Engine damage due to cracked headers?

I think the headers are tipped up as they exit

 

Kevin,

Look at "F430 Header Failure (it CAN happen to you!)" in "Sticky: [360/430] 360/430 DIY and Technical threads " at the top of the 360/430 section. I don't think that's the only example, either.

Tom
2007 F430 Coupé

 

Not so much cracked headers causing the engine damage as the pre-cat failing, which is in the header. Any cat bits in the exhaust can be sucked back into a cylinder due to valve timing events which cause pressure and vacuum to occur in the exhaust header.
Solution - aftermarket headers with no pre-cats. May not work in CA though.

 

My engine had to be replaced because of a cracked header

 

1. It is a real problem.

2. It is by no means a reason not to buy these wonderful cars.

3. Upgrade the headers like nearly everyone does and enjoy the hell out of the car.

Every high-performance car I have owned has had a similar issue. With my Cayman S, it was the IMS boogeyman. With my 997 Turbo, it was coolant pipe failures.

I say let the chattering class argue endlessly about these issues on the forums. I'll be out driving and enjoying my car.

 

I had mine replaced with Fabspeed on the 3rd day I owned the car. The problem is that the 430 has a pre-cat and a cat, so the broken pieces have no way to travel out of the exhaust. Its a real problem but easily solved. Aftermarket headers besides being stronger stainless steel, also have no pre cats.

 

It is a very real issue and, from what I can tell, started with the 355 and has been an issue ever since. Lots of discussions why Ferrari hasn't addressed it and the sticky interior issues. You may want to do a search on 355 header failures but a cracked header is not something to ignore. As an example:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/348-355-sponsored-bradan/434124-cracked-headers-cylinder-wash-how.html

I had a cracked header on my 355 but caught it right away. I think the key is properly diagnosing it and getting it fixed early.

 

I have never heard of a cracked header issue with 360s, if they do exist how can you prevent them from happening besides replacing the stock headers, or how can you diagnose them?

 

Hard to detect, rattle on start up is the main giveaway, I've posted some YouTube videos on smoke testing manifolds if you search F430 manifolds, if you want to stay with stock manifolds, take the metal heat shield off so you can inspect them regularly, pre-cat I don't believe ever fail, its the pipes as shown in my pic, they all seem to fail at this point, people are simply welding the pipes back up and reusing them with heat wrapping, I chose the superior aftermarket decatted option but I'm not throwing away my stock ones, they can be fixed and reused with or without the pre cats.
It's been a steep learning curve for me with lots of scare stories, it's not such a big issue really, metal work at the end of the day and some nuts and bolts!!
hope that helps!!
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360 have issues as well. My 360 CH car blew out one of the O2 sensor bungs 3rd time on track- Ferrari does many things well - exhaust systems aren't one. Virtually any SS system is many times stronger and ultimately more reliable then stock. I wouldn't necessarily say better performing...