kit but that’s a$50k project.
Awesome pickup MrJWW! I feel fortunate to own a 1996 F355 6-speed manual (and intriguingly a 2009 Aston Martin DBS manual), and so keen to follow your journey. My car is Rossa/Tan (vs Cream), I guess the classic combo if you like that sort of thing. Not sure if you can find one these days, but my exhaust setup is the insane sounding MS Racing system with Hyperflow Cats - just incredible. As some others have pointed out your engine is the pre OBD II / 5.2 unit, that being said it is probably an advantage to have the 2.7 ecu for your modifications and exhaust desires. You found the secret sauce, a classic icon that can be driven with the full beans, look and sound amazing, yet still be legal (mostly). One more secret, the engine out service that so many fear, is really not that bad - home mechanic level. Oops, now I said it. Have fun & smiles in the new ride!
This may end up being my favourite car on the channel. May be best to just maintain its original bhp than to raise it, so as not to strain the engine. I really look forward to seeing it again. What a sound! The simple targa style roof saves so much weight compared with all the machinery of the newer Ferrari drop tops.
I agree - beautiful profile on the coupe! That sound is just amazing. Great car - enjoy! To me, this kind of Ferrari makes so much more sense as you can actually exploit it on the road, it doesn't try and kill you on a regular basis and while the maintenance costs are often horrendous, I think it's well worth it for the enjoyment you get.
My first Ferrari was a 355GTS... same colour combo as the Spider you drove. It looked like a spaceship.. and the sound was insane, as you describe. But it had issues, as they all do. Galvanic corrosion at the join of the buttress and body, cracked headers, leaking roof, cat burnout can lead to engine failures, engine out for the cam belts is expensive, the dreaded sticky switches..etc. try finding the battery. However, your description of the car as a go-cart is spot on. That's exactly how it feels. I loved it. But I don't miss it. My 575M is such a better car to drive all round.. if only it was a GTS too.
The GTS is the ONE to Have & Behold ... Congrats James Capristo YES Momo Steering Wheel YES By the looks of it the Rear Track looked to far in Maybe Wheel Spacers or Wider Tires Looking Forward to seeing the Build Cheers
So glad you’re not a purist… missed my window on a sorted one of these last year and bought a Vantage instead. Now a win win for me as it sounds like you have plans like I had for one. Looking forward to this build 🥂
I bet Ryft could do something good with that exhaust I said Challenge Stradale at the start of the video but was pleasantly surprised with the 355 great choice man gave it that JWW twist with the GTS good work man can't wait to watch the process 👍
WOW James, this is hands down the best car! F355 GTS is so nice and classy car, 355 is the only Ferrari I get go kart feeling when drive. You should sort out FHP for this car + go for full Tubi system, cats, manifolds all Tubi + Tubi Evolution exhaust. I have Capristo bypass valve kit + remote control on my car :)
This is the car that better represents smiles per miles. It's just plain beautiful, Iconic, you can look like proper baller on it or just someone with taste and above all... I mean just listen to it.
I remember Jeremy Clarkson screaming past me and my girlfriend in his 355, at the time had an E36 M3 Evo, was on the arse of his 355 all the way, was good fun, left with a wave and a smile on both our faces. Sounded epic!
Wow…just wow!! I’m not gonna lie but some of the more recent additions to the channel have lost my interest a bit, but this has brought it right back! Maybe it’s an age thing as born it the later half of the 70’s this was one of the dream Ferrari’s & is still one of the best looking ones. All you need to do now is a resto mod on a Clio Williams or a 205 1.9 GTI & that would be heaven!
Congrats James. Great decision mate. I’d definitely have a look around for a Novitec exhaust for that thing (assuming they made one back then!). They seem to provide Ferrari with the most spectacular theatre I find normally.
I can't comment about Chubb regarding car insurance, but I can regarding house insurance, and they are excellent. No nonsense, no hidden gotchas - probably the only people to deal with if you have the option to sign up with them
Congrats! However, that is the older Bosch 2.7 Motronic and not the newer 5.2. You can tell by the two throttle bodies. The 5.2 has a single throttle body.
