430 Intake Manifold Removal to Carbon

Yes, the little ball and socket connection pops off. I used a needle nose behind it and pried it gently.

 

Takes quite a bit of pressure to pop it off. I used some right angle needle nose pliers that helped with the leverage part and kept me from mangling the metal finish.

 

Details a bit fuzzy on my install but I believe I disconnected the plastic actuator first.(hose and bolts if I recall) Then I was able to angle it well such that I did not need any tools and it popped off fine. There were some other horror pics in searches I did where parts got mangled. Good luck!

 

There is a pretty extensive thread on F Chat about this. Some people have had luck with 90 degree needle nose.

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/intake-plenum-removal-in-process-advice-needed.639651/

 

Does this change has a performance component to it, or is it purely esthetic?

 

Much much easier just to pull the entire unit, and separate on the bench. Plus you will be able to update the lower intake gaskets to the metal ones if they haven't been done yet.

 

not a bad idea. Also a good time to get the injectors serviced as well as the fuel rail has to come out to do it. Definitely a while you’re in there thing. Marren did a great job with my injectors.

When I had my plenum repainted, I put the intake runners on first and kept them loose, then put the gasket and plenum on. Once I had it all aligned, I tightened everything down to spec.

 

Can I ask where you acquired a carbon intake cover? I would love to do this as well at some point

 

The Scuderia lower intake manifolds are hand polished from the factory. The F430 ones are cast. So unless swapping the lower intake manifolds in also it is just for looks. (maybe tiny weight savings)

Edit: I think I now recall what I did for the actuator. I unbolted it and then spun it until the end piece came off so I did not have to try and pry off while in the engine bay.