DIY: 360 Carbon Fiber Paddle Shifter Upgrade

They look great.

 

Thanks for sharing Dan. I've just bought my F430 and have been contemplating the CF paddles as well. I believe they are the same as for the 360. In any event, that'll be a later project for me. Gary

 

Are they difficult to install?

 

Mine will be delivered today -- in time for Motori Italiani this Saturday.
Alan

 

Awesome. I installed them on my 430 and can't imagine my car now with the stock ones. These cars should have come with these! Getting my CF airboxes today from Carbonio. Can't wait to install them. Just in time for the Ferrari of LI rally this Sunday.

 

+1

The shifting ease compared to OEM is amazing.

 

Installed my Carbonio shifter paddles today. Extremely good quality and super nice finish. The installation is easy if fiddly starting the screws by hand while holding the paddle steady. The instructions didn't say to discard the old screws and use the new ones (in fact it said to keep the washer with the screw) -- but I figured it out as the new ones are longer to account for the thicker paddles and why provide them if not needed.
One observation is that there appears to be a smidgen more room between the paddle and the light switch stalk than on the other side. Not much room -- I will have to see how I get on driving with them on as I head down to Charlotte Saturday for Motori Italiani. Maybe a shim under the paddle mount.
Alan

 

Gary- 360 and F430 paddles are different. Make sure you get the correct ones.

 

+1

 

Yes my next upgrade will be also be the CF air boxes

 

Dan
I believe the new screws should be used as they are longer for the thicker material.
Alan

 

Alan- I did not get any new screws with mine, and the original ones worked fine.
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Terry
Longer screws for the 360 only maybe. The carbon fiber is quite a bit thicker than the aluminum but the old screws worked fine on mine until I compared the length and changed them out. I think the distance between the paddles and stalks is quite small but in retrospect I only use the tips of my fingers to change gear. The instructions did mention that to have the wiper stalk in wipe position before using the washer function as this will cause you to change up as it hits the paddle. I guess most of us don't drive much in the rain so shouldn't be an issue.
Alan

 

Alan- Possible.

 

The jury is still out on how much I like these. I am finding it more getting used to than I expected. Here a few "gripes":
1. I have to reach around the back of the left one to operate the turn signal.
2. It's difficult to operate the light function on the stalk as I cannot get a good grip from the front as before but have to reach around to turn the stalk from the end.
3. I cannot have my hand holding the steering wheel and operate the paddles with the tip of my index finger as I could before, because the paddle will not come back far enough to change gear as it hits my knuckles -- I have to use all of my fingers.
4. I understand from the instructions that using the windscreen washer will operate the up shift -- not really an issue as I rarely drive in the rain.

I'm still trying to decide whether the ability to change gear when not having the wheel straight ahead outweighs these negatives. Time will tell.
Alan

 

Great points, and much appreciated Alan! Was looking into getting these, not because i have issues shifting, just because they look pretty cool. A little hesitant now however. I saw there are also the regular 360 style ones, just in carbon.

Does anyone find themselves using the lower end of the paddle for shifting now, instead of the upper (as only possible on the OEM ones)? I mean do they perform any better, or are they easier to shift with, or is it solely the look? And I agree, they do look amazing!

Thanks guys

 

I do find that shifting while turning the wheel is better -- particularly when starting in first and making a left or right turn as the revs build very quick. I still don't understand why I can't use just the tip of my index finger while still holding the wheel in my fist. I don't have large pudgy fingers. Maybe it's because of the thicker material.
Alan