Ferrari F430 Spider
Discussion
Thanks all!
There was a big difference in size between mine and the TR!
TR4man said:
Fantastic - thanks for taking the trouble to write up the trip. Some marvellous photos.
Does your OH drive the car? What does she make of it?
I found the picture of your car parked up with a TR4A driving past interesting. I know perspective plays a part, but the Ferrari looks huge in comparison to the TR.
The unidentified car on the ramps looks like a Lancia to me, although I may be wrong.
No, she doesn't drive the car. I am happy for her to but she's not plucked up the courage yet. Does your OH drive the car? What does she make of it?
I found the picture of your car parked up with a TR4A driving past interesting. I know perspective plays a part, but the Ferrari looks huge in comparison to the TR.
The unidentified car on the ramps looks like a Lancia to me, although I may be wrong.
There was a big difference in size between mine and the TR!
outnumbered said:
That last cable car is up Mont Saleve, an isolated mountain SE of Geneva.
One of your other photos also brought back memories for me... I stayed in the Hotel Post in Realp at the bottom of the Furka, many years ago, in one of those top rooms. It's right next to the clock tower next door which goes off every 15 minutes all bloody night
Ouch. I like my sleep so that would have annoyed me.One of your other photos also brought back memories for me... I stayed in the Hotel Post in Realp at the bottom of the Furka, many years ago, in one of those top rooms. It's right next to the clock tower next door which goes off every 15 minutes all bloody night
IanUAE said:
First of all, thank you for the update and road trip report. Secondly, how tempted were you to tune the outboard engine on the RIB? 
Ha. It was only a 40 :-) It just about got on the plane with a bit of trim.allsop83 said:
Where in Italy was serving beer in a Tennents glass!? Haha.
The middle of nowhere! Very random.I'm quite behind on updates as I've been busy, but in summary: after the road trip there were a few things I wanted to address.
Engine mounts
Here are some photos of the engine mounts that have been replaced. The old ones were absolutely shot.
New exhaust fabrication
The previous exhaust I'd made was nearly whisper quiet with the standard manifolds and cats, but as I came to find out, too loud at low RPM with the Capristo manifolds and cats. This was a silenced X-pipe so I cannot imagine how awful an un-silenced version must be for regular use.
I had to find a solution - cue more cutting, measuring, and welding!
I wanted to retain the X-Pipe because it sounds good, but add a silencer like the IPE and Kline system. I'm viewing this as a test because if I like how it turns out I will buy the Inconel Kline system. I started with two large radius U bends in 2.5" stainless. The radius was too large so I cut them in half and welded them back together.
I then cut off the ends of the modified U bends and welded the two together.
I've cut up my original F430 tailpipes to make use of the valves and the various bends.
Here's the finished valved X-Pipe section. I also cut up my previous exhaust to use the bends to the cats.
I need to upload some more photos, but I used the standard F430 silencer but modified to remove the heavy heat shielding and mounting flange. I have replaced the mounting flange with quick release V Clamps.
Heat management
After a few good runs through the Alps and in 40 degree ambient temps through Italy I had noticed that the car suffered from heat soak if driven at slower speeds for a short period after a blast - this is when the engine bay does not have the benefit of the various air feeds. The main cause will be the air box, which despite having two cold air feeds, is mounted directly in front of the exhaust silencer, and on top of the cats. Not ideal.
I've insulated the air box with Thermo Tec Heat Barrier. It's not cheap for what it is but makes a decent difference.
The top of the engine lid used to get very hot above the exhaust, so I've added Heat Barrier directly above the silencer.
The visible parts of the cats glow cherry red after a good blast, and despite having Capristo blankets fitted - which do a good job - there was room for improvement. I have applied heat wrap over the Capristo blankets which has worked a treat: I can now hold the cats after a good drive.
Cats and finished rear exhaust lower section wrapped.
New rear exhaust lower section installed. I'm really pleased with how this turned out: I designed it to be removable in-situ without the need to remove under trays or move the cats.
