Project F430

Congrats, Aldous! Now we're making some real progress... the new car looks great with the CS wheels and I'm excited to see what else you have in store for it. Cool picture under the bridge, thanks for sharing!

 

Another small update that I forgot to mention. I replaced the pegs that the floor mats clip over. Some had changed the drivers side with these tiny little ones which meant the mat kept slipping forward.

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Here's the part number for future ref.

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Here you can see the difference.

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The OEM pegs screw in with a large flat bladed screwdriver. I used some tape to protect the plastic.

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All better!

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So I got round to fitting the manifolds this week. They really are a quality item and I'm very pleased with the way they fitted. I have only fired the car up so far but the sound at idle is a lot more throaty. I'm hoping to take the car for a spin later this week to find out the performance gains. I'd like to thank Rob @ Vivid again for all his help - I would have no hesitation in recommending him or the Agency Power headers.

I have done a full write up with step by step photos on my blog. I did the work at home, on my driveway. I worked one side at a time, supporting the car on axle stands. It wasn't a difficult job but it was very fiddly at times. Whilst I had access I took the opportunity to torque up the cam cover. Here are a selection of photos...
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excited to see how the headers sound and what kind of power they make.

 

Are you able to reuse the old exhaust gaskets on donuts or did you get new?

 

I got new ones. For the cost I though it was a no brainer really - I wouldn't want to fit them and find I had a leak!

 

Great updates V, wheels look great on the car and there's something just so lovely about exposed exhaust manifold snaking around like that. Interested to see how the coating holds up over time.

You make the extraction of the nuts/studs sound easier than I suspect it was. I can picture grazed knuckles and a lot of swearing and walking away for beer! Would there be anything to be gained (in terms of access) from opening up the engine hatch?

 

Is it supposed to be rust in an F430s engine bay like that? :/

 

The ceramic coating wasn't much extra so I decided to go for it. I suspect it'll wear off with time so I'll get them done properly by Zircotech.

You are correct - the extraction of the studs wasn't easy. The state of my hands and lower arms is testament to that. It's a good job I'm not seeing any clients next week!

This is a 9 year old car with 26k on the clock. It has spent some of it's life being stored outside so corrosion of the ferrous metals is expected. I was however a little shocked at the state of some of the fittings. This car has a full Ferrari service history and I am going to have to replace or repair quite a lot of the fittings that should have been attended to a lot longer ago.

Mind you, I love a project and I bought this with my eyes open and at a price to reflect the condition.

 

It seems to have fallen into more caring hands Good luck!

 

I forgot to answer this - sorry. No, I couldn't see any gains from going in via the cabin unless you wish to move the AC compressor out of the way.

Thanks!

 

I got a pack on 10 temperature sensing stickers in order to monitor how hot it gets in the engine bay with the new manifolds. I put 2 on the fuel rails, 2 inside the ECU heat shield, 2 on the engine bay trim, 1 on the AC compressor, 1 on the starter, 1 on the gearbox and 1 on the silencer.

I am due a service next month so we'll have it up on the ramp soon so I can take a look at what has been recorded and put some more in.
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Voicey

I was concerned about the heat when I changed my exhaust so went for the capristo as they come with heat blankets. I don't want to start a which is best debate but it might be worth fitting some of those heat strips inside the engine bay next to the fuel tanks as the manifolds are very close.

Good luck with the 430 - seeing all the corrosion under your engine side covers - I am taking mine off this weekend to have a look, as your car looks tidy and not a ruster ....... this is always a slippery slope for me as "when you are in there" takes over and I end up dismantling the car the change all the rusty nuts/bolts/etc and doing lots of repainting - bet you will end up doing the same !!!!

Also nice to see a few more of us brits on the site

 

One thing I discovered was the rubber boot on the cable that connects the ABS sensor to the wiring loo was degraded on both sides. The reason seems to be the tight kinks in the cable stretch the boot and it splits as it ages.

I cut off the boot and wrapped the wire and connector with self amalgamating tape - once it fuses together it provides a super tight seal against the elements. I also flipped the bracket that holds the wire to the chassis 180 degrees in order to let the wire sit at a much gentler curve.

If you have a 430 I would check these next time you have the rear wheels off.
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Just an FYI. If you go to a different AC heat shield, be mindful of the weight. When I switched to Fabspeed headers, they gave me a heatshield they made for the car. It was too heavy, and it has caused the stock bracket that holds it to the compressor to break twice in 6 years. I went back to stock just recently....

 

I went out twice today in the car, once I got stuck in some traffic for over 15 mins so the temps went quite high. I'm pleased to report that I'm not getting any indication on the temperature strips that are on the fuel rails, engine bay panels and gearbox. I can't see the other strips apart from the silencer where I'm getting a reading of 210C.

I've ordered some strips with a lower range and will fit them next week.

Thanks for the advice.
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I forgot to provide feedback on the sound with the new manifolds - it is LOUD!!! It sounds the same as the stock exhaust, just louder. I wont be passing any noise tests anytime soon.

 

I'm about to take delivery of an 06 spider with tubi and oem manifolds/cats etc
Interested on the agency power headers cost/import etc
Pm if you prefer

 

One of the things I did whilst the diffuser and undertray were off was to change the gearbox oil. Despite having a full Ferrari service history it was apparent that the mesh filter had never been off as it was covered in white silicone strands - commonly thought to be from when the box was assembled at the factory. Full write up is here.
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Wow, my transaxle oil looked much blacker than that when I changed it last month! (Valvoline as well, 1y/7k miles since the last change)

 

Aldous,

How did the S6 008 work out for you? The battery in my 430 is toast and needs replacement. I’m also considering a FIAMM VR760 as the specifications and dimensions are identical, thoughts?

Thanks,
Rob

 

That link is broken.

 

Aldous, you installed the Bosch S6 battery 7 years ago. I’m curious as to how it held up. Still in use, any issues?

Thanks,
Rob