F430 - First Impressions

Just got a 2 year old F430 F1. I've had an F355 and then a CS in the past to compare. Now had the chance to give the F430 a good thrashing and formed the following opinions:

The Good:
1) Engine is stunning with bags of torque in every gear. I can feel the extra power above the CS engine especially in the lower gears.
2) Car obviously feels heavier than the CS but very well balanced.
3) Gearbox is very similar to the CS. Very useable on the hoof but a bit clunky when manoeuvring.
4) Build quality seems to have gone up a notch or two.
5) Handling is awesome. The steering feels light but very, very precise at the same time - some clever work gone in here.

The Bad:
1) The standard brakes feel poor. I had no brake fade but really had to lean on them when late braking. Is this all F430s or just mine? I know the CS had stunning brakes but even the AP Racing 6 pots on my Scoob are better
than the standard F430s. If the brakes are like this I may consider the upgrade to the CS brakes since I've never had any better.
2) Compared to the Pirellis on the F355 and CS, the Bridgestones feel "snatchy". It's the best way I can explain it. When on the limit in the CS you could balance the car and play around. Even with all the transaction off, the Bridgestone's grip seems a bit lacking by comparison.
3) The on/off nature of the exhaust is a bit irritating. I know the CS valves opened too but the F430s valves seem to open up lower down the rev range so consequently driving in traffic gives a loud/quiet/loud/quiet effect - a mate said it sounds like somethings broken which kind of highlights the issue. Has anyone modified there exhaust so it's loud all the time? I'd be interested in the results. I've already made an inquiry to Larini but no response...

Overall it's a stunning piece if kit and feels special every time I'm behind the wheel. Just a case of making it my own (modifying) now

Ian

 

It's had a service and 101 Ferrari check...

The brakes are fine for "street use".

When I say they feel poor I mean late braking from 120 mph+ into a deep wide corner. I know where I brake in the Scoob and where I used to brake in the CS but I have to stand on the brakes and a bit earlier in the F430.

Has anyone tried the standard F430 brakes compared to the CS or the F430 brake upgrade? I'd value their opinions too...

 

Now you're talking.

Any specific details on how to do this?

 

Thanks for all the input guys - much appreciated!

 

Superb - I'm offer to buy some lock collars at the weekend.

Many thanks for the post!!!

I'll report back when I've done them

 

Now that's the easy bit of latteral thinking I like!!

Think I'll rattle the toolbox at the weekend and see if I can find any

 

Had a play over the long weekend (in England).

Tried the alligator clips but made me nervous that they might "pop-off" and the last thing I want rattling around the engine bay is 2 bits of metal. So in the end I took the pipes off, screwed in a couple of self tappers to the ends of them and attached the pipes to the others running along the back bumper. Looks neat. I've got some spare fuel clips (10mm) just in case I need to put them back on...

Now here's the crunch. It's louder at low revs but to me it sounds so much smoother. A steady noise from tick-over up the rev range. It does sound a bit "lumpy" at very low revs but I guess this is where an after-market exhaust would improve things. I'm much happier driving the F430 round town now and it feels to me like it should rolling out of the factory. Added bonus, it gives a slight "crackle" on the over-run now at low revs which makes it sound even meaner

I've given it a good thrashing over the weekend and have got more used to the brakes. They are good, just not what I'm used to. No brake fade at all, I just have to brake harder and a bit sooner to allow for them.

So in all, I'm much happier now and know that should I want more I'll need to invest in the CS brakes and a sports exhaust. I'm also going to change the tyres when they are due to Pirellis and see how they feel.

Many thanks for all the input and help guys!!