Aftermarket manifolds on but still not happy

I don't know how the science works, but please give me a better idea of my logic here:

If the header is cracked, and introduces air into the exhaust before reaching the pre-cats, and yet it doesn't trigger a CEL, doesn't that mean the a/f mixture is still within the pre-programmed limit?

If it is within the acceptable limit, why would it cause cat failure? If cat failure can occurs within operating limits, shouldn't they change the limit to be smaller so to ensure cat failure doesn't happen?

 

The limits are pretty wide. They are designed to identify a significant failure like:

Any condition that causes the engine to run lean such as a weak fuel pump, a clogged fuel filter, or a faulty fuel pressure regulator

Any condition that causes the engine to run rich such as a mass air flow sensor, manifold absolute pressure sensor, or a faulty fuel pressure regulator

The cracked header may not throw a CEL and it's not going to cause damage within a short period of time. If you run a cracked header too long though you are exposing yourself to catalyst damage and that catalyst debris falling into the cylinder due to the unique header design of a mid engine car.

I guess I don't understand why anyone would run a known cracked header for any significant length of time given the risk to the engine and just general poor sound/ticking/leaking at start up or idle.

 

LOL

 

My 2007 F430 3-pedal car still has the original manifolds .I have them checked each year by my Ferrari dealer when I get the annual fluids changed.My car has 12,000 mi. Since so many 430 manifolds have failed and cracked what do you think I should do? Continue driving like I have been or consider changing them? The time frame for Ferrari to replace them at no cost to me has ended.


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Don't worry about it till you hear the leak/tick at start up. It's a very distinct noise for the first 45+ seconds. Then proceed with your preferred repair shortly after.

 

I haven't been reading this thread so apologies for being late to the party. I have the S-Line exhaust with sport cats and Fabspeed headers on my 360 and everyone here is right - it is loud.

However, on my F430, I have the prototype muffled S-line system along with Fabspeed headers and it is almost as quiet as stock. I would say that it might be quieter than stock in some driving conditions but definitely not much louder than stock in the most aggressive situations. And the best part is that you still get that S-Line pitch. I have been contemplating getting the muffled tips for my 360 as well but it really is a huge improvement to quieting the volume without hurting the pitch or airflow.

 

You are incorrect. It has and still does happen. I have personal experience of an F430 spider with a pre-cat failure and severe engine damage.


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Sorry but you cannot deny pre-cat failure DOES happen, DOES sometimes result in serious engine damage, DOES occur in manifolds that also show cracks and that after market manifolds are of SUPERIOR quality and CAN'T ever have pre-cat failure.

Now whilst I would agree only a small percentage of cracked manifolds also go onto have pre-cat failure it does nevertheless happen - your post denied it has ever happened. I have personal experience of it happening.

It is impossible to be categorical about the cause and effect of the headers cracking and the pre-cats failing but replacing poor quality Ferrari manifolds with superior aftermarket cat-less manifolds is a sure fire way to remove the potential problem.
The difference in quality of my Capristo manifolds compared to the stock item is simply astounding and for me well worth the expense. I should add my 16M had no pre-cats so the change on this car was simply based on fitting a far superior quality product that I feel also sounds much better.


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Just curious, are you running the stock exhaust with your Capristo headers?

There is so much discussion on this thread on the sound/tone of AP/Fabspeed headers but I'd like to learn more about the Capristo headers sound.

 

Afraid not, I actually changed the cats and muffler to Capristo first and then 12 months later changed the headers as well. Changing the headers didn't change the sound on my 16M as much as it would on a standard F430 as the stock headers on Scud/16M don't have pre-cats.






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Technically the odds would be something like 1 in 120 (~100 units w/ catalyst related engine damage out of ~12,000 total F430 production)

 

Maybe a GT car would suit you better? I think a stock F430 is way too quiet.

 

You are far from the majority. The aftermarket for exhausts is huge. Most that appreciate sports cars such as these appreciate the sound as intended vs muffled.

 

There are 3-5 on this forum

What % of f430 owners are online here and active? 10%?

That would mean at least 50 cases.

My production numbers are a bit high probably, so let's say somewhere around 1 in 225

That's far from 1 in 1,000,000

Good luck with your car, I think most others can make their own decisions based on this discussion

 

That's hilarious Mark I've thought the exact same thing this whole thread. I'm not sure either why dvb sounds so angry? We get it already, you think headers are too loud, why all the arguing!?

 

Aftermarket headers are even more loud on cabrio cars. My car is a coupe and therefore I think the sound volume is totally acceptable, especially if you consider the peace of mind you get with aftermarket.

However, if you care about the volume and your car is mostly a garage queen, then maybe the OEM headers is your solution. Mk2 last for at least 10 to 12k miles.