My New Ferrari Already Died On Me!

[@remingtonsteele3220]

The fix for the steering is to install the F355 Challenge steering rack as it is a faster steering rack. Also upgrading the front and rear sway bars to F355CH works well by improving handling while not compromising ride. Lastly, fit a lithium ion battery in place of the lead acid battery that you'll find in front of the front wheel and you'll reduce some 35 pounds from the nose of the car. Fit carbon fiber F355 seats and you'll save another ~20-30 pounds.

[@smOOdiebOOdie]

What do you reckon in the brakes compartment?

[@ImperrfectStranger]

Unfortunately, these steering/suspension parts are now NLA.

[@remingtonsteele3220]

@@ImperrfectStranger Thankfully I have some......and if you want all of them in one F355 from the factory (steering and swaybars) you have to buy a 1999 F355 Serie Fiorano.

[@wimdepril6920]

Strange that your car developed such issues so soon after you picked it up from the dealer. Not a Ferrari specialist I gather? But good to see that it didn’t discourage you and that you still think it’s an amazing car (which it is). I’m with you on the brakes and the steering, but I’m a sucker for originality so I’m keeping it stock.

[@nathandrake6531]

it developed issues as per the insurance add at the petrol station

[@chriscooper3384]

Dealers know that most concours Ferrari’s aren’t going to be used so why put money into them? Sad but true

[@markmawer]

@@nathandrake6531 Cynical ha ha ha

[@martincassels7995]

Belt changes are part of owning a Ferrari. Clearly it wasn’t done including a battery check. Piss poor preparation and piss poor buying knowledge.

[@nathandrake6531]

@@martincassels7995 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 it was an advertisement.

[@bodo9655]

It's much easier to bump started in reverse. The length you pushed it backwards it would have started. Next time give it a go.

[@PompeyMatt17]

that would knacker the gear wheels..ratio is far higher in reverse..should normally bump in second...less strain on the transmission

[@kevletmein]

So great to see a video so refreshing as this. Not the bog standard, I’ve bought a new RS3 and stuck some Halfords parts to it. This video is great as I love a road trip video but also so honest, showing all the issues along the way. Please keep this kind of content coming. Very entertaining 🙌🏻

[@remingtonsteele3220]

For future reference, always carry a lightweight lithium ion jumper. F355 has jumper posts in engine bay. Problems you've had indicate the service was not properly done as you should not have these issues after an engine out service. On the other hand, that's some hot weather!!!!!! And your F355 one of the best looking cars there!

[@glenlipkens6647]

Drove the same road you guys did next to the American ww2 cemetry of Henri Chapelle 2:48. Did it on a spontaneous evening last week in my 2015 Focus ST. The roads from there towards Spa are simply amazing. Loving the F355 adventure!

[@SanjayVerma-ih1nw]

You would expect a car person to know a little bit about how they work. You destroyed the alternator belt in the morning, that's why it stopped making a noise. Then you drained the battery. You have a spare in the tool kit.

[@jonascameron]

A steel straw.... sliver of leather..... this hose could have been protected so easily. No? As a 90's car owner..... I have gotten quite creative on the road over the years. Love the 355 content though JWW, cheers from Texas!

[@dancundiff3316]

You MUST find and purchase a winshield shade to lower interior temps when parked, and to save the leather dashboard from shriveling up like a raisin!

[@eichler721]

Classic 355 issues. Once all the stuff is fixed with aftermarket upgraded parts they run great and so fun. It's just getting to that point that sucks.

[@darrenguiver1540]

Great to see my old car out on the road. Never let me down once in six years although never drove that far to fair. Enjoy

[@colbee4894]

Ah, yes, these cars are true characters in their own movie! Thanks for sharing the unfiltered joy and tribulations. Let's see - tips of the day... 1) Great news on the accessory belts - they can be changed without removing the engine, check your Alternator tensioner (it's funky so research). 2) Scarily hot gas cap, hmmm any vacuum from the tank on release, check your tank vent valve is not reversed. Keep those smiles for miles coming!

