F430Addict - The Madness has begun...again (Scuderization)

Wow. Just realized. Factory footwell sensor cover costs 48£. MaCarbon cover costs USD595 without core exchange. Talk about chalk and cheese.

Does anyone know if AI DESIGN is able to fabricate an exact roll bar that they did for their scuderia client?

http://www.aidesign.com/uploads//Blog/Levy_Scud_RollBar/DSC_5947.JPG

 

Yes buddy. Didn't expect it to look nice but it does. No regrets. Come to think of it, my previous ride an e64 M6 had the same colored 8 piston brembos. Freakky coincidence.

 

I sourced for the factory bumper with diffuser and grille. Aftermarket guys you can try are Esta International or Stone Carbon. I recommend SC. Truly professional guys. Else you can try getting the panel shop to sand it down, ala shorten the fins. That's what some of the 430 guys did to repair their fins after a parking accident. There might be places that can add fiberglass to the damaged portion. Might save you some money got an insignificant part.

 

Ok, for once I used some sense. Ordered the factory footwell sensor cover instead of the MaCarbon version. Doesn't take a genius to figure out the price difference of 48GBP versus USD$698 (both before shipping). I'm getting the footwell painted in grigio silverstone so I suppose the factory unit will match the colour as opposed to having a carbon box right out of nowhere.

Next up, roll bar/cage.

 

I know....I know....I've been carbon-izing almost everything and now I chose a factory item over a carbon aftermarket choice. But I've got a problem with how the carbon bit stands out in a painted background. To me it looks kinda strange. Well, it's sheet metal anyway so I can always have it wrapped locally in carbon cloth and sealed with resin if the desire grows too strong. No big deal. At this point in time, I reckon a metal finish will somehow make the sensor cover blend into the background. Besides mine's a RHD car so it really sticks out on the passenger side as opposed to it being on the driver side in the States.

 

Finally managed to take a snap shot of a present courtesy of a dear friend...dearly missed on FChat...Stef. Once I get the car back, this goes on and I'll post more details then.
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You are right. My order with Eurospares had to be cancelled as the factoryfootwell sensor cover was on indefinite back order. So I ended up paying for a MaCarbon unit afterall. Lol! I'm a carbon magnet. There's no escaping, none at all.

 

What you say makes complete sense. Trouble is, I don't intend to sell the car, yet. She's my pet project and I'm having heaps of fun juicing her up to the spec that I desire. Money is not an issue, resale value is the least of my concern. Anyway the car immediately loses a bucketload in value the day I signed on the dotted line. Life is short, so I prefer to play real hard.

Yes, I might regret spending all this money, but I won't regret the experience of it all.

 

Update: MaCarbon footwell sensor cover on route. Rollbar being fabricated as we speak with harness bar integrated into the design. Question now is, should I leave it unpadded for that raw look?

 

Good question. I used to think in the Scuderia that was kinda some sort of cabin temperature sensor. But then in a regular 430 it's encased behind the carpets so that doesn't make much sense.

Anyone wish to shed some light on this?

 

Yes. Mine is a rhd and it's at the same spot.

 

Update: MaCarbon footwell sensor cover arrived via fedex. Woot! Waiting to hear from the fabrication shop regarding the roll bar.

 

Hey buddy. You're right. But I needed to custom fabricate a harness bar onto it. The unit for sale also was padded with red alcantara, which didn't match my interior. I'm getting a unit fabricated by Mike Ferran of Ferran Automotive. It'll have thicker pipes, slightly heavier but will incorporate the harness bar with guides. I'm just not sure if I want it padded or not. Any suggestions? Or painted in a striking colour? Or just leave it black and subtle?

 

Hot updates: Just back from the shop. Car's still sitting at the same spot but with some new bits installed....

Addicted to carbon....

Expansion tank cover looks better than new. Even the Carbonio airbox lids beside it fade in comparison. Looks like I need the magic clay treatment for the airbox lids.
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The engine bay is starting to look really interesting now...to me....

Love carbon. Can't get enough of it. Yes, engine bay trays are also in carbon now.
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