430 My F430 exhaust manifold adventure

My ‘06 is on its second set of MKII manifolds and they are just fine. However, I’ve had a Ferrari sport exhaust and Tubi manifolds on the shelf for way too long (measured in years), and made my New Years resolution - skipping the gym and hitting the garage.

The Sport exhaust was simple to install. In advance I had some of the brackets powder coated to match and improve the looks. Used gage blocks to set tailpipes and my 4year old son and his friend for help

I did have to had add 2 SS shims under the bracket that mounts to the trans to get the height perfect.

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I admit I missed the look of the stock can for a short while, but then recognized the beauty in the simplicity of the Sport Exhaust design. It’s also lighter, but didn’t weigh it. I know because I could barely lift the box with the OEM parts in it.


Now that my tools and I are warmed up, next step - prep for manifolds.

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Using my quick jack, decided to pull rear tires and liners and do it all from below. Wanted to detail the suspension, chassis, and brakes.

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I have all new OEM hardware for the install, 4 new O2 sensors, and Tubi manifolds.

On the manifolds I decided to cut the air rail fitting off and weld it closed. Pic below is the passenger side next to the MKII manifolds. I love that the Tubi matches the car a bit better with the dimpled metal heat shield, even if most people won’t see them/notice.

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Also note the tools needed to get the OEM off and Tubi on in the pic. Passenger side only, so far. Getting the stock manifold off wasn’t bad at all, and I was prepared for the worst. Probably took about an hour to get it out. Tubi install, however, not so easy. It took about 3 hours to get the Tubi in thanks to that coveted heat shielding AND the air rail.

The 90 degree offset 12mm was my most used tool. Of 8 nuts, 5 came single, 3 married to their studs. I simply replaced the pulled studs with new. Light coat of engine oil.

Also, I loosened the outlet side of the cat so it can slide a bit back and forth to make it easier to line up to manifolds.

I bought ferrari hardware and gaskets. The doughnut between cat and manifold was more like a solid mesh material whereas the original doughnut was more solid. The manual calls for 75nm torque on these bolts, but between the springs and the mesh I was questioning the torque in my head. I think started to deform the flange a bit at about 50nm, so I stopped. If it fails the hand test when it’s started, I’ll crank down more on them I guess.


Going to take on the drivers side this weekend, wish me luck.

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The wire hanging in front of the manifold gets attached to the inner wheel liner, it’s just hanging in the pic.



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If it wasn’t for Ca smog, I’d consider them more seriously.




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Thanks Mike. I figured if I took it to a shop they would be doing the same thing I am, no special tools, just wrestling in tight spaces. And I tend to think I would take much greater care.

I tried to get Tubi to make them without the air-rail, especially given they use the production header casting, but senza fortuna... They claimed fabrication fixture issues if they attempted it.

I will slightly bend the heat shield between the cylinders on the drivers side manifold for a bit more clearance. But the passenger side would have been a piece of cake if not for the unnecessary air rail.

Like I mentioned above, I went with Tubi for many reasons, including the OEM look which the casting and heat shield provide.



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Well, there is no engine out service for a 430, so I guess it’s either capitalizing on bad luck or a very expensive install.

I hear ya on the air rail, but I believe it only applies to the Scud, I wonder how many Scud manifolds they have sold?!?! Or are F430 tubi’s common with 360’s?






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It’s made by Bendpak: Quickjack BL-5000SLX

I love it, it’s easy to use, easy to store.






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Thanks. I work on my car for fun and it’s more fun when clean.

Joe


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What started out as a “I’ll just look and plan my approach” turned into getting all 8 nuts off the driver side. Yes more difficult, especially since the dealer who installed the replacement set buggered a couple nuts, including THE nut, the infamous one above the compressor lines.

It took less than an hour for all eight, and the pic shows the tools, in order of most used. The swivel 12mm was a savior, as the 2 rear most nuts were removed from above the manifold.

I left the manifold in only because my 4 year old helper was in bed and he would be crushed if I took out the other manifold without him. He loves working on our Ferrari with me.

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Not so pro tips:

1) I detailed my car before I started working on it. With an epoxy floor, the best of show spray made the floor awesome for sliding under the car and sliding to grab tools.

2) stretch before attempting, and being in decent shape helps as I had to hold myself up while taking out to of the nuts from above and I can barely move my arms now.

3) liberal use of Aerokroil helped. All 8 on drivers side came out solo, all studs remained.

Here is a pic of some tools I thought would make it a snap, but couldn’t find a way to use:

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Well, drivers side Tubi is in, and I do love the look for this car.

It took about an hour to get the 8 nuts tight, but had to make a tool to get THE nut tight (one above the compressor lines).

Not sure I’d recommend a self install for those who are short on patience or time. But if you want an OEM look, you couldn’t do better than TUBI (imho).

Here are the tools for the drivers side, you can see I had to cut a 45 degree offset wrench for the one nut. The metal hammer was used to torque it a few taps after the best I could do by hand.


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Have to finish putting in sensors and cat bolts, then starting it is in order.

For now, a beer and some Jerkey for a quick break while I regain feeling in my hands.

Not so pro tip: might want to consider wearing a hockey helmet to avoid some head lumps from dropping tools. I need some Advil now...


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Finished the exhaust a few minutes ago, did a heat cycle and re-tightened everything. Sounds good but I didn’t get on it given the time and neighbors.

Hope to completely finish tomorrow and take her out.

My only issue to solve is I have a rattle coming from one of the exhaust valve solenoids. It’s not closing all the way on it’s own, and rattling a little at idle. I can touch it with light pressure to close it fully and it stops rattling. The problem could be solved if I could lengthen the rod a bit.

I also have 2 valves from my stock exhaust I might try.

Ceramic coated the suspension and surrounding area/castings (Modesta) and wheel liners (Cerakote).

I’ll get daytime pics tomorrow, and try to record the sound.

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