I've Just completed fitting Capristo headers to my 2007 F430 coupe. Just a couple of pointers which may help fellow members choosing to also fit themselves. My new header were full of some sort of compound, possibly polishing compound so I did spend a good 45 minutes cleaning them out to avoid blasting it into the primary cats. Sadly no instructions supplied by Capristo and I spent an hour or so trying to pass the left hand header through the gap between the chassis and engine as this is the route I took the original headers out. This proved impossible! I read all sorts of stories about jacking up the engine and gearbox and removing compressors etc. I did none of this. Very simply I just removed the plastic inner wing and the fuel tank heat shield and passed it straight in through the rear wheel arch (see pic). Once in position it's important that all nuts are tightened up evenly a few turns at a time. See the pic of the only tools I used to install the new header to cylinder head nuts. I did use a few more tools for removing the original headers (they are well documented by Aldous Voice). If you need any advice drop me a message. Finally, does it sound awesome? Hell bloody yeah! I'm very happy with the investment/insurance and enjoyed fitting Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I haven't included any pictures of the heat blankets but they are fitted along with the Capristo exhaust brackets
Did you keep the rest of the stock exhaust? How much louder/better sound than stock headers? Any problems at highway cruising speed? I don't want it too loud. I'm thinking of making this change also.
Great write-up, THANX ... but there may come some Q's ... Any gaskets renewed too ... oem or Capristo ? Did you exchange the nuts for new ones ? Can we see photos of the end result (blankets on etc ?)
Yes I replaced the manifold to head gaskets and all new nuts with genuine Ferrari. New doughnut gaskets connecting up to the cats come with the manifolds. I'll try and sort a picture with the blankets
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I wish I had read that two hours ago. Thanks for the advice, much appreciated and god bless Ferrari Chat.
Hello everyone, To avoid creating a new post I try to writte here trying to find more info about this topic. I am 90% decided to change my OEM manifolds for Capristo ones. I would like to know experience with heat blanket and manifold over the years (any problem). Some advice if it´s better to install first the manifolds and then the heat blanket, or put everything together. Thank you so much for your answers, Best
Have had no problems with the Capristo headers and heat blankets. The blankets have no deterioration after 8,000 miles of use. The heat blankets are easily installed after the headers are bolted in place. Previous other headers and heat blankets (not Capristo) I installed resulted in the heat blankets turning to powder in less than 1,000 miles.
