Ferrari F430 Spider
Discussion
richtea78 said:
I know of a colour scheme you haven't featured. It's at the Ferrari event in Horhsham sometimes. It's a bright red and dark green interior. It looks hideous but the owner absolutely loves it.
He did have to convince his dealer though who reckons it's unsellable!
I couldn't find a picture of the green but I knew there a few out there. I think there's at least one with a full green dash, wheel, and carpets He did have to convince his dealer though who reckons it's unsellable!
16M tool kit case
The F430 toolkit is housed in a sturdy leather clad case and because of that it is pretty heavy. I had noticed that the Scuderia models are fitted with a canvas case that matches the tyre kit fitted to all F430's, and is presumably lighter because of that, then later I realised the inside is embroidered with the model type. I ordered the 16M version. F430 version is on the left.
16M case.
Believe it or not all of the tools do fit in the 16M case.
Because the 16M case is smaller the F430 leather strap was too long and needed some more adjustment holes before it would clamp tightly. I used punch pliers to make additional holes then trimmed off the excess strap with a scalpel.
Optima 'Red Top' 34R
I didn't want to go too light with the battery because practicality and reliability is very important to me. I've gone with the OE Scuderia battery which is an Optima 34R. The OE battery in my car was a lead acid battery whereas the 34R is an AGM type and is nearly 2kg lighter.
The Scuderia has a smaller battery tray to suit the contours of 34R but I decided against fitting it. My rationale is that if I was to suffer a problem when on a road trip in another country it's very likely that I would struggle to find a 34R at short notice, hence I want the flexibility of being able to fit a standard lead acid type again.
I added a Rivnut to the battery tray and made a stop out of a cap screw and plain nuts. I can easily remove it at any time should I need to fit another battery type.
Optima fitted.
F430 Challenge luggage bulkhead
As expected for a race car part the Challenge bulkhead comes untrimmed.
I bought some carpet, adhesive, and 12mm square draught excluder to trim the Challenge bulkhead to road car spec.
The carpet adhesive is a contact type so must be applied to both surfaces. This makes it a bit tricky as it's not possible to reposition anything.
Draught excluder added on the rear side.
The finished result with luggage straps fitted. It looks exactly like the F430 version.
It's not that much lighter than the original so I don't really recommend it!
Misc
'16 F1 Constructors World Championships' rear plaque fitted.
I'm going to commission a rebuild of my seat belts using red webbing. The company I've been in discussion with sent some colour samples so I've chosen a shade that matches the OEM rosso leather.
The exhaust I've made does not utilise valves so the solenoids are defunct but they must remain in place to prevent triggering of an EML. To save a bit of weight and keep things neat I've replaced the solenoid to valve hoses with silicone blanking caps.
Some more weight saving comes in the form of spacers and fastenings that were used on the F430 rear bumper; none of this lot is fitted nor required with the Scuderia bumper.
In preparation for sourcing a Scuderia steering wheel and converting it to wheel mounted paddles I've purchased the upper and lower steering column trims for a manual F430. The manual versions don't have cut outs for column mounted paddles.
The clock spring mount on the steering column is also different on the manual because there aren't paddles to secure, so I've bought tone of those, too.
The 16M front radiator supply pipe has arrived so I'll fit that later this week.
New OEM titanium wheel bolts.
The tyre gel in the tyre repair kit weighs 0.79kg so I'm going to replace it with a tyre string kit.
Exhaust mounting system
I've had a re-think of my exhaust mounting system and decided I would have the single BMW M3 exhaust mount for the silencer but augment it with a smaller mount for each catalytic converter.
I've used some Powerflex polyurethane mounts and some stainless hangars, both of which are universal types made for car projects.
I figured out a design then used a blow torch to heat then lump hammer bend the stainless hangars into shape.
I made use of the original cat mounting brackets; in standard form these are rigidly mounted to the exhaust. Crazy.
I cut off the end of the stock bracket and welded on the hangars I had bent to spec. The next step is to weld the other stainless hangars to the exhaust but I need the rear silencer back from ceramic coating before I can figure out the right position for it.
Weight saving
Sprung weight saved: 53.67 kg
Unsprung weight saved: 23.29 kg
Total weight saved: 76.96 kg
The F430 toolkit is housed in a sturdy leather clad case and because of that it is pretty heavy. I had noticed that the Scuderia models are fitted with a canvas case that matches the tyre kit fitted to all F430's, and is presumably lighter because of that, then later I realised the inside is embroidered with the model type. I ordered the 16M version. F430 version is on the left.