New exhaust mounting system
I have taken the opportunity to simplify and lighten v1 of my mounting system. The premise is to make the rear most mount more sturdy and do away with the cat mounts on each side. This is the same approach used on the Scuderia.
I've used three Powerflex poly isolators and some custom made hangars that were originally designed for the rear of a Metro!
Mounting assembly completed and the first of three mounting rods.
The assembly incorporates mounts for a Nimbus heat shield that I made to protect the isolators.
View from the rear - the arms on each side are movement limiters to prevent lateral movement in the exhaust during hard cornering.
Here are the three mounting bars I fabricated - one for the X-Pipe section and two for the silencer - one on each side. The total weight is less than that of the old version.
Now I've done away with the cat mounts - a la Scuderia - I could swap all of the rear gearbox mounting studs for the plain bolts from a Scuderia. I could also replace the heavy U clamps with Mikalor clamps, saving more weight.
Weight savings to follow in a future update, and more adventures with the car.
Engine mounts
Here are some photos of the engine mounts that have been replaced. The old ones were absolutely shot.
New exhaust fabrication
The previous exhaust I'd made was nearly whisper quiet with the standard manifolds and cats, but as I came to find out, too loud at low RPM with the Capristo manifolds and cats. This was a silenced X-pipe so I cannot imagine how awful an un-silenced version must be for regular use.
I had to find a solution - cue more cutting, measuring, and welding!
I wanted to retain the X-Pipe because it sounds good, but add a silencer like the IPE and Kline system. I'm viewing this as a test because if I like how it turns out I will buy the Inconel Kline system. I started with two large radius U bends in 2.5" stainless. The radius was too large so I cut them in half and welded them back together.
I then cut off the ends of the modified U bends and welded the two together.
I've cut up my original F430 tailpipes to make use of the valves and the various bends.
Here's the finished valved X-Pipe section. I also cut up my previous exhaust to use the bends to the cats.
I need to upload some more photos, but I used the standard F430 silencer but modified to remove the heavy heat shielding and mounting flange. I have replaced the mounting flange with quick release V Clamps.
Heat management
After a few good runs through the Alps and in 40 degree ambient temps through Italy I had noticed that the car suffered from heat soak if driven at slower speeds for a short period after a blast - this is when the engine bay does not have the benefit of the various air feeds. The main cause will be the air box, which despite having two cold air feeds, is mounted directly in front of the exhaust silencer, and on top of the cats. Not ideal.
I've insulated the air box with Thermo Tec Heat Barrier. It's not cheap for what it is but makes a decent difference.
The top of the engine lid used to get very hot above the exhaust, so I've added Heat Barrier directly above the silencer.
The visible parts of the cats glow cherry red after a good blast, and despite having Capristo blankets fitted - which do a good job - there was room for improvement. I have applied heat wrap over the Capristo blankets which has worked a treat: I can now hold the cats after a good drive.
Cats and finished rear exhaust lower section wrapped.
New rear exhaust lower section installed. I'm really pleased with how this turned out: I designed it to be removable in-situ without the need to remove under trays or move the cats.
New exhaust mounting system
I have taken the opportunity to simplify and lighten v1 of my mounting system. The premise is to make the rear most mount more sturdy and do away with the cat mounts on each side. This is the same approach used on the Scuderia.
I've used three Powerflex poly isolators and some custom made hangars that were originally designed for the rear of a Metro!
Mounting assembly completed and the first of three mounting rods.
The assembly incorporates mounts for a Nimbus heat shield that I made to protect the isolators.
View from the rear - the arms on each side are movement limiters to prevent lateral movement in the exhaust during hard cornering.
Here are the three mounting bars I fabricated - one for the X-Pipe section and two for the silencer - one on each side. The total weight is less than that of the old version.
