Ferrari F430 Spider
Discussion
Trying not to detract from an incredible thread, but the first thing that crossed my mind when I saw that picture was the wheel offset and relationship to the arch. Visually they don't look wide enough and as sacrilege as it sounds on a Ferrari, a couple of 10mm spacers might do the trick to fill up those arches!
Great to catch up on this thread! I noticed your thermal heat barrier woes on the exhaust, this option sprung to mind:
http://www.thermomet.co.uk/
Might be worth considering for the future, the finish looks great.
http://www.thermomet.co.uk/
Might be worth considering for the future, the finish looks great.
I've been asked if I wanted to display the car on the PH 'Icons' stand at the Silverstone Classic, which is great, so you will find the car on the stand in front of the pub! https://www.pistonheads.com/news/motorsport/piston...
The luggage compartment on these is surprisingly cavernous - we can fit in the equivalent volume to the boot on a small hatchback.
Trying not to detract from an incredible thread, but the first thing that crossed my mind when I saw that picture was the wheel offset and relationship to the arch. Visually they don't look wide enough and as sacrilege as it sounds on a Ferrari, a couple of 10mm spacers might do the trick to fill up those arches!I don’t like the look of wheels close to arches because a wheel should be inset to provide an an aerodynamic advantage. Spacing wheels also affects the scrub radius of the suspension which is detrimental to handling; this is the reason manufacturers design cars to run much less wheel offset on the steering axle.
Nunga said:
You’ve done well to marry a woman who packs light enough to make a continental holiday in an F430 remotely possible. Still love the car and the updates, and as said above it’s nice to see it being driven too.
The luggage compartment on these is surprisingly cavernous - we can fit in the equivalent volume to the boot on a small hatchback.p1stonhead said:
OP - if you were given a warehouse, a manual and every single part of the car laid out individually, reckon you could build a scud from scratch?
Looks like it to me!
Except for the roof and torque settings I’d like to think I could do it without a manual. I could certainly build an E46 M3 or a Mk3 Fiesta without their respective manual Looks like it to me!
GreatGranny said:
My favourite poster on PH :-)
Car looks fantastic and the 3 week tour will be epic.
Cheers.Car looks fantastic and the 3 week tour will be epic.
Mac. said:
Trying not to detract from an incredible thread, but the first thing that crossed my mind when I saw that picture was the wheel offset and relationship to the arch. Visually they don't look wide enough and as sacrilege as it sounds on a Ferrari, a couple of 10mm spacers might do the trick to fill up those arches!
scottos said:
Great to catch up on this thread! I noticed your thermal heat barrier woes on the exhaust, this option sprung to mind:
http://www.thermomet.co.uk/
Might be worth considering for the future, the finish looks great.
Ahh, yes, thanks. I looked at the Inconel version on offer from TurboSource. It’s nice kit. For now what I’ve experimented with has worked really well as I’m seeing only 75 degrees C at the closet point to the rear silencer - with the standard silencer you literally could cook an egg on the engine lid!. What the Inconel stuff would offer is a weight saving so eventually I may well move over to it.http://www.thermomet.co.uk/
Might be worth considering for the future, the finish looks great.
Mac. said:
Trying not to detract from an incredible thread, but the first thing that crossed my mind when I saw that picture was the wheel offset and relationship to the arch. Visually they don't look wide enough and as sacrilege as it sounds on a Ferrari, a couple of 10mm spacers might do the trick to fill up those arches!
RacerMike said:
That doesn't look as bad as I remember them looking! Still beyond me why anyone would bother. If you spent the amount of money it costs for that kit on mechanical parts, you'd have a pretty good (all things are relative) MR2.
There's an argument that says you can have a pretty good MR2 just by buying the right MR2 in the first place.
I'm prepared to grudgingly accept that it's not quite in the same league as the op's car however!