16M case.
Believe it or not all of the tools do fit in the 16M case.
Because the 16M case is smaller the F430 leather strap was too long and needed some more adjustment holes before it would clamp tightly. I used punch pliers to make additional holes then trimmed off the excess strap with a scalpel.
Optima 'Red Top' 34R
I didn't want to go too light with the battery because practicality and reliability is very important to me. I've gone with the OE Scuderia battery which is an Optima 34R. The OE battery in my car was a lead acid battery whereas the 34R is an AGM type and is nearly 2kg lighter.
The Scuderia has a smaller battery tray to suit the contours of 34R but I decided against fitting it. My rationale is that if I was to suffer a problem when on a road trip in another country it's very likely that I would struggle to find a 34R at short notice, hence I want the flexibility of being able to fit a standard lead acid type again.
I added a Rivnut to the battery tray and made a stop out of a cap screw and plain nuts. I can easily remove it at any time should I need to fit another battery type.
Optima fitted.
F430 Challenge luggage bulkhead
As expected for a race car part the Challenge bulkhead comes untrimmed.
I bought some carpet, adhesive, and 12mm square draught excluder to trim the Challenge bulkhead to road car spec.
The carpet adhesive is a contact type so must be applied to both surfaces. This makes it a bit tricky as it's not possible to reposition anything.
Draught excluder added on the rear side.
The finished result with luggage straps fitted. It looks exactly like the F430 version.
It's not that much lighter than the original so I don't really recommend it!
Misc
'16 F1 Constructors World Championships' rear plaque fitted.
I'm going to commission a rebuild of my seat belts using red webbing. The company I've been in discussion with sent some colour samples so I've chosen a shade that matches the OEM rosso leather.
The exhaust I've made does not utilise valves so the solenoids are defunct but they must remain in place to prevent triggering of an EML. To save a bit of weight and keep things neat I've replaced the solenoid to valve hoses with silicone blanking caps.
Some more weight saving comes in the form of spacers and fastenings that were used on the F430 rear bumper; none of this lot is fitted nor required with the Scuderia bumper.
In preparation for sourcing a Scuderia steering wheel and converting it to wheel mounted paddles I've purchased the upper and lower steering column trims for a manual F430. The manual versions don't have cut outs for column mounted paddles.
The clock spring mount on the steering column is also different on the manual because there aren't paddles to secure, so I've bought tone of those, too.
The 16M front radiator supply pipe has arrived so I'll fit that later this week.
New OEM titanium wheel bolts.
The tyre gel in the tyre repair kit weighs 0.79kg so I'm going to replace it with a tyre string kit.
Exhaust mounting system
I've had a re-think of my exhaust mounting system and decided I would have the single BMW M3 exhaust mount for the silencer but augment it with a smaller mount for each catalytic converter.
I've used some Powerflex polyurethane mounts and some stainless hangars, both of which are universal types made for car projects.
I figured out a design then used a blow torch to heat then lump hammer bend the stainless hangars into shape.
I made use of the original cat mounting brackets; in standard form these are rigidly mounted to the exhaust. Crazy.
I cut off the end of the stock bracket and welded on the hangars I had bent to spec. The next step is to weld the other stainless hangars to the exhaust but I need the rear silencer back from ceramic coating before I can figure out the right position for it.
