Are the carbon-Ceramic brakes worth the extra cost both initially and in the long run. I've been looking for the right F430 and have ones that I like both with and without the big brakes. I will be tracking the car a few times a year and am wondering if the cost of replacement pads and rotors after awhile is worth it over the standard rotors and pads. Thanks, Steve
They'll absorb a few track days pretty easily, I have 20K on my Stradale with 10-12 Track days on it and am still on my original pads and rotors, the computer shows less than 20% wear on the rotors, the pads need to be changed soon. My 430 challenge car however I go thru pads fairly quickly - probably 5 track days and you are down to the limit. I think this is largely as a result of driving the car much harder and it having slicks so its able to stop much more quickly hence more wear. I personally don't drive street cars at the limit on the track since I don't like the idea of a big off without a roll cage. They are addictive in feel and are fantastic in hard use. The CS ran a 60 minute session at LRP with no fade. For reference after 10K on my previous 360 with steel brakes I was on my 3rd set of pads and had killed the rotors. That was with a similar number of track days and driving style. The rotors and pads are much cheaper for the race cars, if you fit slicks or do a lot of track days you will need pads which are expensive, but the rotors should last well. I have them also on my 911 GT3, so I'm a glutton for punishment, but I'd recommend them if you're up for the eventual cost.
Nice reply. Can't beat personal experience! Looks like the CC brakes are starting to appeal to me more. Thanks Dan
I found the perfect F430, but without CC brakes. No problem around town. However, like you, I do a few track days a year and enjoy pushing myself and the car. The problem is that the F430 allows you to push the car so much harder, yet remain within a safe zone, you don't realize how much punishment you are putting on the brakes. The result... I've been through two sets of pads and need to replace the rotors. Ouch. I'm now planning to go with the Novitec brake system before spring. If you have the choice, find the few extra $$$ up front for CC rather than spending those $$$ over the next year or two year for an inferior driving experience. just my thoughts, not yours CG
New 2008 you don't have a choice anymore, so anything previous without them will be the "cheap" Ferrari option
CC brakes are worth it if you drive you drive it on the track. They are definitely better performer than steel rotors and much less brake dust. I have a GT3 with steel rotors and have to clean them regularly while my CS rims are so much cleaner. My only fear is having someone who doesn't know about CC rotors spraying wheel cleaning chemicals on the rotors and ruining them. According to my F service dealer, you don't want any wheel cleaning chemicals getting on them rotors or they will be ruined. I am not sure if this is an urban legend but I don't want to find out the hard way.
just the consistent feel of stopping at all speeds and the lack of brake dust were more than worth the price of admission for me. It's a must have IMO.
while these brakes may be great on the track and I like having no brake dust to clean on my 430 Spider, they are a pain to use in everyday driving. They grab hard everytime you use them making it difficult to have a smooth drive. Local Ferrari service dept said they are the biggest source of complaints they get. I would think Ferrari would fix it but had the same issue on an earlier Ferrari 612.
I concur. You sometimes need a firm push first time in wet/cold, but they are easy to drive "slowly".
Predicated on the price not a common option on any color F430. If you watch the market closely they do pop up. Here's a '05 red/blk Coupe w/CC option....http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-Ferrari-F430-Coupe-F1-U-S-Model-CeramicBrk-MINT_W0QQitemZ170173122063QQihZ007QQcategoryZ6212QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
They are a US$16k option. Not many have bought it. I personally recommend them. You can also buy a F430 with steel brakes and buy a new F430 aftermarket Brembo Ceramic Brake System and have it installed......it costs much less than the OEM option and is the same. http://www.brembo.com/ENG/Car-Brakes/BCBS/BCBS1.htm
T. is right, the $$$ bump was a bigger percentage on the v8s, versus the larger $$$ on the Enzo and v12's makes it not so painful. Plus, as was noted in the coverage of the Enzo, you could buy a whole second Ferrari for what it costs to renew pads and platters all way 'round in CCF......
Here yea go...http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-FERRARI-F430-F1-CERAMIC-BRAKES-FACTORY-WARRANTY_W0QQitemZ110200761473QQihZ001QQcategoryZ157042QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I have a Bentely GT with Ceramic Brakes and agree they are a different experience. Hold a full cup of coffee in one hand and hit the brakes! I can understand their value for that minscule percent who drive 8/10th plus (tracking) regularly. After that, it is all "rationalization" (nothing wrong with a good rationalization), i.e. no brake dust, aesthetics, potential resale, my car is better than your car, etc. Regular brakes work fine and always have, both on the street and track. Ferrari may want to make some more money and has now added them, but it has nothing to do with necessity. Best
I have several friends whom are on their 2nd 430, the first cars had steel brakes and the 2nd has CC brakes. Both say they will never get another F car without CC brakes, and both have never been to the track. I never track my F car, and I ordred a new 430 with CC brakes. Should be in in 2 weeks and I have no regrets. Plus, the head of pre-owned cars at my dealer says that because the 08's will have them standard, used 430's with CC brakes will bring more money than those without.
I upgraded them on my 997 GT3. Wow... Amazing No dust, no fade awesome. No comparison to steel, I hate the brakes on my 360 ( not working right ) but when and if I can get them sorted I am upgrading to something... Hard to go back after you have experience the Carbon brake system.... It is second to none. If you can afford to pay $200k+ for a car why would you not get them????
Curious (nothng more). Can you elaborate on the benefits of Ceramics? In other words, do you have trouble stopping with regular brakes? Is there a pedal "feel" that you like? Is there the lack of "squeeking", etc. Not trying to be argumentative, but, as someone who has and had Ceramics , I have never been that impressed. I have found two redeeming features: they do not create brake dust and stop quickly, however, with that said, they are difficult to brake easily in stop and go traffic. I can understand the resale argument (makes sense). Best
Same here.....my first one had steel brakes, the second F430 has CC brakes. From now on, any car I'll order will have CC brakes.
Well as they're standard on the CS I have no complaint about stop & go in traffic. I had ordered my F430 with CC brakes and I know it's a lot of money but it's well worth it to me.