Edited by Heaveho on Thursday 23 May 13:09
J4CKO said:
Mac. said:
Trying not to detract from an incredible thread, but the first thing that crossed my mind when I saw that picture was the wheel offset and relationship to the arch. Visually they don't look wide enough and as sacrilege as it sounds on a Ferrari, a couple of 10mm spacers might do the trick to fill up those arches!
OP, you are fastidious and it is incredible to read your little fixes to little problems that have arisen, some of which are not that little either. Well done sir.
Sorry to be that guy, but will there be any further updates? I see the M3 and CLK are both going/gone and you've said in the CLK thread that you're moving to the Far East... if there's one car here that I'd really like to see finished, it's this! That 4.7 litre engine build has the potential to be quite something - has it been done before?
RoverP6B said:
Sorry to be that guy, but will there be any further updates? I see the M3 and CLK are both going/gone and you've said in the CLK thread that you're moving to the Far East... if there's one car here that I'd really like to see finished, it's this! That 4.7 litre engine build has the potential to be quite something - has it been done before?
I've been driving the cars but I haven't worked on any of them in quite a while. On Friday there will be two new body panels ready to collect from paint, so depending on my level of enthusiasm l may have a a very late night (possibly all night - one requires the fastenings/brackets to be fabricated then assembled & aligned with construction epoxy!) to fit them both before the Silverstone Classic.
I won't go ahead with the engine build; I'm moving away from car projects.
mwstewart said:
I've been driving the cars but I haven't worked on any of them in quite a while.
On Friday there will be two new body panels ready to collect from paint, so depending on my level of enthusiasm l may have a a very late night (possibly all night - one requires the fastenings/brackets to be fabricated then assembled & aligned with construction epoxy!) to fit them both before the Silverstone Classic.
I won't go ahead with the engine build; I'm moving away from car projects.
Out of interest why? Thats only if you don't mind sharing and if not cars what else has take your interest?. I've very much enjoyed following your Fiesta, M3 and this.On Friday there will be two new body panels ready to collect from paint, so depending on my level of enthusiasm l may have a a very late night (possibly all night - one requires the fastenings/brackets to be fabricated then assembled & aligned with construction epoxy!) to fit them both before the Silverstone Classic.
I won't go ahead with the engine build; I'm moving away from car projects.
W00DY said:
Still loving this thread and all the updates. The car looks fantastic and I'm sure it drives even better.
Saw this lovely example on eBay and thought you might fancy having a pair.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ferrari-F430-replica-co...
Whilst the work on the real thing by MW is impressive, I’m more amazed that someone bid £8k for that thing on eBay! Sheesh.Saw this lovely example on eBay and thought you might fancy having a pair.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ferrari-F430-replica-co...
RoverP6B said:
Here's hoping you maintain your woeful track record of maintaining promises regarding your 430s, as I really want to see that engine build happen one way or another!
I haven't read the Fiesta thread yet - did that car get finished?
Ha. The Fiesta engine build is in progress.I haven't read the Fiesta thread yet - did that car get finished?
WhisperingWasp said:
Looking good at the Classic mwstewart 
Cheers! It remains my favourite auto event - great racing and plenty to see. Am I the only one who went into the Pie & Piston looking for beer and came out disappointed, or did I completely miss it? 
The PH display was good and I hope to see it back next year.lordf said:
Out of interest why? Thats only if you don't mind sharing and if not cars what else has take your interest?. I've very much enjoyed following your Fiesta, M3 and this.
I'd like to master something new. I'll keep doing 'bits and bobs' but not full-scale projects. I wouldn't rule out motorsport but for now I want to focus on something other than car projects. rainmasterb said:
Mark you promised to sort the boot floor on my M3 before you leave the country! I've moved from opposite the 5 Bells to the Cotswolds now, so at least you can combine your trip to my garage with some sight seeing! ?? All the best
I think that I forgot about that 
Very nice - and no doubt a much shorter commute! The same to you.mwstewart said:
lordf said:
Out of interest why? Thats only if you don't mind sharing and if not cars what else has take your interest?. I've very much enjoyed following your Fiesta, M3 and this.
