430 Hypothetical Question - DCT Swap into F430, possible?

I'd ask that fellow Fchatters to please stick to the question and refrain from veering into whether it should be done; I can already foresee those comments quickly derailing this thread.

The question is whether it is possible to mate something like the 458 DCT transmission to the F430, and what it might require (or challenges involved). I can't imagine there would be too many differences as far matching hardware goes, but that's just my assumption. There's probably more to it, but that's why I'm posing the question.

Look forward to hearing your thoughts!

 

I did a light search and came up with garagewhifbitz.co.uk . They apparently successfully installed one in a Supra and claim they can install one in any rear wheel drive car.

It is big money, but that's relative. Let's say it's doable for $25k. The difference between getting a F430 and a 458 is easily $50k plus tax for the low end (possibe maintenance surprises). You could keep the analog F430, modernize the weak sport (transmission) for less than the cost of the 458. I like my current car, color combo and everything, however there are two major things that make me itch for the 458; it's the way it shifts (feels/sounds raucous like an F1), and its sound approaching 9k RPMS. It is quite possible that between a DCT swap and an ECU tune I could get those things. The question is how much would it cost, and whether the effort is worth it.

This would only be good for someone who wants to keep the car for a long time. Obviously, you'd never get your money back when it's time to sell.

 

I agree, it's only a minor step in the direction. I just remembered how quick the changes were at WOT, combined with the sounds. Hard to describe in words the combination. It's specific to the 458. Didn't get the same vibes from a quick test drive of the F8. My thought process was that both are naturally aspirated, high-revving, flat plane crank engines. Yes mine is a 4.3, and the 458 has a 4.5, but shouldn't they be close enough to be able to replicate the higher performing one?

The sounds can be worked on in a combination of other steps. Is it not possible to gain the extra 500 RPM from an ECU update? That with the DCT, and maybe an x-pipe? I already have the Fabspeed headers on.

Anyway, along with the "emotion" side of things, I'd imagine a DCT would provide at least 100k of trouble free miles. No worrying about the clutch, F1 pumps, inclines and declines, etc. etc. A reliable V8, with a reliable DCT, on an otherwise analog body.


Listen to the Supra with the conversion.

 

The 458 motor by itself (based on a quick ebay search) is at least $20,000. If both were about $30k, I'd consider it; but realistically it would be probably $50k. The total cost of the value of my F430 plus conversion parts would have to be considerably less than the cost of the 458 (which I know is subjective). The way I see it, my sorted car is worth roughly $90-95k optimistically. A rough condition 458 is worth roughly $165k. That's a 60-70k spread. Could be a down payment on an investment property. Up to a $30k cost I'd consider it possibly worthwhile. If it gets to a total cost crosses north of $130k, at that point, why not go for the 458.

@LVP488 - Good point. When I originally posted this question, I didn't know if it was even possible. Looks like the answer is yes it is possible. The next questions is what would be a reasonable estimate to do the work and parts necessary. Then do a cost benefit analysis.

 

Great point, I think this is the area I was mostly concerned about. Hardware, not so hard to figure out. Making sure the electronics are correct and communicate with each other is the bigger concern; especially since improved reliability is part of the business case for this.