Lovely car, the exact same spec as Clarkson's old 355, except he had bucket seats iirc. A few of these here in Madeira, always the highlight of the month to see one go buy, and that noise! A neighbor of mine had a spider for a while, which came out once in a blue moon, only got to see it twice. Another one local I was talking to the owner of once, he referred to it as his italian mistress, as it spent all his money and got his heart rate up haha. Shame about the servicing on these things, if you do extensively modify it, see the service solutions on the 360, as with a door engineered into the firewall you can get rid of the need to do engine out for belts.
I also bought a 355 GTS If I had to do it again I'd get a Berlinetta. I didn't realize how much of a stressed panel the roof was. It shakes a lot more when it's removed....so I never remove it for those lovely mountain bashes. Which defeats the purpose.
Fabulous car James. If I am honest, I am a little scared about the restomod ideas, with the exception of the capristo exhaust. 😬Current spec looks pretty good to me! Looking forward to how it evolves. Love the channel. 😎
I'll stand by what I've always said since an ex Derby County Paul Williams used to park his 355 in the carpark of our local pub. " the best looking car every made. As the Italian's say..... "Pura Perfezione "
My favourite car ever. The prettiest car ever made before headlights started ruining the look of modern cars Targa is the one I’ve always too. Came close to buying one once, maybe will do one day Well done!
Classic Ferrari design, that roof panel storage is sheer genius, and that sound, just wonderful, full of emotion, are electric cars going to kill that all off over the next 20-30 years, is it really the end of an era?
Mr. JWW, you're the TH-camr that I have been following for a long time and I really feel happy to say that I have watched you share your dreams and ideas with us and you have made them come true and you will keep doing that in the future. It makes me tremendously happy to be a part of your journey. Keep growing !!
Thank you so much - your support means a lot and it’s a pleasure to share the journey!
I had a die cast model of a F355 in red when I was younger. I vividly remember lying with my face on the carpet with one eye closed, staring at the rear three quarter running my thumb along the C-pillar and rear spoiler. This brings back that feeling so much, I love this car and this is a great video with so much detail. Well done.
One of the best sounding cars ever made in my opinion.
Completely agree, when I think of Ferrari the sound of the 355 comes to mind.
Love your work , big fan of your you tube channel, hope you not going to change the Color like SHMEE 150.
That's no lie.
Congrats mate! Hell of a car! A roadtrip with TGE’s Testarossa and STG’s 360 would be just epic!
Yes seen-throughglass 360 in this be awesome
That sir, is a damn fine idea.
Throw Ratarossa's 512BB in the mix once he's finished it!! Prancing horse heaven for my vintage.
360s are like 50k plz let’s not include that junk
@@sp3ckedout224 what has the value got to do with it? Hardly junk and why wouldn’t we want Sam on the suggested drive. He is brilliant and his car is stunning.
Yes!!!! You did it!!! One of the best driving experience in the Ferrari World... Sound, sensible speed, handling, Pininfarina design, pop up lights AND GATED MANUAL 6 SPEED GEAR BOX! The click clack sound join the channel! I cannot wait to see the improvements on that Red Beauty...
Absolutely. In my view, peak Ferrari, for a road car. You can use all of the performance and that noise!
“355 for 3,5 litre, then last 5 , the 5 cylinder head” slight miss regarding amount of valves not cylinders 😅 Nitpicking aside, congrats on a fantastic car ! One of the all time greatest sounding engines indeed. Interesting to see how you get on with regards to the upkeep. Enjoy the car
That’s exactly what I was thinking. Valves PER cylinder, correct?
@@claytonhenry5827 Correct. (Also having 5 valves total for 8 cylinders wouldn't really make sense :P)
I noticed that. It was obviously a slip of tongue; awesome car!