Weight saving
| Original Part | Fitted Quantity | Original Part (kg) | Replacement Part (kg) | Sprung Saving (kg) | Unsprung Saving (kg) | Replacement Part |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake servo & master cylinder - non-CCM | 1 | 3.964 | 2.435 | 1.529 | - | CCM |
| Brake disc, front - non-CCM | 2 | 8.3 | 6.77 | - | 3.06 | CCM - 380mm (alloy bell) |
| Brake disc, rear - non-CCM | 2 | 8.3 | 4.61 | - | 7.38 | CCM (alloy bell) |
| Brake caliper & pads, front - non-CCM | 2 | 4.9 | 5.94 | - | -2.08 | CCM - 380mm |
| Brake caliper & pads, rear - non-CCM | 2 | 4.9 | 4.72 | - | 0.36 | CCM |
| Door handles, exterior | 2 | 0.065 | - | 0.02 | 0.09 | Carbon |
| PAS reservoir cap | 1 | 0 | 0.065 | -0.065 | - | Alloy cover |
| Fuel Flap | 1 | 0.143 | 0.128 | 0.015 | - | Carbon |
| Seats - standard, electric, heated | 2 | 28.2 | 17.9 | 20.6 | - | 16M/Scuderia carbon |
| Seats - mounting bolts and washers - M10 | 8 | 0.028 | 0.017 | 0.088 | - | 16M/Scuderia - M8 |
| Strut & spring, front | 2 | 4.74 | 3.8 | - | 1.88 | 16M/Scuderia Mk2 |
| Strut & spring, rear | 2 | 5.37 | 4.59 | - | 1.56 | 16M/Scuderia Mk2 |
| Anti roll bar, front (19mm) | 1 | 3.04 | 2.73 | 0.21 | 0.1 | 16M/Scuderia |
| Side skirts - standard | 2 | 4.62 | 2.9 | 3.44 | - | 16/Scuderia carbon |
| Kick plates - standard | 2 | 0.841 | 0.163 | 1.356 | - | 16M/Scuderia (carbon) |
| Wheels, front - standard | 2 | 12.9 | 10.5 | - | 4.8 | 16M - optional 5 spoke |
| Tyres, 225/35/19 Pirelli P Zero Rosso (new) | 2 | 10.7 | 10.23 | - | 0.94 | 235/35/19 MPSS (new) |
| Wheels, rear - standard | 2 | 13.7 | 12.3 | - | 2.8 | 16M - optional 5 spoke |
| Tyres, 285/35/19 Pirelli P Zero Rosso (new) | 2 | 13.61 | 13.92 | - | -0.62 | 285/35/19 MPSS (new) |
| Wheel bolts - standard | 20 | 0.128 | 0.065 | - | 1.26 | Titanium |
| Engine lid grilles - standard | 2 | 0.677 | 0.219 | 0.916 | - | 16M (mesh) |
| Engine lid grille brackets | 2 | 0.354 | 0.216 | 0.276 | - | Modified to 16M spec |
| Engine lid grille screws - M6x20 | 14 | 0.007 | 0.002 | 0.07 | - | M5x8 |
| 16M badges, side | 2 | 0 | 0.073 | -0.146 | - | - |
| Anti roll bar, rear - 20mm | 1 | 3.008 | 1.839 | 0.858 | 0.311 | 16M specific (22mm hollow) |
| Air inlet ducts/resonators - Mk2 | 2 | 1.131 | 1.225 | -0.188 | - | Mk1 (single piece) |
| Plenum chamber | 1 | 5.063 | 3.19 | 1.873 | - | Challenge/16M/Scuderia (carbon) |
| Plenum chamber bolts | 1 | 0.176 | 0.1 | 0.076 | - | Titanium |
| Cross member exhaust modifications | 1 | 0 | 0.65 | -0.65 | - | Modified to 16M/Scuderia spec |
| Challenge grille air deflectors | 1 | 0.329 | 0 | 0.329 | - | Removed - Not 16M/Scuderia spec |
| Coil/plug water guards | 2 | 0 | 0.276 | -0.552 | - | Fitted to some 08> Spiders |
| Luggage compartment trim, base - Scuderia | 1 | 1.235 | 0.821 | 0.414 | - | MY08 carpet |
| Luggage compartment trim, bulkhead - Scuderia | 1 | 2.251 | 1.83 | 0.419 | - | Retrimmed F430 Challenge |
| Luggage compartment trim, LH - Scuderia | 1 | 0.855 | 0.572 | 0.283 | - | MY08 carpet |
| Luggage compartment trim, RH - Scuderia | 1 | 1.041 | 0.702 | 0.339 | - | MY08 carpet |
| Luggage compartment trim, front - Scuderia | 1 | 0.156 | 0.127 | 0.029 | - | MY08 carpet |
| CD changer | 1 | 1.5 | 0 | 1.5 | - | Removed |
| Exhaust heat shields, wheelhouse | 2 | 0.401 | 0.151 | 0.499 | - | Bespoke carbon version |
| Exhaust heat shields, wheelhouse - fastening set | 2 | 0.036 | 0.027 | 0.018 | - | 4mm shorter screws |
| Tool case (leather) | 1 | 0.818 | 0.375 | 0.443 | - | 16M (canvas) |
| Battery - FIAMM VRLA760 | 1 | 20.65 | 18.75 | 1.9 | - | Optima 'Red Top' 34R |
| Exhaust valve hoses | 2 | 0.078 | 0.003 | 0.15 | - | Solenoids unused - blanking caps fitted |
| Bumper, F430 rear fastening and spacer set | 1 | 0.76 | 0 | 0.76 | - | Removed - Not 16M/Scuderia spec |
| Bumper, rear - challenge grille, PDC | 1 | 13 | 9 | 4 | - | 16M/Scuderia - PDC added |
| Exhaust tailpipes | 2 | 6.5 | 0.343 | 12.314 | - | 16M/Scuderia - optional titanium |
| 16M badge, rear | 1 | 0 | 0.122 | -0.122 | - | Added |
Sprung weight saved: 53.67 kg
Unsprung weight saved: 23.29 kg
Total weight saved: 76.96 kg
garyjpaterson said:
Great stuff as always.