I'd like to master something new. I'll keep doing 'bits and bobs' but not full-scale projects. I wouldn't rule out motorsport but for now I want to focus on something other than car projects. mwstewart said:
completely miss it? The PH display was good and I hope to see it back next year.
I came to a similar point, I can do a lot with my cars but I stopped seeing the point with the roads / rules etc these days. Then my partner put me on one of her horses and started teaching me to play polo which I find is a lot more challenging and fulfilling than the cars have been. The PH display was good and I hope to see it back next year.lordf said:
Out of interest why? Thats only if you don't mind sharing and if not cars what else has take your interest?. I've very much enjoyed following your Fiesta, M3 and this.
I'd like to master something new. I'll keep doing 'bits and bobs' but not full-scale projects. I wouldn't rule out motorsport but for now I want to focus on something other than car projects. Catching up with updates...
A new one-off carbon part. This piece replaces the heavy (10kg) fibreglass roof compartment cover with a vacuum carbon part, saving just over 7kg. The stripe is painted on using the OEM Ferrari masking kit.
I took the car to K Baggs trimming for a health check of the roof and replacement of the elastic straps as a precautionary measure. Kevin reported that it is all in good order.
I replaced the ageing Supersports with Pilot Sport 4S. Great tyre for the road.
I've been experimenting with geo and tried some 'fast road' specs out there on the internet, but I'm not happy so work continues. I'll cover this off in more detail in a later update.
The flocking on the driver's side door trim had worn away so I've repaired it with a flocking fit. I'll report back once I determine how durable in service the repair is.
A new one-off carbon part. This piece replaces the heavy (10kg) fibreglass roof compartment cover with a vacuum carbon part, saving just over 7kg. The stripe is painted on using the OEM Ferrari masking kit.
I took the car to K Baggs trimming for a health check of the roof and replacement of the elastic straps as a precautionary measure. Kevin reported that it is all in good order.
I replaced the ageing Supersports with Pilot Sport 4S. Great tyre for the road.
I've been experimenting with geo and tried some 'fast road' specs out there on the internet, but I'm not happy so work continues. I'll cover this off in more detail in a later update.
The flocking on the driver's side door trim had worn away so I've repaired it with a flocking fit. I'll report back once I determine how durable in service the repair is.
I've been enjoying the car and I haven't spent much time working on it. I can confirm that it is quick: I hit an indicated 205MPH but I had to back off because the engine lid open warning light came on - obviously the air pressure was lifting it off of the catch!
Carbon Bonnet
I'm over the moon with this - it has been months in the making. It takes a not inconsiderable amount of hours in the bodyshop to make custom parts presentable .
At 6.95kg the original bonnet is actually quite heavy so the hinges are stout to match. The original hinges feature a catch arrangement to prevent the bonnet sliding through the windscreen in the event of a crash.
I've swapped to GT3 hinges to suit a carbon bonnet - because carbon simply cracks and crumbles in an impact, the catch arrangement isn't required. I've retained the original strut for convenience - the GT3 cars use a fixed carbon rod. The brackets save over half of a kilogram.
Bonnet mounted. The OEM Ferrari 16M stripe stencil kit was used to paint the stripe, and rather than a plain black centre stripe I've left the carbon exposed. I also had the bodyshop cut out some vent apertures to a template that I proved, so my next job is to fabricate some mesh inserts and some backing plates as a temporary measure until I finish some ducting from the front bumper.
Here's a photo of the new hood tray cover fitted.
Weight saving
Unsprung weight saved: 20.58 kg
Sprung weight saved: 109.41 kg
Total weight saved: 130.00 kg
Carbon Bonnet
I'm over the moon with this - it has been months in the making. It takes a not inconsiderable amount of hours in the bodyshop to make custom parts presentable .
At 6.95kg the original bonnet is actually quite heavy so the hinges are stout to match. The original hinges feature a catch arrangement to prevent the bonnet sliding through the windscreen in the event of a crash.
