Carbon Challenge rear grill for F430 Spider Opinions

There was a similar thread discussing the OP's efforts to swap over to the CF rear grille:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/360-430/409774-430-carbon-fiber-challenge-grill-installed.html#post142349326

It's a matter of taste for most. I have an '08 F430 Rosso/Corsa with the CF grille (OEM) and I think it looks great! That car also has the matching CF vents on the engine bonnet. Combined, they have a great look...IMHO.

I also have an '09 Scud Nero/Dayton which, of course, has the CF grille. The CF grille does have a differing visual impact based upon the color of the car as you can clearly see from the pix.

As with the Challenge grille on the 360, there is a great deal more open area on the "Scud" grille which may lead to better cooling within the engine bay. Ultimately, I think it is a matter of taste, but for me and my dollars, the CF Scud grille was a major factor in my purchase selection.
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Mi car has the carbon grill and I like it with the silverstone color, I think they almost match. Where can I find the carbon engine vents? I saw a few on eBay for 2700??? Lol $$$$

 

I've seen a few aftermarket offerings, but it was not a common OEM option and may be hard to find. After looking at 500+ 430's, I've only seen one other with an set of OEM CF engine vents. It was a $2271 option per my '08's window sticker. BTW: the CF grille was a $3497 option.

 

You absolutely need this to complete the car

 

I disagree. I think it looks a bit out of place on red cars. Mine has the standard grill. I have never once regretted not having one. I think it looks okay on white cars or darker shades but not red.

 

Well, aesthetics are in the eye of the beholder, but from a sales standpoint, you are in a minority. Call any dealer; they will tell you which one sells quickest and for a premium. Let the market decide if your concern is resale. Otherwise, buy what you think looks best. That way every time you look at your car you will be happy and have no regrets.

 

When I purchased my Red Spider a 2.5 years ago, I decided it was a must have item. It is one of my favorite options on a red spider.

 

Agreed. I love the look. It was also the 430 that had the most attention at the dealership based upon that option (I spoke with other potential buyers). A clear favorite.

 

CF!

...
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Love CF grills on spiders, I took this shot yesterday.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

I have never seen a red soft top before, that is sexy

 

I know it's a 16M but gives an idea.

 

Carbon Fiber is WINNING!!!

 

I went to Ricambi to see if I could find what one could cost as an add on today but had trouble finding it there. Can anyone say what it would cost to buy one of these today?

 

The quotes below are from yronZFF who was the OP who changed out his stock grille for a CF with all the details on the following thread:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/360-430/409774-430-carbon-fiber-challenge-grill-installed.html#post142349326

"All the parts I installed are OEM Ferrari so it's a little pricey. You can either go brand new or look for used parts.

Brand new: ~ $8500-$9500 for the parts, plus painting the lower bumper ~ $1500, so ~ $10,000-$11,000 PLUS shipping of parts to your location, PLUS installation.

Used (or if lucky, finding new at a good price): I found a new carbon fiber grill with the mesh and horse, and an excellent used lower bumper for $5500, plus painting $1500, so $7000 plus shipping (costly for me since the parts came from the mainland to Hawaii) but I did the install myself to save a few dollars.

It took about a year to find my lower bumper and I've only seen 3 for sale in the past year. They go for ~ $2500-$3500 depending on condition and if you have parking sensors. The non-sensor ones I've seen sell in a day or two as guys like you and I are looking to do the conversion.

Also for others looking for the carbon fiber grill, the spider and coupe grills are different, so make sure you get the right one for your 430."

 

Thanks for the information. Not cheap but, I suppose, not surprising. Really gives the car a great look. Well done.

 

Interesting but I found this in an old thread on FCHAT.

"RossoCorsaItaly RossoCorsaItaly is offline
F1 Rookie

Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Dallas
Full Name: Kevin Calvert
Posts: 4,099
Takes me about 2 weeks to get them in.

Rear bumper - $3,200 - MSRP

Rear Grill - $1,950 - MSRP

Subtract 10% for F-chat discount.

Let me know what Ferrari dealer quoted you $12,000 so I can overnight them a crack pipe.

Regards,

Kevin"

In another post he says:

"Mike,

I am suprised an authorized dealer is quoting that price. These are all authentic Ferrari parts, it's no secret that MVP buys its OEM authentic Ferrari parts through Ferrari of Central Florida (who is an authorized Ferrari dealer) since 2004. The retail prices are what I posted.

Do you have a fax # you can PM me? I will fax you over an invoice from Ferrari of Central Florida where we purchase these parts from with the prices marked out (what we pay is none of your concern) but retail prices will be left on there.

Hopefully this will convince you these parts are 100% authentic and you can take them to your dealer friend.

Regards,
Kevin"

 

Gorgeous car! Thanks for sharing the pic. Gave me goosebumps.

Well said. Buy what makes YOU happy.

 

I love my carbon....

 

I love the C/F look and have yet to find a Ferrari color which, in an aesthetic sense, causes the C/F grille to be less attractive than the stock grille (IMHO).

I don't mean to say that I find the stock grille to be unattractive, that is not the case nor my contention; both grilles simply represent different approaches. I do, however, feel that the C/F look does evoke a more aggressive overall appearance.

 

I do love the grills, and was tempted to upgade my car but that would mean a new bumper, I have also read that the combination of the carbon grills (challenge grill + window sides)= a cooler engine tempreture.

It was so funny when my younger brother however mistaked one for a 360 due to the grill