This is totally incorrect. The scuderia shifts at 60ms and has different hardware & software compared to any F430 in any years. I don't think the Scuderia ever went through a hardware & software change. i believe the shift speed was always 60ms. The 2005 F430 has a shift speed of 160ms. The 2008 & later went through a hardware & software upgrade improving the shift speed to 12oms. I can literally hear the difference in the shift between the two.
The 2008 F430 has a completely different transmission control units and major changes to the transmission. The earlier F430 uses the Sofast2 gearbox system, and the 2008 uses the Sofast 3 gearbox system. The Sofast 3 system incorporates a pressure sensor on the clutch hydraulic system for better clutch operation, as well as a longitudinal accelleration sensor. If you drive an early and a late F430 back to back, you can feel a distinct different in clutch operation and take off from a stop as well as faster shift speeds. The Scuderia uses the Sofast 5 gearbox system.
I had a May 08 build F430F1 for five years, yes shortly after I got the car the clutch and actuator were replaced under warranty by Ferrari - But after that the car was 100% reliable and one of the most enjoyable I've owned. Regarding the gearbox I can't speak for the earlier cars as I have no experience but I can compare the car to my 458 Spider, and surprisingly the 08 430 gives little away, yes the 458 is faster and smoother shifting etc. at normal speeds and feels maybe more robust, but the 430 whilst inferior gives little away, indeed on full throttle up shifts in race mode the 430 was pretty spectacular banging the gears home with a satisfying thud - old school, and I miss that a little. So what I'm saying is the 08 is a great car, reliable, and although out classed in almost all areas by the 458 a very capable and satisfying drive and a great first Ferrari - I miss mine now. Good luck in your search, I hope this little insight helps.
USA market cars did have the changes. Clutch control and shift quality on the CFC301 is markedly better - there was a big focus on accuracy of clutch control, and aside from the driving benefits, clutch life is increased.
I have 07, owned it for two years, got it with 11,000 miles and now has 19,500 miles. No major issues, just routine maintenance. If you are putting after market headers, make sure to have heat shield protectors. I have both Fabspeed Exhaust and OEM, I like the OEM with modified tip the best. Good Luck on your search. Mine might be for sale as I am eyeing 458 as of last night. Or I might just buy the 458 and keep the 430 as well. Love the car.
Can you expound more about the OEM header with modified tip? I don’t think I’ve heard of this solution before. Why do you prefer it to an aftermarket header ?
This is all great info! Keep it coming! Sorry if I sound like such a newbie, but what's OEM and what does it stand for?
Standard Brembo discs can be found for 100-150 USD all day long and aftermarket pads can be found much cheaper than Ferrari, and in a lot of cases, are better. Extremely easy DIY or really any competent brake shop with a some hair can do it. No reason to ever break 4 digits for a brake job IMO.
The problem with that spreadsheet is it stops at 9/07. Changes continued right through the end of production. The transmission changes were after 9/07. Taz has another more comprehensive list of the changes that continues right into 2009 production...it is posted here on the forum somewhere...I downloaded and used it when I was shopping 4 years ago.
