Ferrari F430 Spider
Discussion
It's threads like this that give me confidence to have a go at the areas on my own cars (and inspire me) that I might otherwise shy away from.
Please, please persist with all of your projects & thank you ever so much for sharing it all with us.
But mostly, serious respect for taking tools to your own Ferrari - it's so good to see that people still remember cars are just nots, bolts, plastic, metal and fluids in essence.
Bravo.
Please, please persist with all of your projects & thank you ever so much for sharing it all with us.
But mostly, serious respect for taking tools to your own Ferrari - it's so good to see that people still remember cars are just nots, bolts, plastic, metal and fluids in essence.
Bravo.
Great read. You must've saved yourself a small fortune doing those jobs yourself, and the fact you found a crack on manifolds that had previously been replaced must've been both a shock and a relief that you were already minded to replace them!
I wonder whether or not you'd put off potential purchasers by admitting to them that you've replaced the manifolds, etc yourself. Not that Ferrari themselves would necessarily be any better at it (the clutch fluid being a prime example of that, believing that because you're paying 3 times as much for a service that you're getting some kind of commensurately elite attention to detail is a fallacy imo), but I wonder.
Props for getting stuck in though!
I wonder whether or not you'd put off potential purchasers by admitting to them that you've replaced the manifolds, etc yourself. Not that Ferrari themselves would necessarily be any better at it (the clutch fluid being a prime example of that, believing that because you're paying 3 times as much for a service that you're getting some kind of commensurately elite attention to detail is a fallacy imo), but I wonder.
Props for getting stuck in though!
C7 JFW said:
It's threads like this that give me confidence to have a go at the areas on my own cars (and inspire me) that I might otherwise shy away from.
Please, please persist with all of your projects & thank you ever so much for sharing it all with us.
But mostly, serious respect for taking tools to your own Ferrari - it's so good to see that people still remember cars are just nots, bolts, plastic, metal and fluids in essence.
Bravo.
Please, please persist with all of your projects & thank you ever so much for sharing it all with us.
But mostly, serious respect for taking tools to your own Ferrari - it's so good to see that people still remember cars are just nots, bolts, plastic, metal and fluids in essence.
Bravo.
Thanks! You’re quite right – they’re all mostly just nuts and bolts
Durzel said:
Great read. You must've saved yourself a small fortune doing those jobs yourself, and the fact you found a crack on manifolds that had previously been replaced must've been both a shock and a relief that you were already minded to replace them!
I wonder whether or not you'd put off potential purchasers by admitting to them that you've replaced the manifolds, etc yourself. Not that Ferrari themselves would necessarily be any better at it (the clutch fluid being a prime example of that, believing that because you're paying 3 times as much for a service that you're getting some kind of commensurately elite attention to detail is a fallacy imo), but I wonder.
Props for getting stuck in though!
Thank you. I just couldn't relax driving the car with the Ferrari manifolds. It felt like a ticking bomb.I wonder whether or not you'd put off potential purchasers by admitting to them that you've replaced the manifolds, etc yourself. Not that Ferrari themselves would necessarily be any better at it (the clutch fluid being a prime example of that, believing that because you're paying 3 times as much for a service that you're getting some kind of commensurately elite attention to detail is a fallacy imo), but I wonder.
Props for getting stuck in though!
I appreciate that my DIY will put off some buyers who couldn’t entertain the idea of anyone other than Ferrari working on their car, but conversely there will be savvy buyers out there who will see that I will maintain the car to a higher standard than one within the dealer network. I will certainly link to this thread in any advert I place, should I ever sell
My angle on onwership is based on a decision to write off the car as an asset, forgetting whatever equity I had in it thus liberating me to enjoy it without consideration of depreciation, mileage increase, or selection of a spec that I thought any future owners - rather than I - would prefer. It’s just way too much fun not to drive and make 'mine'.
mwstewart said:
Thank you. I just couldn't relax driving the car with the Ferrari manifolds. It felt like a ticking bomb.
I appreciate that my DIY will put off some buyers who couldn’t entertain the idea of anyone other than Ferrari working on their car, but conversely there will be savvy buyers out there who will see that I will maintain the car to a higher standard than one within the dealer network. I will certainly link to this thread in any advert I place, should I ever sell
My angle on onwership is based on a decision to write off the car as an asset, forgetting whatever equity I had in it thus liberating me to enjoy it without consideration of depreciation, mileage increase, or selection of a spec that I thought any future owners - rather than I - would prefer. It’s just way too much fun not to drive and make 'mine'.
Probably the best way to think about it I appreciate that my DIY will put off some buyers who couldn’t entertain the idea of anyone other than Ferrari working on their car, but conversely there will be savvy buyers out there who will see that I will maintain the car to a higher standard than one within the dealer network. I will certainly link to this thread in any advert I place, should I ever sell
My angle on onwership is based on a decision to write off the car as an asset, forgetting whatever equity I had in it thus liberating me to enjoy it without consideration of depreciation, mileage increase, or selection of a spec that I thought any future owners - rather than I - would prefer. It’s just way too much fun not to drive and make 'mine'.
Not many can, but clearly you're got the skills to maintain it yourself anyway which must be reassuring in its own right.mwstewart said:
My angle on onwership is based on a decision to write off the car as an asset, forgetting whatever equity I had in it thus liberating me to enjoy it without consideration of depreciation, mileage increase, or selection of a spec that I thought any future owners - rather than I - would prefer. It’s just way too much fun not to drive and make 'mine'.