[@paulsz6194]

It wouldn’t hurt to carry a Top Don jump starter battery back either.

[@tobyf46]

The fun of owning a classic is finding its faults and fixing them. It makes the journey far more rewarding 🙏🙌

[@RudyP18]

My 355's alternator/battery stranded me at a Radwood event just last week. Lucky for me, that's pretty much the best place on earth to be stranded in an old Ferrari - I had a half dozen people offer to help as soon as I popped the engine lid... We got it jump started and home. I'm still waiting on a new alternator though...

[@ImperrfectStranger]

Can't be reconditioned? And are you sure it's an alternator problem? I found a broken pin on the alternator electrical connector on my 355 last month.

[@RudyP18]

@@ImperrfectStranger I found a new one for a reasonable price so I'm swapping and may rebuild the one that is in currently to have as a spare. Confirmed alternator issue with voltage test

[@ozeskiman]

Can I suggest that you get a cover for the roof for when you remove it. I had one and it had 2 straps with press studs that could hold it in place when removed. It also protects the roof from being rubbed by the back of the seats in the event they are touching it. The battery, in case you don't know, is located in the front right wheel well. It's a special size. The wheel is removed and the plastic arch is also removed.

[@jai2256]

I feel your pain bro! Just last Saturday my 488 died without warning. Luckily I was just a few miles from the Ferrari dealer so they came and gave my car a jump. They even stayed late to replace my battery. I highly recommend you purchasing a portable jump starter box. It's something everyone should have. Beats the alternative of waiting on someone to come tow your car...!

[@rahulsudhir666]

Didn't the older Ferraris, up until the 458, not like jumpstarts? I remember hearing Scuds n 360s blowing multiple fuses if you attempt to jumpstart.

[@jai2256]

I am not a mechanic but based on my experiences it is not good to give a jump using your car to another car and vice versa. The jump starter Box is very useful in situations where you know your battery is dead and you gotta replace it. I keep most of all my cars on trickle chargers which obviously did not help on my 488 case! My 458 battery is about to go as well but atleast it is giving me warnings! I believe I am going to replace the 458 battery with a antigravity battery. It saves about 30 pounds of weight although they cost about 3 times as much they do last longer...!

[@rahulsudhir666]

@@jai2256 Oh yeah, the newer Li ion batteries are really worth the investment. You don't have to worry about discharge too apart from the huge weight savings. I swapped to them in my bikes so the weight savings is pretty noticeable. Correction: I was initially referring to push starting. Apparently they tend to blow the fuses on the older cars if you do so.

[@ism671]

Yes the engine needs to come out for a cambelt service,the auxiliary belt you have in your tool kit,it doesn't...

[@cfrazer]

I have to say well done. That is the way that ad sponsors like when at the petrol pump, relate it into your content on what is going on. Great job others should take notes, so much better than just cutting away for a commercial break when the viewer would just fast forward past it.

[@KingReza]

Remember James 918 is cool and all that + new Porsche 911 but Ferrari F355 pure class. Shows you have good taste and good class, everyone with some cash can buy new 911 or new Ferrari but when you drive 355 it shows you care of good design car, sound and history of Ferrari. When your 355 get sorted you will love it even more. You need this upgrade: Steering rack from FHP or Challenge cars, its much much better FHP brake disc + brake pads, much betteer FHP damper ECU FHP swaybars front + back FHP dampers Change all bushes new from Ferrari all OEM Tubi Style manifolds + Tubi Style 200 Cell cats Exhaust you should consider Tubi Style Evolution, not the normal exhaust. Capristo it too loud if you want to use the car you should not go for Capristo. Capristo bypass valve, the OE valves will fail Capristo remote to change valve by remote Also you need big engine work + change ALL plastic hose, most of the plastic hose are old so better change. You need get some to go over all engine and change stuff like dyno etc I have gone for LED light in the OEM lights from Scud Ing Swiss, they have 2x versions 1 version all lights on (I dont like this, dont look OE), 1x version like OE only outer lights on (this is the version I have). When come to stereo I upgraded on my car Porsche classic din1, but taken away the Porsche logo + all speakers changed looks OEM Try buy OEM carbon bucket seats, if you are going to change the interior leather color this way you will keep the old seats Change the kick plates to carbon OEM version, I know one guy that makes them as close to OEM. Even Ferrari cant tell difference. Sort out all sticky interior bits Check my videos, I think I have some when my GTS was in for big work Then you set :)