Got a bit confused with the "16 F1 Constructors World Championships" badge, as Ferrari are almost certainly not going to be 2016 World Champions! Then realised they have won the constructors championship for the 16th time in 2008...
Yes, exact same thing crossed my mind. Then I put 2 and 2 together and it made 4 haha.Got a bit confused with the "16 F1 Constructors World Championships" badge, as Ferrari are almost certainly not going to be 2016 World Champions! Then realised they have won the constructors championship for the 16th time in 2008...
Great work MWStewart.
Hey,
This is my first post on PH but I just had to post on this thread.
Echoing what everyone else has mentioned, this is an exceptional machine, enhanced and taking the OEM+ mindset to a whole new level.
Every little detail down to the bolts holding the filler neck in place being replaced with a more well made and more aesthetically pleasing option is incredible attention to detail and I love every part of it.
Massive kudos to you for this undertaking and every project you have done in the past. (i've glanced through the Fiesta and M3 threads) but this one grabbed my attention as it is only bested as my favourite prancing horse by the 458. (Personal opinion)
Amazing work OP and I'm sure I speak for many people when we say we cannot wait to see more from you in this and possibly other threads!
This is my first post on PH but I just had to post on this thread.
Echoing what everyone else has mentioned, this is an exceptional machine, enhanced and taking the OEM+ mindset to a whole new level.
Every little detail down to the bolts holding the filler neck in place being replaced with a more well made and more aesthetically pleasing option is incredible attention to detail and I love every part of it.
Massive kudos to you for this undertaking and every project you have done in the past. (i've glanced through the Fiesta and M3 threads) but this one grabbed my attention as it is only bested as my favourite prancing horse by the 458. (Personal opinion)
Amazing work OP and I'm sure I speak for many people when we say we cannot wait to see more from you in this and possibly other threads!
Amazing that the amount of weight saved through the reduction of the amount of fastenings for the bumper. The small amounts really add up.
Will you be putting yourself on a diet and making sure your passengers don't have anything unnecessary in their pockets so that the savings aren't cancelled out?
Will you be putting yourself on a diet and making sure your passengers don't have anything unnecessary in their pockets so that the savings aren't cancelled out?
I spent some time on the car tonight and concentrated on getting the cooling system back together. I may have mentioned in a previous post that the 16M, Scuderia, F430 Challenge use a different radiator supply tube & hoses to the F430. When I got mine off the car to compare I found they are identical (in the photo it looks like the feed pipe is a different angle but it isn't) so this is yet another undocumented change that made it into the MY08 cars.
Given I had the new parts it made sense to fit them. I'll keep the old hoses as spares.
I got the RH rad pack built up with the Scuderia duct work. The ducts are a different shape to suit the bumper and save nearly 1kg over the F430 versions.
Rad pack mounted with new stainless fastenings.
The tape used on exterior parts of the loom has dried up and is beginning to peel away, so I'm cutting it off and renewing it as I work my way around the car. Before:
After:
Given I had the new parts it made sense to fit them. I'll keep the old hoses as spares.
I got the RH rad pack built up with the Scuderia duct work. The ducts are a different shape to suit the bumper and save nearly 1kg over the F430 versions.
Rad pack mounted with new stainless fastenings.