I've swapped to GT3 hinges to suit a carbon bonnet - because carbon simply cracks and crumbles in an impact, the catch arrangement isn't required. I've retained the original strut for convenience - the GT3 cars use a fixed carbon rod. The brackets save over half of a kilogram.
Bonnet mounted. The OEM Ferrari 16M stripe stencil kit was used to paint the stripe, and rather than a plain black centre stripe I've left the carbon exposed. I also had the bodyshop cut out some vent apertures to a template that I proved, so my next job is to fabricate some mesh inserts and some backing plates as a temporary measure until I finish some ducting from the front bumper.
Here's a photo of the new hood tray cover fitted.
Weight saving
| Original Part | Fitted Quantity | Original Part (kg) | Replacement Part (kg) | Sprung Saving (kg) | Unsprung Saving (kg) | Replacement Part |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pedals - brake | 1 | 0.987 | 0.627 | 0.36 | - | 16M/Scuderia |
| Pedals - brake and clutch height adjuster bracket | 1 | 0.086 | 0 | 0.086 | - | Removed - unused |
| Brakes - ABS/ESP - acceleration sensor | 1 | 0.091 | 0 | 0.091 | - | Removed - function provided by CAN yaw |
| Pedals - Pedals - accelerator assembly | 1 | 0.883 | 0.869 | 0.014 | - | 16M/Scuderia |
| Door hinges | 4 | 0.705 | 0.5005 | 0.818 | - | Machined to reduce weight |
| Dashboard plaque 'F430 Spider' - carbon version | 1 | 0.025 | 0.086 | -0.061 | - | '16M Scuderia Spider - Limited 499' |
| Interior - centre console, complete (carbon driving zone) | 1 | 2.253 | 1.341 | 0.912 | - | 16M (carbon) |
| Windscreen washer tank, pumps, and minimum fluid | 1 | 5.257 | 2.899 | 2.358 | - | 360 non-headlamp wash version adapted |
| Headlamps - standard | 2 | 0.3505 | 0.137 | 0.427 | - | 16M (carbon) |
| Wing mirrors | 1 | 2.11 | 1.431 | 0.679 | - | 16M/Scuderia (carbon) |
| Spider hood tray | 1 | 8.45 | 1.555 | 6.895 | - | Bespoke carbon version |
| F1 paddles | 1 | 0.154 | 0.103 | 0.051 | - | Steering wheel mounted |
| Steering wheel - leather with aluminium trim | 1 | 1.78 | 1.85 | -0.07 | - | 16M/Scuderia (carbon) - leather & alcantara |
| Interior - rear bulkhead (carpet) | 1 | 2.86 | 2.703 | 0.157 | - | Retrimmed in Alcantara |
| Interior - rear bulkhead document nets (untrimmed) | 2 | 0.119 | 0.257 | -0.276 | - | Retrimmed in Alcantara |
| Interior - rear shelf, centre (carpet) | 1 | 0.402 | 0.465 | -0.063 | - | Retrimmed in Alcantara |
| Pedals - drivers footrest 'dead pedal' | 1 | 0.181 | 0.162 | 0.019 | - | Hill Engineering (drilled aluminium) |
| Interior - tunnel trim (carpet) | 1 | 1.177 | 1.041 | 0.136 | - | Retrimmed in Alcantara |
| Interior - drivers footwell trim (carpet) | 1 | 0.305 | 0.316 | -0.011 | - | Retrimmed in Alcantara |
| Interior - rear shelf, LH (carpet) | 1 | 0.822 | 1.039 | -0.217 | - | Retrimmed in Alcantara |
| Interior - rear shelf, RH (carpet) | 1 | 0.98 | 0.91 | 0.07 | - | Retrimmed in Alcantara |