Yeah I wondered if I heard right, had to go back and listen again, five cylinder head,and like you said I guessed he ment five valve's per cylinder
5 valve motors are so cool
It's always nice seeing a fresh car with no complicated gimmicks but just the driving experience, I think that's what we all fell in love with as enthusiasts
James…congratulations on the new addition to the garage. They are one of the best looking cars ever. The thing I liked the most in this video, is how you and your friends reacted to the exhaust notes in the tunnels. That says it all. You made the right choice 😎 Looking forward to the restomods. Enjoy !!
Congrats to your beautiful F355 GTS, one of the most classic Ferraris of all time. My F355 GTS has nearly the same color mix: rosso corsa with leather crema nero. Mine is a 95 with 2,7 Motoronic and two air intakes. I had it now for 12 years. A breathtaking car everyday you go in the garage...but, also very sensitive. With your F355 you will have years, in which everything works well und you will be in heaven. But there will be also years, in which your red beauty will take you down to earth...
The quintessential more fun to drive something "slow" at 100% than something fast at 50%. You can use all of it all the time and really wind it out through the gears. And then with that sound and a 6 speed... oh man what an amazing driving experience that would be.
This is a restomod we want to see. You can upgrade to F355 Challenge style and power or altogether bespoke JWW version. I myself think a darker shade of brown/tan interior would be looking great in Rossa Corsa...
Beautiful car, JWW! However, it is not a 5.2 car. This is a 2.7 version. I have done extensive modifications to my 2.7, so please reach out if you'd like any feedback.
Correct. Some '96 Euro cars had both the 2.7 and the airbags.
Pffffffff remember the movie THE ROCK with Nicholas Cage and one of the best Ferrari chase ever in a yellow 355 ,man this Ferraris are just beautiful ,congrats my friend this si fantastic .
Fun fact, you can upgrade the ecu on the 355 to the 355 Challenge and combine with a dirct exhaust you can reach near 500hp on this and sound perfect! Congratulation mate! Amazing gorgeous machine!
This is false.
Totally FALSE information! The challenge had almost the same power output. Also, it’s impossible to go from a 375 to 500 hp in a normally aspirated engine just with ECU tuning!!!
Having owned the F355CH, this is totally untrue. CH cars made hardly any more power.
Tip: Do NOT slam the doors on a 355. They do not need to be slammed and in fact, you may break the window frame/track which will cause a rattle in the door.
Good point! my F355GTS driver side door has a rattle when closing with the window down. Im just hoping it can be repaired when it gets opened up next week. cheers
@@markwelt281 Hey Mark. The lower exterior door panel comes off pretty easy and exposes some of the mechanism if I recall correctly. The inner door panel is not too difficult to remove. The frame is vulnerable in a particular spot where ti typicall breaks from being closed too hard. I believe I repaired mine with JB Weld and it has held ever since.
@@remingtonsteele3220 Great advice I’ll try that I my GTS thank you! Mark
You're welcome!
One of the best Ferrari examples ever made. I’m all about retro-mods and tweaking the suspension, brakes, stance, hp; but, I’d leave that interior alone. Classic and simple, no one would know you refined it without actually driving it. And it looks beautiful. I’m not a purist, I just think the result would have more punch by leaving some of the classic elements alone.
This was the exact comment I was going to make as well - the only interior upgrade I would suggest is a more modern infotainment head unit with Bluetooth & Android Auto / Apple CarPlay compatibility - but still with a period look to it, so that it blends in unobtrusively with the F355's stock interior layout & design.
This brings me back a few years to the first video of yours I ever watched when you collected another n/a v8 Ferrari. a silver one with a stripe..
Anyway, soooo happy to see this addition to the channel, will be following all 355 content eagerly.
There's a balance to the 355 package that's just hard to beat, even today, all these years on from it's introduction. Enjoy!
The 355 is my favourite Ferrari. I remember watching Goldeneye in the cinema when I was 12 and seeing the car for the first time and instantly wanting one! Hopefully one day I can fulfil that dream!
