F430 Engine mounts

The F430 Buyer's Guide in the Forza Magazine said the Engine Mount is a potential problem.

Did anyone experience the problem and changed the Engine Mount ?

I got the 2005 Spider with stick transmission in January this year with 14,000 km on the clock. Plan to replace the following parts

1. Capristo Header with heat shield and bracket
2. 4 new tyres
3. Add front skid pads
4. Gear shifter bushing
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Engine mounts are not common failure complaints here, but I am sure they will eventually fail. I treat them as a wear item, and have changed them in all of my high milage vehicles, and on my last 13k mile, but 30 year old Ferrari.

Also consider the Fabspeed headers, less expensive and an easier install. The Capristo headers are great as well, just almost 2x the cost. See my DIY install guide if you so wish to tackle it yourself.

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/360-430/382912-f430-exhaust-manifold-header-install-diy-fabspeed.html

Skid plates are always a good idea. I went two-piece, many swear by the one piece units. A board sponsor Ricambi sells them reasonably priced. $175 USD / pair : Ferrari Parts : SKD-430-PE : SKD-430-PE F430 Skid Plates in Polyethylene

Tires; Check out the RE11 Bridgestone tires. F430GT is the resident tire and suspension geometry expert. The fronts are the stock size, the rears would be 285/35R19. F430GT claims this balances the handling from understeer to neutral.

 

Not many complaints on failed Engine mounts here?
I guess I'm now wondering: What is a common symptom - or - how does one know when an Engine mount has failed?

 

I've had cars with 1,000 miles and 50,000 miles. The stealer, I mean the dealer always recommends "changing engine mounts due to sagging." I've never had a problem and I'm sure not too many other people have either.

 

You don't need to change engine mounts prematurely. You will know they are shot when you get rough shifts at high RPM because the engine will be moving too much. As long as the mounts are not worn out, you don't need to change them.

 

Thanks for the advise.

The Capristo header with heat shield is >20% higher than Fabspeed with ceramic coating.
Got a quote from Taiwan on Fabspeed but is higher than USA.
Already ordered the Capristo before getting your advise.

Bridgestone RE11 has no stock here. Will try Michelin Pilot Super Sport 235/35ZR19 (91Y) front and 295/35ZR19 (104Y) rear. Its my DD and not track.

While changing the header, will have the mechanic to check the condition of the engine mount.

 

Which rims would you use for the 235/35ZR19 Michelin? The "original" 7.5" front rims are quite narrow for the 235 (IMO) ... is somebody driving this combination already? I'm also thinking about the Michelin Pilot Super Sport for our 430.

 

Mine is 19" Challenge wheel. 235 should fit OK and protect the rim better.

 

I'm driving with this combo In fact, this was recommended to me by Ferrari of Houston, and they were the ones that mounted them on.

Check out my previous thread for pics and more info.

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/360-430/396962-michelin-pilot-super-sport-295-35r19.html

 

Thank you!

I really like the standard wheel design and the challenge design even more, but I always thought the 7,5" front rims would be little too narrow for the 235 tyre. The Michelin Pilot Super Sport seems the way to go

 

The pilot supersport is available in the standard 225/285 430 size. I've got them on my car.

John.

 

If you know the feeling of uncommon engine movement, you should know that the engine mounts need to be replaced.
I had 2 F430's, both needed engine mount and tranny bush replacement. both are 2006, at 10,000miles
on my first F430, when i first bought it, i felt the engine movement, after they removed the engine mounts to change them, it looked they had a lot of stress, and were compressed! since i was about to change the clutch as well, I asked them to change the tranny bush as it had wear a bit when they opened it.
on my current F430, when i bought it, also noticed engine movement, asked the dealer to change the engine mounts, but still felt engine moving when i asked them to change the tranny bush later.
and here are how they looked like..
it's all about the driving style.
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Super nice.

 

Thanks.

This is my first Ferrari ........ dreamed for hundred of years

For its age and the high humidity here, a few area on the body panel painting are blistering.
Needs re-paint later.

And the rubberized paint on the fixed vent under the wind screen is sticky. Fortunately this is the only sticky part, and testing ways to pry it up without bsreaking the catches.

Other than that, the car is perfect.

My other car is a Lotus Esprit V8.

 

Thanks for the photos. Its a clue on what to look for a bad engine mount while replacing the header.

 

The motor mounts are pretty typical. The rubber seperation can only be seen if the big mount bolt is removed.

That trans mount is far more beat up than we usually see.