Big money pit...! Seeking F430 perfection...

Ok so my 2007 F430 with 26k miles has been running great and was converted to manuale using oem parts by EAG (one of the last available kits) but I have not been happy with suspension.

some initial clunking over bumps was fixed by replacing anti rollvar bushings but I wanted it to feel tight like when it was brand new....

so started the entire bushing replacement, including flamblocs, shock bushing, steering tie-end rods and today my independent trusty Ferrari mechanic called me to tell me that the front end could not be aligned because someone had previously heated the tie-rod end nut and it had fused...

soeither have to send that part out to have one duplicated or get a new steering assembly... anyone heard of that before??

suddenly cost is sky rocketed ...

 

Yeah he can have new ends made for $1k...
And have the rack reconditioned for another $2.5k
At which point you're at $3.5k and a new rack is $5.5k....

perfect slippery slope as always...

 

Ok dear friends, I have to tell you, Tony at Autohaus of Boston (Tony Ferrari ) is the best!!

I just picked up my F430 after he replaced all ball joints flamblocs and suspension arm bushings, and shock absorber and anti roll bar bushings, steering tie rods and also got a new steering rack.

Tony did the job perfectly, and also adjusted my clutch and did a full service. Car feels brand new...

I cannot recommend him highly enough, he's honest, trustworthy, does work in timely fashion and is easy to reach.

A+++ all around and happy with my car again, it feels tight...

 

Go for it, it gave the car that brand new tight feeling.

 

Thank you for the advice, my mechanic mentioned machining a new one but then there was some off-center play in the rack and figured I'd replace the whole thing, I'm glad I did, steering feels perfect now..

 

Yes between the $800 for two ends needing machining and the $3k to overhaul, $5.8k for new from Scuderia Parts was reasonable and I went with that...

 

Hi, no he offered to have new rod ends machines for $500 but then I had been unhappy with the steering feel and between having the steering rack reconditioned and cost of rods x 2 for symmetry and manual labor to remove/install I sprung for a new rack which made more sense for the long run. Tony has been an honest straight shooter upfront, can't recommend highly enough.

On the clutch front, the tubing to the clutch cylinder had a leak and was replaced and the linkage to the pedal needed adjustment, both of which made a huge difference in clutch engagement feel.

Sorry about the rollvars spelling error, I meant anti-roll or sway bars.

I had engine and transmission mounts changed when I had manual conversion done; car finally starting to feel perfect and the gearbox/shift feel is amazing.