YES! 😂👍🏻
I thought one of these would be coming after the video driving the spider lol. Iconic mid engine Ferrari, big congratulations👏
For the engine you could go with the TODA Racing 3.9 liter kit with racing camshafts and for the ECU a FuelTech FT600 😎
Huge Congratulations James. When I saw the other video that inspired this purchase I was hoping you would add one to the fleet. Sadly I never had the means to own one but I did hire one back in 2001 for a week. GTS as well. I went everywhere in it. Probably had to fill up 7 times in a week. Best week of my life. Enjoy it sir.
This is one of my dream cars. When it came out the 8250rpm redline was just stratospheric and I could not get enough. It was pure racecar and I am super excited to watch the progress of this.
Congrats! personally I think this will be the best project to date on your channel.
As a child growing up in the 90's the 355, particularly the GTS was my poster car.
Would be awesome to maybe incorporate some of the touches from the 355 Challenge as part of the restomod journey.
And as someone else has said, a roadtrip or similar with TGE's Testarossa and Sam's 360 would be amazing.... especially before the work starts as they are all Rosso/Crema!
I've never been so excited by a car on the channel!! The F355 in my eyes is the greatest Ferrari! Amazing stuff James! 👊🏻
Yes!!! A 355! Love this, what a car, this and a 360 CS are in the dream garage for sure! Congratulations on a fantastic car 👌
Just wonderful. In my view, one of the greatest Ferrari's made. I've kept my 94 pre airbag F355 for 14 years now. It's peak Ferrari for me. The noise, the connection to the car. Very, very special.
Looking at that engine layout. That's a 2.7 moronic ((2 airflow meters) , not a 5.2 (one airflow meter).
Hey enjoy it 🤗. I love them and you owning one is so cool for the exposure of the f355. 😁
Subscribed, exited to see what you do to it🤗
Very nice addition, James! I concur with your comments regarding the targa style roof. I have heard many comments about the roof looking one way or another, but I think Ferrari nailed it. I did happen to notice that the 355 was next to a Mondial. You love the 355 because of its more classic, ‘old school’ features, and the Mondial has those features as well. One of my Ferraris is an ‘88 Mondial 3.2 coupe, (which is my favorite Ferrari by far,) that also has great features and soul by the bucket full. I know you are going to install a Capristo exhaust on the car. I have a Tubi on the Mondial, and I must say that it does make a huge difference in the music the engine makes. I will subscribe to your channel. Very nice video, Sir and I am glad you are preserving and driving that ‘90’s icon!
ForzaFerrari!
I’m confused, you say it’s a later M5.2 car but the engine bay has separate inlet feeds which indicates an earlier M2.7 car? On the later M5.2 cars the inlets combine and they only have one mass airflow sensor……that’s what I thought anyway?
It’s a 2.7 motronic. Being a 96 model and from UK it’s a half way house between the early 2.7 with non airbag setup (the ultimate) and the later 5.2. It has a a few changes but retains the 2.7 ecu and gains airbags and some other slight changes.
@@elliottcaras3281 I thought so. Hope it’s not been sold as an M5.2 @mrjww
I’m here for this F355 GTS journey!! 😍
I’ve casually watched your vids for what feels like forever, yet strangely never subscribed… Until now!
You are the Nicest of ‘Car Guys’.
No arrogance, No BS, just passion for cars and you’d a really likeable
‘petrol head’! 👌
Whilst you’ve showcased some incredible modern day masterpieces…
NOTHING and I mean NOTHING, is more appealing then watching the journey of this GTS in your hands.
Like you said, it was the Poster Supercar to many of us!
Make it right Mr. JWW! ✌️
Bravo. Great cast James. The description was spot on then of course we were finally gifted some gorgeous sound bites..Thankyou. Was a bit hesitant when you mentioned, substantial mods. Thought a pipe, yeah but hold short on too much. But then, considering you are also looking at suspension, dropped all doubt, go for it. Keep that interior or at least put it aside for re-fitting for future owners. It's pin sharp already...go mad, make it good. As soon as you mentioned the previous cast from a couple of months ago, I hoped 355, it was always a handsome supercar and Italian.