The tape used on exterior parts of the loom has dried up and is beginning to peel away, so I'm cutting it off and renewing it as I work my way around the car. Before:
After:
One quick question - who supplies your various fastenings? I mentioned before I'm going to emulate a bit by incrementally improving my Caterham, and one thing I've noticed is that loads of the fastenings I have are mish-mashed, messy and could do with replacing, but I want to do it with the right grades of gear, nothing too weak for the job. Do you have a go-to website/local place or similar?
Cheers
Cheers
Smitters said:
One quick question - who supplies your various fastenings? I mentioned before I'm going to emulate a bit by incrementally improving my Caterham, and one thing I've noticed is that loads of the fastenings I have are mish-mashed, messy and could do with replacing, but I want to do it with the right grades of gear, nothing too weak for the job. Do you have a go-to website/local place or similar?
Cheers
I use a local fastenings supplier and manufacturer (they aren't online). If you're new to fastenings have a read of https://www.boltdepot.com/fastener-information/pri... and if you need any help just shout.Cheers
The most important consideration is to ensure you use an adequate grade for any highly stressesd fastenings, for example, anything suspension or brake related. Generally, on suspension and brakes, if you're in doubt go 10.9 (general stainless grades aren't suitable).
The most common grade of stainless I find is A2 70, and it is suitable for things like radiators, body panels, wiper motors - basically general fastening duties for parts not under a great deal of stress.
http://www.volksbolts.com/faq/basics.htm covers the comparison of tensile strength between the common grades of mild steel and stainless.
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/spalding-nut-and-bolt?_tr... are fairly reasonable, price-wise.
mwstewart said:
I use a local fastenings supplier and manufacturer (they aren't online). If you're new to fastenings have a read of https://www.boltdepot.com/fastener-information/pri... and if you need any help just shout.
The most important consideration is to ensure you use an adequate grade for any highly stressesd fastenings, for example, anything suspension or brake related. Generally, on suspension and brakes, if you're in doubt go 10.9 (general stainless grades aren't suitable).
The most common grade of stainless I find is A2 70, and it is suitable for things like radiators, body panels, wiper motors - basically general fastening duties for parts not under a great deal of stress.
http://www.volksbolts.com/faq/basics.htm covers the comparison of tensile strength between the common grades of mild steel and stainless.
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/spalding-nut-and-bolt?_tr... are fairly reasonable, price-wise.
Your use of stainless fixings always slightly concerned me, but I didn't want to say anything! :P You've set my mind at easy The most important consideration is to ensure you use an adequate grade for any highly stressesd fastenings, for example, anything suspension or brake related. Generally, on suspension and brakes, if you're in doubt go 10.9 (general stainless grades aren't suitable).
The most common grade of stainless I find is A2 70, and it is suitable for things like radiators, body panels, wiper motors - basically general fastening duties for parts not under a great deal of stress.
http://www.volksbolts.com/faq/basics.htm covers the comparison of tensile strength between the common grades of mild steel and stainless.
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/spalding-nut-and-bolt?_tr... are fairly reasonable, price-wise.
The exhaust, header tank, and airbox are back from Camcoat. I went for a triple layer of black ceramic coat.
Exhaust fitted. It has taken me over the 80kg saving mark which was my original target. On to 100 now!
M4 Rivnuts added to the header tank for the carbon cover, and cover fitted using plastic countersunk washers to neaten the fixings a bit. New OEM antifreeze decal applied.
New rubber isolators added to the airbox, and original fastenings replaced with stainless.
Dad painted the cat hangar brackets for me.
I've fitted some new rear number plate lights with stainless fastenings.
Exhaust fitted. It has taken me over the 80kg saving mark which was my original target. On to 100 now!
M4 Rivnuts added to the header tank for the carbon cover, and cover fitted using plastic countersunk washers to neaten the fixings a bit. New OEM antifreeze decal applied.
New rubber isolators added to the airbox, and original fastenings replaced with stainless.
Dad painted the cat hangar brackets for me.
I've fitted some new rear number plate lights with stainless fastenings.
I have been following this thread fascinated by your depth of knowledge and attention to detail. The time taken for both research and implementation must be enormous, plus the effort of maintaining this thread. Many thanks.
(I was surprised by the battery restraint bar. Similar to my TR6 and many other cars of mid 20th century. I guess it does the job well, but somehow I expected at least an alloy extrusion.)
(I was surprised by the battery restraint bar. Similar to my TR6 and many other cars of mid 20th century. I guess it does the job well, but somehow I expected at least an alloy extrusion.)
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