[@chriscooper3384]

So basically rebuild the car LOL

[@carguy3645]

Dude I love your content. You need to post a lot more. These older Farrari cars do tend to be quite problematic but what awesome cars they are. Cheer!

[@complicatedtime]

That Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 Ref# 82035 is awesome. Congrats on that watch. Automotive content is incredible as usual… love the video. I’m off to buy some better insurance now.

[@rickagfoster]

that belt squeal sounded like serpentine belt, not timing belt. It'll heat up, catch, then maybe work for while. Bit of belt cleaner or stick 'em if you can reach it.

[@kirk911constantine]

Loved seeing the real world issues of owning something like the 355. What’s better is having the ability to resolve all the little “shortcomings” that appear. We do used to modern cars “just working”. The older the car, the less it “just works”. But there can be a LOT of satisfaction in resolving these issues to keep the fun of driving it alive.

[@nick0046]

My favourite modern Ferrari the sound and looks (due to the pop up head lights) are out of this world.

[@richardcarter1000]

Love the F355. Like most cars, best thing is to use them. I've really only had issues when the car hasn't been used for long periods. Perished seals, rubbers etc.

[@HooviesGarage]

I felt this video.

[@andrewphillips470]

Never buy an old Ferrari Never buy an old Lamborghini Hello tyler

[@AtypicalDriver]

That's what makes "old" cars so charming, you never know if you'll make it to your destination. I told my son when my 356 Roadster wouldn't start "hey, people were late a lot more in the 1960s"

[@johndrake2147]

I'd never consider blue for a Ferrari but then you see one like that Speciale and you realise what a great colour it is

[@mjrowden]

Blue with tan interior on an F355 is AMAZING. DK Engineering had one for sale a while back. It looked incredible

[@th3b0untyhunter]

If it wasn't charging it'd run out of battery eventually whilst driving My educated guess is there's an earthing issue where the starter and solenoid aren't getting enough juice when the car is very hot. New earth strap, or a secondary one should help. Other options are dying battery or dying alternator which work until very hot. the belt squeal we heard was the aux belt which runs the alternator, but that was a one off and not enough to affect charging over distance (the belt would burn out if it was continual) Either way it should be easy enough to diagnose once home, and none of them is an expensive fix As for the exhaust solenoid hose get a clamp for the end and something (metal or hard plastic) to sleeve the top few inches of hose. Can then use some gaffer tape to keep the sleeve in place. Not pretty fix but will do until the garage can sort it properly.

[@glenlipkens6647]

10:53 wow shes gorgeous

[@blackporscheroadster6415]

She looks like Miranda Kerr.

[@carseyeadmire]

Good thing you got a manual. It would have been a little hard clutch starting it with a F1 gearbox

[@jvnvcigor]

The push to start!!! What a memory of the "old years"! Love the vlog

[@HellcatDreaminJosh]

Mr JWW Great Video I'm sorry to hear that your F355 GST had problems on the way to Concourse de elegance and I'm glad they were fixed and that you made it safely

[@Fioravanti.80]

Wow! I was not sure you would get one after the experience with the Spider, and great to see you took the plunge with the F355! I am intrigued to see what modifications are carried out and hope they are reversible! The car is just a peach as original and needs nothing / very little imho, apart from love and care. I bought mine from a reputable independent in Kent and the car so far has not 🤞had any issues. Just an absolute joy to all 4 senses (i have not tasted it!).

[@Marc-uw4lw]

You can fit a nice MOMO steering wheel on 355's. Strange that the battery sometimes charged. My guess is a loose connection on the alternator. Keen to know what the cause was.