I remember having this Ferrari when was younger on a 1:18 scale and I love it so much!!! Now seeing the real deal it's such an amazing car!
Congratulations 👏👏👏
Kreissieg exhaust, give it a look
I’m with you - long time desire for this car! Need one! I’m a tad older than you so my dream poster car as a kid was the 512 BB from the 70’s. Enjoy this awesome classic! 😃
Although the F40 was on my wall with the 288 and the 308, this is likely one of the most bountiful Ferraris of the period. I really love this model and most in TDF blue over tan.
Still THE Ferrari for me, most beautiful car they´ve ever build for me personally.
My first own car was a Ford Probe2 24v and since there were virtually no parts to modify them over here in Germany, i had to make my own mods to it.
And the best one by far was a Ferrari style open gear lever gate i made out of a 5 mm stainless steel plate. I must´ve put around 10 hours into it bending and cutting it manually, but my god, shifting that felt awesome! And with the folding headlights it was my own little Ferrari, really loved that car!
How to make your F355 better? New front wings with the recessed Ferrari shields, carbon fibre inner sill plates, you’ve already got challenge rear grille, so to finish, a Tubi exhaust (although Capristo is great too).
Interesting that this car has the airbag (4 spoke) steering wheel but the older style 2.7 Motronic intake manifold. Typically it's the 3 spoke non-airbag wheel paired with the dual 2.7 intake.
Airbag wheel is usually paired with the single pipe 5.2 intake.
I bought a 1994 GTS in Belgium 3 months ago - amazing cars.
Very nice addition. Love the 355. Also, your car is the earlier 2.7 ecu. You can easily tell by the intake system. The 5.2 cars join up in the middle the setup is a bit different. I think most enthusiasts actually prefer the 2.7. Ferrari also only used the 2.7 ecu in the challenge models. Cheers.
Yeah, I spotted that too. Some say the 2.7 makes more power as well.
I believe you have chosen one of the best Ferrari for engagement and sound.
I’m so happy for you and can’t wait to see what you do with it. You have the perfect blank canvas. I have heard that Fab speed headers are a great starting point for the exhaust
Can't wait for the content with this car. Absolutely love it 👍👍
Mr JWW absolutely Incredible and Congratulations on taking Delivery of your 96 Ferrari 355 GTS and I think it's pretty mint for how old it is and I can't wait to see the Mods and the Exhaust
Congrats James, I think it will be absolutely phenomenal if you consider Kreisseig exhaust and tuning induction sound cause IDK if you noticed but at high rpm the induction sound really kicks in
Correct about the car getting under your skin…drove one early 2000s and had to have one. My dream spec showed up for sale locally during 2005 and I managed to come up with the funds by selling my Honda s2000 and 3000gt vr4 convert. It’s still with me 18 years later.Mine is Rosso Corso, Nero interior, gated GTS. Engine went through - new valve guides, fabspeed headers and sport cats. Right now thinking of the toda stroker kit but that’s a$50k project.
Awesome pickup MrJWW! I feel fortunate to own a 1996 F355 6-speed manual (and intriguingly a 2009 Aston Martin DBS manual), and so keen to follow your journey. My car is Rossa/Tan (vs Cream), I guess the classic combo if you like that sort of thing. Not sure if you can find one these days, but my exhaust setup is the insane sounding MS Racing system with Hyperflow Cats - just incredible. As some others have pointed out your engine is the pre OBD II / 5.2 unit, that being said it is probably an advantage to have the 2.7 ecu for your modifications and exhaust desires. You found the secret sauce, a classic icon that can be driven with the full beans, look and sound amazing, yet still be legal (mostly). One more secret, the engine out service that so many fear, is really not that bad - home mechanic level. Oops, now I said it. Have fun & smiles in the new ride!
This may end up being my favourite car on the channel. May be best to just maintain its original bhp than to raise it, so as not to strain the engine. I really look forward to seeing it again. What a sound! The simple targa style roof saves so much weight compared with all the machinery of the newer Ferrari drop tops.
