Hi All, I would like to repaint the 458 Air Intake Manifold Cover, part #2 as shown in the following diagram: https://www.ricambiamerica.com/car-diagrams/ferrari/v6-v8/458-group/458-italia/air-intake-manifold-cover.html 1. Has anyone done this procedure? 2. Does anyone know how to remove the cover? 3. How tight to torque the screws when reinstalling? 4. Do I need to purchase a new gasket? This is my first time working on my own car. Thanks
I've removed the entire intake manifold for other reasons, which is what you'd need to do to paint the plenums. Trust me when I say the screw torques will be the least of your worries if you decided to proceed. Even for an experienced technician it's a pain in the butt. The factory manual does a poor job describing the procedure, but it hits the main elements.
I agree 100% with Mark... I also have removed the entire intake manifold to replace the red painted aluminium plenums with the carbon fibre plenums from a Speciale. Yes it was a big pain in the butt, but with the factory manual and a lot of patience it is doable. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Thanks, the gasket's and paint arrived. Which page of the factory manual is the procedure on? I can't seem to find it. Thanks
Section B4.04 of the workshop manual. You will also need a lot of various sized one time use only hose clamps.
Thank you for your information. I've just read it through. Do you know what the part numbers of the clamps are? Seems like a hassle. I already have the wrinkle paint. I wonder if it's possible to just spray the paint on the chipped parts and using a heat gun or heat lamp?
Thank you for your information. I've just read it through. Do you know what the part numbers of the clamps are? Seems like a hassle. I already have the wrinkle paint. I wonder if it's possible to just spray the paint on the chipped parts and using a heat gun or heat lamp?
Does anyone know the response to this question? I have chipping factory paint on my 458 plenum and want to repaint it with VHT red wrinkle but don’t want to go through the hassle of removing everything. Is it possible to just spray a new coat over the top wile covering everything else with plastic to prevent overspray?
Mel, do Mel, do you have any photos you can post? With the brush what technique do you use, how many coats? Does it give the wrinkle/pebbly affect?
Here are some pics. I went with a darker red, 2 coats with a coat of high heat clear. Wrinkle finish is still there. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Mel, bravo that is outstanding. I have a couple questions as I plan to do this project imminently and am very appreciative for your insight. -What sort of brushing technique did you use to avoid leaving brush marks? -Did you paint the manifolds without removing them? thank you!
No special technique, just a good brush. I was actually surprised how easy the paint went on. Have a rag with some paint thinner on it in case you get the red paint where you don't want it. Do you mean the intake manifolds? I did remove them to clean and detail when I have some motor work done, but I did not remove the red plenums to paint. Did that at a later date. Mel
Mel, Thank you. Yes, I’m referring to the plenums! Did you paint them still installed in the car, or did you wait to paint them once you removed them? Also, did you bake them in an oven after painting? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Yes, I painted them still installed on the car. The original wrinkle texture was good enough for me without using any heat. Mel
Mel, that’s wonderful news and gives me confidence to do this project myself. Did you do any prep work beforehand like sanding, degreasing, etc. or did you just paint right over the old paint? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I used a waxing grease remover prior to painting. No sanding. You can do it! Good luck! Send me some pictures when you’re finished. Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
Thanks Mel! Last question- did you heat up the engine before you started painting and how long did you wait for everything to dry before driving, 24 hours? Will definitely send before and after photos. Let’s just hope my engine bay doesn’t look like a Jackson Pollock painting when I’m done with it. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I did not heat up the engine prior to painting. Just make sure the surface is clean!!!!! I would say 24 hrs. is plenty of time. Looking forward you the photos!, Mel
Does ambient temperature matter? Right now its about 35 degrees outside and 40 degrees in my garage. Shouldn’t be an issue right? Or better to wait until warmer weather?
VHT recommends temperature be between 60 -95 degrees F. May be better to wait till it's a little warmer.
What grit sandpaper is best for sanding red paint from the top of the raised FERRARI lettering on the plenum to make it silver again? Warmer weather is here, so i'll be doing this pretty soon. Checklist items I am getting for the project: Waxing grease remover Paint brush VHT wrinkle red spraypaint Cannister to decant the spraypaint from the can Rag with paint thinner for any mistakes Painters tape/plastic sheets Sandpaper (what grit?) for sanding the top surface of the FERRARI letters and the raised lines near it.