[@ImperrfectStranger]

Sounded like the auxilliary belt was slipping. It's strange he didn't mention the Battery/Alternator warning light.

[@timw5k]

Love the 355! Cant wait to follow that project. And that blue Turbo S in the end is just stunning

[@rosettedsouza7265]

Mine was a 1996 355 GTS 6speed manual, with race seats, bought in 1999 and owned for 2 years, no problems whatsoever except clutch failed, which Ferrari replaced under warranty, fabulous vehicle......

[@myou6675]

Recently rediscovered the JWW love with these videos. Fantastic

[@ektrolleyboy]

Sounds like the alternator/belt? 🤷🏼‍♂️ I used to sell them back when they were current. And they often did their alternators.

[@VINTTRO]

We’re loving the 355 Journey, and it’s great to at last see some gorgeous classics. All the best ✌🏻

[@niklaspernelind768]

Loved the video! Will be very interesting to follow your journey with the 355. Maybe you will do some upgrades I can do to mine as well, even if mine probably will stay closer to original spec then yours :)

[@Alshen]

Having owned a rosso corsa 348ts and TdF blue 355 F1spider in period, this brings back memories, both good and bad. Neither one made it past 20K miles (from new) in my ownership - great when running healthy (esp the 355), but would not feel confident taking them on a road trip, say LA to Vegas. Just too many little things that can and do go wrong. The Porsche 911 Turbos that followed (and even a '03 Maserati Spider) went anywhere. For sure do miss them carving through canyons, esp the 355 which made peak power at 8250, just shy of readline. It sang, even though it wasn't that fast esp by today's standards. Also don't miss the engine out belt service that was needed every 3 yrs for both cars. Don't regret owning them overall, however. The 355 lasted but 8k miles with me then sort of met an untimely demise, but it was not entirely the car's fault.

[@Philippinesbound42]

What happened?

[@bingus3582]

Road trip in a F355 guarantees surprises

[@mrbojangles5313]

The editing on these new videos is like watching an episode of ‘This Life’ circa late 90’s.

[@russelladams7053]

Simple fix the auxiliary belt is slipping not spinning the alternator properly and flattering the battery hope it gets you home look forward to the next video

[@spinmoto180]

What an Epic Location! And, of course, the Ferrari is going to be Truly Epic after it is Re-Engineered!

[@TM-mk2zb]

There’s definitely something about the 355 that is very special, one of the best Maranello have ever churned out in my opinion

[@johndavid1861]

Good advert for the guys he bought it from !!!

[@SQLJedi]

Goldeneye is what I think of when I see that beautiful car... awesome, thanks for sharing your journey. JWW

[@animal355]

At least you'll persevere with it, because you love the drive, so I won't be expecting a '5 things I hate about my 355' or 'I'm selling my 355' videos. I love the 355 even with its foibles, great video James

[@MrGB1999]

First thing I'd do - double check all the fuel lines. Literally everything corrodes on these cars after the 15-20yr mark. Also check the fuel pumps for leaks..

[@jamesbreakwell1893]

Ice cream vendor giving the 355 a run for its money 😍

[@Mrbonzo69]

James, I gave you you some critical feedback a few videos ago. Unlikely that this is the reason for it, but the last few videos have been spot on again! Perfect mix of driving, chatting and product/service branding in my view.

[@auwz66]

Thought you said it was a 5.2 car? Its got a 2.7 set up by the looks of it?

[@ImperrfectStranger]

Well-spotted. Most definitely a 2.7.

[@auwz66]

@@ImperrfectStranger N reg was the cross over year from 2.7 to 5.2 so I guess its one of the late 2.7s. Weird he said its a 5.2 as its pretty obvious that its a 2.7 if you look at the engine bay.

[@dons1932]

LOL at steering wheel tilt. That my friend is what's known as a traditionally Italian driving position. IE: Not the best one but for portly drivers. IE: Old fat men.