Been watching this channel for quite a while now and this is exactly the project I’ve wanted to see taken on. Yes do a resto mod!
I agree - beautiful profile on the coupe! That sound is just amazing. Great car - enjoy! To me, this kind of Ferrari makes so much more sense as you can actually exploit it on the road, it doesn't try and kill you on a regular basis and while the maintenance costs are often horrendous, I think it's well worth it for the enjoyment you get.
My first Ferrari was a 355GTS... same colour combo as the Spider you drove. It looked like a spaceship.. and the sound was insane, as you describe. But it had issues, as they all do. Galvanic corrosion at the join of the buttress and body, cracked headers, leaking roof, cat burnout can lead to engine failures, engine out for the cam belts is expensive, the dreaded sticky switches..etc. try finding the battery. However, your description of the car as a go-cart is spot on. That's exactly how it feels. I loved it. But I don't miss it. My 575M is such a better car to drive all round.. if only it was a GTS too.
For whatever reason I finally connect with MrJWW with this video, you seem sooo happy with the 355 :) Loving it! My dream car is the 550 ;)
The GTS is the ONE to Have & Behold ... Congrats James
Capristo YES
Momo Steering Wheel YES
By the looks of it the Rear Track looked to far in Maybe Wheel Spacers or Wider Tires
Looking Forward to seeing the Build
Cheers
So glad you’re not a purist… missed my window on a sorted one of these last year and bought a Vantage instead. Now a win win for me as it sounds like you have plans like I had for one. Looking forward to this build 🥂
Looks and sounds amazing!!
Please keep it as stock, just change the outside to dark blue and fiddle with the exhaust a bit. Instant classic!
What a hero, the 355 is one of my all time favorite ferraris. Can't wait to see more content with it.
Congratulations on the great car and excited to see you take this on trips and have fun in a classic
Kreissieg vs Capristo which would you choose for your F355 ?
It already looks awesome in this colour and seat colour. You cant beat this combo as its already perfect.
During the last minutes of the video I got a little emotional, that sound is too good 🔝
Hi Ya James, Big Congratulations !! Am just soo glad to see the upgraded braided fuel lines !!! :)
Lovely example.
Maybe Retrim in Alcantara.
And change the steering wheel.
Can wait to see what you’re planning.
My favourite V8 Ferrari! When's the Capritso exhaust coming? Smiles per miles my friend! Congratulations in buying my dream car.
The gts is my dream car, ive always loved 355s and any targa top
Cant wait to see what you do with it
I bet Ryft could do something good with that exhaust I said Challenge Stradale at the start of the video but was pleasantly surprised with the 355 great choice man gave it that JWW twist with the GTS good work man can't wait to watch the process 👍
They most likely can/do. But I'd prefer a Tubi just to maintain that old school nostalgia
WOW James, this is hands down the best car! F355 GTS is so nice and classy car, 355 is the only Ferrari I get go kart feeling when drive. You should sort out FHP for this car + go for full Tubi system, cats, manifolds all Tubi + Tubi Evolution exhaust. I have Capristo bypass valve kit + remote control on my car :)
This is the car that better represents smiles per miles. It's just plain beautiful, Iconic, you can look like proper baller on it or just someone with taste and above all... I mean just listen to it.
I remember Jeremy Clarkson screaming past me and my girlfriend in his 355, at the time had an E36 M3 Evo, was on the arse of his 355 all the way, was good fun, left with a wave and a smile on both our faces. Sounded epic!
James! Really hoping you continued with this build, can’t wait to see the progress. Any updates you can share?
Wow…just wow!! I’m not gonna lie but some of the more recent additions to the channel have lost my interest a bit, but this has brought it right back! Maybe it’s an age thing as born it the later half of the 70’s this was one of the dream Ferrari’s & is still one of the best looking ones. All you need to do now is a resto mod on a Clio Williams or a 205 1.9 GTI & that would be heaven!