Now I've done away with the cat mounts - a la Scuderia - I could swap all of the rear gearbox mounting studs for the plain bolts from a Scuderia. I could also replace the heavy U clamps with Mikalor clamps, saving more weight.
Weight savings to follow in a future update, and more adventures with the car.
Excellent work as usual. Rather than the heat wrap, have you not thought about a ceramic coating like Zircotec? ( http://www.zircotec.com/products-services/for-the-...). We used to use it on our Formula Student car 10+ years ago (eek....it's longer ago than I thought!) and you could near enough hold the manifold moments after switching the engine off. It's also light....
RacerMike said:
Excellent work as usual. Rather than the heat wrap, have you not thought about a ceramic coating like Zircotec? ( http://www.zircotec.com/products-services/for-the-...). We used to use it on our Formula Student car 10+ years ago (eek....it's longer ago than I thought!) and you could near enough hold the manifold moments after switching the engine off. It's also light....
Thanks. I have, but the coating doesn't drop temps enough for me. I tried it on the last exhaust and whilst it's good for the minimal weight gain, I wanted something better (the engine bay is very cramped with relatively little airflow).I think I'm going to change the manifolds and cats again because I much prefer the power delivery of 4-1 rather than the 4-2-1 I have now, so once things are finalised I'll go for some bespoke Inconel shields made by http://www.turbosource.com/TurboSource-Header-Heat...
mwstewart said:
Thanks. I have, but the coating doesn't drop temps enough for me. I tried it on the last exhaust and whilst it's good for the minimal weight gain, I wanted something better (the engine bay is very cramped with relatively little airflow).
I think I'm going to change the manifolds and cats again because I much prefer the power delivery of 4-1 rather than the 4-2-1 I have now, so once things are finalised I'll go for some bespoke Inconel shields made by http://www.turbosource.com/TurboSource-Header-Heat...
Worth talking to SST Technology too: http://www.sstubetechnology.com/exhaust-lagging/I think I'm going to change the manifolds and cats again because I much prefer the power delivery of 4-1 rather than the 4-2-1 I have now, so once things are finalised I'll go for some bespoke Inconel shields made by http://www.turbosource.com/TurboSource-Header-Heat...
Cheers
Pete
I never bothered clicking this thread for ages, thought, just another Ferrari wallah and polish.
How wrong was i !
Having read the entire thing i find an engineer of some considerable note, with a passion.
The standard and execution of this car is beyond compare, you Sir have a gift.
May you and your young lady get many many miles of smiles and enjoyment for years to come, although i suspect, once you have this where you want, you'll probably start improving a P1 !
Well done !
Now off to search for the BMW and Fiesta threads !!!
How wrong was i !
Having read the entire thing i find an engineer of some considerable note, with a passion.
The standard and execution of this car is beyond compare, you Sir have a gift.
May you and your young lady get many many miles of smiles and enjoyment for years to come, although i suspect, once you have this where you want, you'll probably start improving a P1 !
Well done !
Now off to search for the BMW and Fiesta threads !!!
economicpygmy said:
Excellent work, car, holiday.
BTW: is it a good idea to wrap the catalytic converters? I thought excess heat damaged the ceramic substrate (temperature limits specified by the manufacturer?).
Thanks. The cats are HJS metallic and have a suitable temp rating.BTW: is it a good idea to wrap the catalytic converters? I thought excess heat damaged the ceramic substrate (temperature limits specified by the manufacturer?).
Yoof said:
Thanks Pete. They look a lot better.Eddieslofart said:
I never bothered clicking this thread for ages, thought, just another Ferrari wallah and polish.
How wrong was i !
Having read the entire thing i find an engineer of some considerable note, with a passion.
The standard and execution of this car is beyond compare, you Sir have a gift.
May you and your young lady get many many miles of smiles and enjoyment for years to come, although i suspect, once you have this where you want, you'll probably start improving a P1 !
Well done !
Now off to search for the BMW and Fiesta threads !!!
Thank you for the kind words.How wrong was i !