[@zrunner4311]

Despite all this, the 355 still looks ruddy glorious!

[@_PhinneyWood_]

do you still have the f355?

[@targaflorio3239]

Can’t wait to see the 355 get the JWW magic touch. Loving this Ferrari content!

[@GOLDINVEST17]

what year was it???

[@grooveseeker2883]

Is it a grounding problem (bad earth)

[@allensaunders449]

To soon for these issues if the car was checked carefully before purchase

[@mikelund57]

Those Ferrari models are my favorite of Ferrari. Especially the top less and gaited shifter

[@timomommers3285]

What a day, what a car you have, what a great rally it was! It was nice to meet you amigo. And great to see @The_Old_Morris in the Video.

[@peterkirton4580]

I do not know when you made this video but it was 35 degrees here in Herefordshire today the18th July which is too much for comfort

[@tomthomas9495]

Great show in Valkenburg at St. Gerlach, what day were you there?

[@MadsDJinside]

Great video! Whats the name of the first song??

[@taebebe9528]

Welcome in Belgium seems not really without a problem hehehehe Hope you can fix those little problems to make it a fantastic car bcz love that Ferrari!

[@MrJWW]

Minor issues - little tweaks 😃

[@taebebe9528]

​@@MrJWW Yeah, enjoy your stay in Belgium!!! Hope you get some Flemish fries with steak or with Zeeuwse mosselen (mussels) no tank stop food hahaha

[@spendingtimetogether8428]

@@taebebe9528 Interesting that you don't call them 'french fries', I guess because your nation invented them.👍

[@simullane7836]

There was a 355 between the adverts somewhere!

[@tillyfoxtrotter]

What adverts?

[@mrmoss149]

James- we learn by doing. Could have been worse. That car will be Mega once sorted. Editing is spot on, too.

[@Lifeguruonafence]

It’s very difficult to get across on camera just how good those engines sound at high RPM, when working of course ❤️

[@bingus3582]

Kreissieg exhaust under load is straight up car porn

[@PompeyMatt17]

if your battery is holding 14v when running, your alternator is ok..and the battery plates are cooked..if not holding 14v when running, get the alternator checked...👍

[@sidrens5292]

That is my poster car!!! Best looking Ferrari ever and the interior spec is just perfect!!!

[@ernie6590]

There is a beautiful black tanned interior 355 berlinetta parked down the road from me in Canada getting ceramic coated

[@justdriveit7434]

It’s not broken James…You just getting used to become a Ferrari mechanic…!!!:):) Is there anyone who don’t want an old Ferrari???I bet there isn’t…

[@fjones1914]

Beautiful F355. Hopefully, you get all the issues sorted quickly so it can be enjoyed more.

[@Schmitzelhaus]

Dude, it´s just not a morning person, gotta give it some time after waking it. 😅 And i personally can confirm the problems of a too hot to touch gear knob, no jokes. But it just looks too good!

[@Z4Man199]

The only thing that would have made things worse is if he'd brimmed it with diesel

[@chestermcgillicuddy4368]

Wee diva boy, expect more of that going forward fella. Great upload by the way, thanks a bunch!

[@majkel4000]

Nice sunglasses. What are they?

[@pietrobaio7230]

This is why everyone has a love hate relationship with the 355. Beautiful car. Horrible reliability. Atleast you guys had a great adventure 🙏

[@moosehak]

What an utter embarrassment! I love the 355 but would never buy another one as every single one I've come across through friends also have had issues. 360 onwards is the way to go for the classic ferraris

[@ImperrfectStranger]

I guess you haven't spent any time on the FerrariChat 360/430 forum. They have just as many issues (and more expensive ones). And they won't get any better with age.

[@moosehak]

@@ImperrfectStranger bought a 360 F1 15 years ago and let's put it this way, it's never needed a push start or smoked it's engine. It's been faultless.