You've hit the nail on the head. It's also a little like people who own Bugattis and never drive them - you chose the best engineered car, swallow the hefty running costs/depreciation & then don't actually drive it? More man maths are required in this world.C7 JFW said:
You've hit the nail on the head. It's also a little like people who own Bugattis and never drive them - you chose the best engineered car, swallow the hefty running costs/depreciation & then don't actually drive it? More man maths are required in this world.
Cheers, though I'm not totally free of guilt (M3 project) 
sealtt said:
Did you have any luck with the red roof? That just looks too good, you'd have to get it if it's doable. Let me know if you have any luck with a quote, I think the red roof would look pretty nice on my black 430 too!!!
It's on my list for next spring. I found two options:1) http://www.kbaggstrimming.co.uk/Gallery_Marque/Gal...
2) http://www.ebay.com/itm/110911432661?item=11091143... - confirmed they can make the roof in the OEM red material.
Option 1 is £3k made and fitted.
Option 2 with fitting by Ed Blasi at Dove House cars comes in a few hundred cheaper only if you avoid import taxes, which these days is unlikely.
I’m going for Option 1.
Shadow R1 said:
I think we should call it preventive maintenance, rather than modifying. 
Very interesting thread and thank you, I to do the same with my 360 , ball joints etc etc, fluid change etc. I have the same beliefs as you drive it enjoy it make it your own!
Live life to the full and enjoy the car for all it is, I am most interested in how you will replace the clutch, is it really possible without a lift or pit, I would replace mine myself if it's not to difficult.
Also agree most savvy future buyers will realise that documented work done by someone with the skills will be every bit as good as main dealer, I had mine serviced and mot at main dealer this year to keep the service book up to date , it might be the last time though, thanks once again, Mike
Live life to the full and enjoy the car for all it is, I am most interested in how you will replace the clutch, is it really possible without a lift or pit, I would replace mine myself if it's not to difficult.
Also agree most savvy future buyers will realise that documented work done by someone with the skills will be every bit as good as main dealer, I had mine serviced and mot at main dealer this year to keep the service book up to date , it might be the last time though, thanks once again, Mike
Mike Brown said:
Very interesting thread and thank you, I to do the same with my 360 , ball joints etc etc, fluid change etc. I have the same beliefs as you drive it enjoy it make it your own!
Live life to the full and enjoy the car for all it is, I am most interested in how you will replace the clutch, is it really possible without a lift or pit, I would replace mine myself if it's not to difficult.
Also agree most savvy future buyers will realise that documented work done by someone with the skills will be every bit as good as main dealer, I had mine serviced and mot at main dealer this year to keep the service book up to date , it might be the last time though, thanks once again, Mike
Hi Mike, Glad you're finding it useful. Yes, it's definitely possible without a lift or pit. I'll keep the thread updated with my progress over winter.Live life to the full and enjoy the car for all it is, I am most interested in how you will replace the clutch, is it really possible without a lift or pit, I would replace mine myself if it's not to difficult.
Also agree most savvy future buyers will realise that documented work done by someone with the skills will be every bit as good as main dealer, I had mine serviced and mot at main dealer this year to keep the service book up to date , it might be the last time though, thanks once again, Mike
Cheers,
Mark
e46m3c said:
Thanks for posting this thread.
Thought about fulfilling life dream and buying f430 for my 30th. However put off by the running costs and didnt fancy wrenching a fezza. However it looks actually rather decent to work on.
I too have an E46 m3. Is it worth the premium?
It is generally OK to work on - there are some filmsy bits and cheap fastenings but the mechanical parts are easy enough to service. I take on the jobs myself purely because on the whole I enjoy doing so, but if you don't want to there are independants who don't charge the earth.Thought about fulfilling life dream and buying f430 for my 30th. However put off by the running costs and didnt fancy wrenching a fezza. However it looks actually rather decent to work on.
I too have an E46 m3. Is it worth the premium?
You may have gathered from my other thread if you've read it that I think a lot of the M3; its a fantastic car in its bracket but it can't really be compared to a supercar. The F430 is on a completely different level. The running costs aren't bad at all - there's no expensive cambelt to replace for one - and as Ferari's go they are pretty reliable. If you're in a position to get one I would recommend it. It's the most fun I've ever had in a car and something quite memorable
I assume you are aware that the manifolds crack because they are fixed solidly at both ends and don't allow for expansion. capristo sell a sprung rear silencer connection to allow for this as well as using much thicker stainless steel.
it is hard to believe that ferrari engineer such a poor solution and only get away with it because no one drives their cars. if they did they would have done something about it as failures would be happening in the first year of ownership instead of the fifth or sixth.
it will be really interesting to see how your ball joints last. mine are showing signs of wear which they did on my 360 as well......
interestingly my service specialist recommended fitting ferrari manifolds because ferrari owners are fussy about oem parts and knowing they would fail again for the next owner is alright! I love the car but hate being ripped off for substandard parts with a Ferrari badge. mind you it was worse with the lambo as they arrived with an Audi badge and lambo price tag!
there are too many Ferrari poseur owners and not enough drivers so it it is great to see someone apply some common sense to ownership.
cheers
it is hard to believe that ferrari engineer such a poor solution and only get away with it because no one drives their cars. if they did they would have done something about it as failures would be happening in the first year of ownership instead of the fifth or sixth.
it will be really interesting to see how your ball joints last. mine are showing signs of wear which they did on my 360 as well......
interestingly my service specialist recommended fitting ferrari manifolds because ferrari owners are fussy about oem parts and knowing they would fail again for the next owner is alright! I love the car but hate being ripped off for substandard parts with a Ferrari badge. mind you it was worse with the lambo as they arrived with an Audi badge and lambo price tag!
there are too many Ferrari poseur owners and not enough drivers so it it is great to see someone apply some common sense to ownership.
cheers
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