Call Mototecnique!!!! They did excellent restomod jobs with 308's and Dino's, David Lee's Monza 3.6 evo overall...
Awesomeness James!! Looking forward to the content!!
Congratulations James. Content with STG please with the 355 and 360
Analogue FTW!!! Nothing like a naturally aspirated Ferrari V8/V12. Great video man! You get it!
Awesome.. that’s also a poster car!! Tubi & GruppeM intake
Congrats James. Great decision mate. I’d definitely have a look around for a Novitec exhaust for that thing (assuming they made one back then!). They seem to provide Ferrari with the most spectacular theatre I find normally.
amazing Mr. JWW! Love the classic ferrari content!
Great edition. A beautiful gated manual. Right hand drive always rarer and more valuable
love what you do man, greeting from Italy
Epic move buddy, I suppose I should go some way to apologise after *forcing* you into mine at Silverstone! Catch you soon man
Beautiful! This is my dream car, literally perfect spec for me, I really hope to own one one day! :)
I can't comment about Chubb regarding car insurance, but I can regarding house insurance, and they are excellent. No nonsense, no hidden gotchas - probably the only people to deal with if you have the option to sign up with them
one of those classics ideal for a Vintage Voltage conversion
probably more power, but infinetly more reliable
Congrats! However, that is the older Bosch 2.7 Motronic and not the newer 5.2. You can tell by the two throttle bodies. The 5.2 has a single throttle body.
Lovely car, the exact same spec as Clarkson's old 355, except he had bucket seats iirc. A few of these here in Madeira, always the highlight of the month to see one go buy, and that noise! A neighbor of mine had a spider for a while, which came out once in a blue moon, only got to see it twice. Another one local I was talking to the owner of once, he referred to it as his italian mistress, as it spent all his money and got his heart rate up haha. Shame about the servicing on these things, if you do extensively modify it, see the service solutions on the 360, as with a door engineered into the firewall you can get rid of the need to do engine out for belts.
Just reminds me of a more modern Magnum 308 GTS. Great sound, great car.
I agree the Coupe/GTS is one of the most beautiful cars ever. The spider not so. Fantastic purchase 😎👍
Things you like to see!.. And hear, obviously! :P Well done, James, I'll definitely will follow your journey with this beauty.
I also bought a 355 GTS
If I had to do it again I'd get a Berlinetta. I didn't realize how much of a stressed panel the roof was. It shakes a lot more when it's removed....so I never remove it for those lovely mountain bashes. Which defeats the purpose.
Congratulations on your new car.Only happy times ahead
Fabulous car James. If I am honest, I am a little scared about the restomod ideas, with the exception of the capristo exhaust. 😬Current spec looks pretty good to me! Looking forward to how it evolves. Love the channel. 😎
I'll stand by what I've always said
since an ex Derby County Paul Williams used to park his 355 in the carpark of our local pub.
" the best looking car every made.
As the Italian's say..... "Pura Perfezione "
My favourite car ever. The prettiest car ever made before headlights started ruining the look of modern cars
Targa is the one I’ve always too. Came close to buying one once, maybe will do one day
Well done!
Such an amazing package! I loved the interior by the way. Great video, look forward to what's next! 👊❤
Congrats! Stunning car and specs!
"Sensible speed, ridiculous noise." I like that. Kind of how I enjoy lower displacement motorcycles that sound amazing.
Amazing!!! My all time favourite car. Absolute poster car and also my childhood dream. Sooo cool 😎
what a stunning example ! love it James.
Great car @mrjww. Could we please have a garage/bunker update? Lost track if what’s in the bunker 🤩
Classic Ferrari design, that roof panel storage is sheer genius, and that sound, just wonderful, full of emotion, are electric cars going to kill that all off over the next 20-30 years, is it really the end of an era?
YESSSS! Finally some 355 content! Great choice!
Awesome car, childhood dream for me too. I would'nt go for a Capristo exhaust, Tubi sports is the right one for this.