[@ImperrfectStranger]

@@moosehak Not that you could push start an F1 car. So you've never had instrument display problems, immobiliser issues, variable cam timing issues, brake pedal switch issues, HVAC issues, window & doorlock issues, roof issues.... Seems there is a never ending requirement for my wiring diagnostic skills on the 360/430 forums. I go there when things are slow on the 355 forums. Looking forward to seeing you on the forum in a few years.

[@moosehak]

@@ImperrfectStranger I've been on the forum for years mate. I've never had any of those issues you mentioned. Mine is as perfect as they come (touch wood). I've had a 355 and got rid after a few months. It's beautiful and has the best sound of any ferrari but its a silly car to own (unless of course you've got silly money) and are silly enough to spend spend spend just to make sure it starts and then moves 🤣

[@ImperrfectStranger]

@@moosehak I suppose going to a forum like that does give one the impression that these cars break down often. Most people that go there are looking for solutions to problems. The people that don't have problems go there less frequently. Being a two (?) owner car probably means that your car has been looked after well, but aging is inevitable.

[@SocietyUnplugged]

That Porsche looks huge. The packaging of the F355, design and sound is beautiful.

[@reverendkrv]

That Celica though ;D

[@paulsz6194]

Nice ice cream, at 10:53 🍦 😎

[@Jrbettis]

Mechanical inspection please I have a road trip coming up.

[@Rx37Legacy]

Makes a more memorable roadtrip this way for sure!

[@OlaCurtius]

But if the battery is dead and you can bump start it means that it’s probably only the battery and not a problem with the charging.

[@th3b0untyhunter]

Battery could be dying hence works until very hot. Alternator could be giving low charge (the squeal was aux belt - so could be belt too) Or it could be an earthing issue not allowing full amps to be drawn on a hot start Either way its a cheap fix - after investigating which it is

[@ImperrfectStranger]

@@th3b0untyhunter I currently have a charging problem with my F355. It's not going to be a cheap fix. The wiring harness was damaged and will need an engine out to replace it.

[@Zepherian]

Your last video got me thinking about what could do what this car does, as I previously suggested a manual Ferrari 360. Turns out there is a manual f430 spider too, just saying... But don't get me wrong, I'd fix those issues and keep that thing, they are gorgeous cars, if a bit of a dominatrix mistress. Once sorted they seem to keep going, we have a few on the island and I see and hear them regularly.

[@jeancocteau9613]

Please change lens...tooo wide shots

[@jim_bocho]

Roadtrip in an older car without a jumper pack? Much to learn you have 😉 But awesome content ❤️ And you shouldn’t have brought anything else. Too much „boring“ modern stuff there.

[@bdgpgj077]

i littaraly paused the video to stop the spinning belt sound hahaha

[@MrJWW]

😂👍🏻

[@JerryHenderson72]

I only drive old cars , wondering whether you're going to make it there or not is all part of the fun 🤣

[@scratchcardsandcollectible7455]

Good to have friends available 🎉

[@SuperfloDee]

Mr JWW’s episodes are on point at the moment😁..well all the time really but more so lately😋😁🦾🔥🔥🔥

[@matmul4850]

Quality video man, had my laughing most the way through 😅

[@APOSTA-pz7vs]

dude, my 355 has not had serious issues. Had to rewire and do a few normal maintenance items but, you youtube guys seem to just melt these down every month, wtf!?

[@sultanoftippoo3857]

Ditto. In the three years of ownership, I’ve had zero issues with my F355 GTS as well. I rate this guy so I’m confident we’ll see his car running on the road as it should be but I do find it a bit of a coincidence that many KZbinrs seem to have endless issues with their cars to create content around? Guess it would make a boring video if regularly used/regularly maintained cars were featured as there would be nothing to show the punters. Hope you are enjoying your car this summer?

[@jimroberds4933]

Look into a steering each from a f355 challenge car. A better ratio

[@pietrobaio7230]

Can we get a restoration update?

[@christophebrou1178]

Color Name of the GT4Rs ?

[@Chris7lvlup]

It would be dope to do like a Ferrari resto mod type thing, like David Lee did with his Dino.