Having read the entire thing i find an engineer of some considerable note, with a passion.
The standard and execution of this car is beyond compare, you Sir have a gift.
May you and your young lady get many many miles of smiles and enjoyment for years to come, although i suspect, once you have this where you want, you'll probably start improving a P1 !
Well done !
Now off to search for the BMW and Fiesta threads !!!
mc_blue said:
Fantastic trip and write-up, thank you for sharing.
Thank you. More to come.I've put together a short clip of some driving with the new exhaust. It includes small parts of a parade lap we got to do with the the FoC at Silverstone Classic. Watching the footage back I'm even more pleased with how the exhaust turned out; the sound is from the inbuilt GoPro mic, obviously mounted in the cabin.
https://youtu.be/egrUk5iyPK4
I will upload my Classic photos soon.
https://youtu.be/egrUk5iyPK4
I will upload my Classic photos soon.
mwstewart said:
I've put together a short clip of some driving with the new exhaust. It includes small parts of a parade lap we got to do with the the FoC at Silverstone Classic. Watching the footage back I'm even more pleased with how the exhaust turned out; the sound is from the inbuilt GoPro mic, obviously mounted in the cabin.
https://youtu.be/egrUk5iyPK4
I will upload my Classic photos soon.
That sounds glorious!https://youtu.be/egrUk5iyPK4
I will upload my Classic photos soon.
mwstewart said:
I've put together a short clip of some driving with the new exhaust. It includes small parts of a parade lap we got to do with the the FoC at Silverstone Classic. Watching the footage back I'm even more pleased with how the exhaust turned out; the sound is from the inbuilt GoPro mic, obviously mounted in the cabin.
https://youtu.be/egrUk5iyPK4
I will upload my Classic photos soon.
Very very nice sound - gives the car some real bite and character. Nice work.https://youtu.be/egrUk5iyPK4
I will upload my Classic photos soon.
Have to say there's a part of me that is and is always likely to remain unsettled about dishing out praise to people who make "lookalike" cars, regardless of the values involved. Having said that I guess there's also a Trigger's Broom aspect of at what point does the car become a Scuderia in all but paperwork?
Despite that, I have a large amount of admiration for how you're both driving your Ferrari properly, and getting your hands dirty with every aspect of it. Anyone in the market to buy your car whenever you chose to sell it would undoubtedly end up with a more robust car than Ferrari ever managed to produce!
Enjoy reading your updates and long may they continue
Despite that, I have a large amount of admiration for how you're both driving your Ferrari properly, and getting your hands dirty with every aspect of it. Anyone in the market to buy your car whenever you chose to sell it would undoubtedly end up with a more robust car than Ferrari ever managed to produce!
Enjoy reading your updates and long may they continue
Thanks all!
To me in this context i.e. the primary use is driving - much like a race car the mechanical specification makes the car what it is. I have met or exceeded the specification. Consider it a drive-a-like not just a look-a-like
The other aspect is cost: a RHD 16M in this spec would sell for double what mine is now worth, and whilst I could stretch to it, at my age it would be to the detriment of long term house/retirement plans.
In the mean time...dream car built.
To me in this context i.e. the primary use is driving - much like a race car the mechanical specification makes the car what it is. I have met or exceeded the specification. Consider it a drive-a-like not just a look-a-like
The other aspect is cost: a RHD 16M in this spec would sell for double what mine is now worth, and whilst I could stretch to it, at my age it would be to the detriment of long term house/retirement plans.
In the mean time...dream car built.
Excellent work... more so the fact the car has been used (and abused!) which adds a nice bit of balance to the OCD spec engineering going on - there were moments where I did wonder if the car would simply fade away in to being some sort of unused ornament but glad that's not the case. Can relate to a few images too, in fact I think I have one taken at the same dam in Switzerland. We didn't suffer ground clearance issues however. You took an Italian thoroughbred and we rocked along with an old cart horse with a sore foot and an emissions issue. Keep up the good work!
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