| Interior - passenger footwell trim (carpet) | 1 | 0.229 | 0.371 | -0.142 | - | Retrimmed in Alcantara |
| Bumper - front mounting washers (steel) | 4 | 0.019 | 0.012 | 0.028 | - | Bespoke aluminium spacers |
| Battery change #2 - Optima 'Red Top' 34R | 1 | 18.75 | 16.72 | 2.03 | - | Bosch S5 007 |
| Pedals - passenger footrest | 1 | 0.347 | 0.136 | 0.211 | - | 16M/Scuderia (machined flat and drilled) |
| Doors - door card mounting brackets and rivets | 2 | 0.1645 | 0.14 | 0.049 | - | 16M specific brackets |
| Doors - wiring loom | 2 | 0.526 | 0.532 | -0.012 | - | 16M door loom |
| Doors - inner handle with microswitches | 2 | 0.188 | 0.256 | -0.136 | - | 16M/Scuderia inner handle mechanism |
| Doors - door card, scraper, and fastenings - driver | 1 | 4.992 | 3.376 | 1.616 | - | 16M door card, scraper, and fastenings |
| Doors - door card, scraper, and fastenings - passenger | 1 | 5.461 | 3.376 | 2.085 | - | 16M door card, scraper, and fastenings |
| Hi Fi - woofer, grille, and fastenings | 2 | 0.945 | 0.54 | 0.81 | - | 16M midbass with fastenings |
| Hi Fi - tweeter and trim piece | 2 | 0.075 | 0.06 | 0.03 | - | 16M tweeter & midrange with fastenings |
| Hi Fi - midrange and fastenings | 2 | 0 | 0.163 | -0.326 | - | 16M midrange with fastenings |
| Hi Fi - amplifier | 1 | 0 | 1.671 | -1.671 | - | 16M amplifier |
| Hi Fi - wiring for amplifier and additional speakers | 1 | 0 | 0.628 | -0.628 | - | 16M Hi Fi wiring |
| Undertray, rear | 1 | 9.1 | 5.249 | 3.851 | - | 16M/Scuderia (carbon composite) |
| Capristo exhaust valve controller | 1 | 0 | 0.245 | -0.245 | - | Capristo |
| Door courtesy lights | 2 | 0.012 | 0.009 | 0.006 | - | 16M reflectors |
| Area of sound deadening removed to mount amplifier | 1 | 0.665 | 0 | 0.665 | - | Removed |
| Exhaust #2 - Solenoid valve blanking caps | 2 | 0.003 | 0.078 | -0.15 | - | F430 solenoid valve to exhaust hoses reinstated |
| Exhaust #2 - Capristo F430 Sport catalytic converters | 2 | 3.2 | 3.053 | 0.294 | - | Capristo 16M/Scuderia 02FE 023 03 006 |
| Exhaust #2 - Capristo F430 Sport catalytic converter blankets | 2 | 1.35 | 1.468 | -0.236 | - | Capristo 16M/Scuderia 02FE 023 03 006 |
| Exhaust #2 - F430 Challenge silencer - modified | 1 | 9.65 | 10.7 | -1.05 | - | Capristo 16M/Scuderia 02FE 023 03 006 |
| Exhaust #2 - Bespoke mounting set for exhaust change #1 | 1 | 2.692 | 1.144 | 1.548 | - | Capristo 16M/Scuderia 02FE 023 03 006 |
| Exhaust #2 - Bespoke mount heat shields & fastenings for exhaust #1 | 1 | 0.023 | 0.023 | 0 | - | Removed |
| Exterior - Spider hood cover | 1 | 10 | 3.8 | 6.2 | - | Bespoke carbon version |
| Exterior - Bonnet hinges | 1 | 1.766 | 1.14 | 0.626 | - | F430 GT3 (lightened) |
| Exterior - Bonnet (aluminium) | 1 | 6.95 | 4.521 | 2.429 | - | Bespoke GT3 style (carbon) |
Unsprung weight saved: 20.58 kg
Sprung weight saved: 109.41 kg
Total weight saved: 130.00 kg
Edited by mwstewart on Tuesday 9th November 15:54
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