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2009 Ferrari F430 Scuderia
The Ferrari Scuderia was released in 2008 as ‘The Ferrari’ to have. Like the 360 Challenge Stradale before it, the F430 Scuderia implemented the latest developments in F1 technology into their sportiest road car offerings. Engine tweaks increased the peak horsepower to 503 while beefing up the power curve and torque numbers significantly. Weight is stripped from the interior, sound deadening material, engine, brakes, and bodywork to end up with a car that is roughly 250 lbs lighter then the already lithe F430. Changes in the transmission yield 80% faster shifts, at roughly 60 milliseconds (.06 seconds). The body has been slightly massaged to yield much better down force resulting in a subtly more aggressive look: The front fascia is much angry looking and the exhaust now exits through openings in the bumpers.
The result is akin to an F430 who has spent some (more) time in the gym: Stronger, leaner, more aggressive, and better performing. Around Ferrari’s famous Fiorano Race Track the F430 Scuderia puts it F1 technology to the ultimate test, tying the lap time’s of Ferrari’s famous super car: The Ferrari Enzo!
This particular F430 Scuderia is a 2009 model and this is the condition of the car as it was unwrapped in plastic from delivery. No dealer prep, nobody cleaned at the port, and I was the first person outside the factory gates to wash it. It had 12 miles, all presumably from the Fiorano Race track as each Ferrari is driven aggressively around the famous circuit to ensure it is, after all, a car worthy of the Ferrari name. This Scuderia features a leather interior which is a contrast to the more popular Alcantara interior’s found on it’s peers.
I was amazed at how poor the condition of the paint was, but only slightly. Apparently it is the dealership’s job to prep the car’s for sale, which is why most new Ferrari’s have buffer trails and swirls.
Process:
Clean:
-Wash car with Eimann Fabrik Auto Spa II using Concours Gold Ultimitt
-Clay car with Blackfire Polyclay II using Blackfire Clay Lubricant (very little contamination)
-Clean tires with Bell’s Amazing Roll-Off and a wire brush.
-Clean wheels, brake calipers, wheel arches with Eimann Fabrik Hi-Intensity Cleaner
-Dry with 2 DF BigBlue III Waffle Weaves using Meguiar’s M34 Final Inspection QD.
Paint Correction:
-Wet sand areas as needed using Meguiar’s Unigrit Sandpaper in 1500, 2000, 3000 grits.
-Spot compound wet sanded areas using Meguiar’s M105 Ultra Cut Compound w/ a Lake Country 4-ply Twisted Wool Pad at 1000-1500 RPM, 2 x 3 times until defects removed.
-Polish using Meguiar’s M205 Ultra Finishing Polishing using a Hi-Gloss/Lake Country Classic Flat 6.5 inch Orange Power Pad at 1700 RPM, using moderate to firm pressure until the wool compound marks where completely removed.
-Final Polish using Meguiar’s M205 Ultra Finishing Polish via Porter Cable XP, using a Hi-Gloss/Lake Country Flat 6.5 inch Black Finessing Pad per KBM.
Interior:
-Blow out all cracks and crevices, then vacuum thoroughly using Metro Vac’s Vac’n’Blow.
-Polish and seal all interior carbon fiber using Menzerna Acrylic Jacket.
-Treat leather with Leatherique Prestine Clean.
Engine:
-Clean with Meguiar’s All Purpose Cleaner and several damp towels.
-Polish and seal all engine carbon fiber using Menzerna Acrylic Jacket.
-Clean plastic and rubber with 1Z Einszett ‘Plastik-Reiniger’
-Dress plastic and rubber with 1Z Einszett ‘Tiefenplfeger’
Final Touches:
-Wash paint after polishing with Eimann Fabrik Auto Spa II using a natural sea sponge.
-Wipe paint with 91% IP alcohol.
-Polish paint with Blackfire Gloss Enhancing Polish via Porter Cable XP using a Hi-Gloss/Lake Country Classic Flat 6.5 Inch Red Finishing Pad on speed 3
-Seal paint with two coats of Blackfire Wet Diamond All Paint Protection using a Hi-Gloss/Lake Country CCS 6.5 Inch Concours Gold Pad on speed 3, two hours between coats.
-Top paint with one coat of Blackfire Midnight Sun, Batch 24, Carnauba Paste by hand. Applied and removed wet: Blackfire Wet Ice over Fire combo kit.
-Treat all rubber seals with 1Z Einszett Gumi-Pfledge
-Clean all windows and glass (except for rear Lexan engine cover/window) with Eimann Fabrik Clear Vision II
-Seal wheels using Wheel Wax ™
-Dress wheel compartments using Meguiar’s 3:1 Hyperdressing. Left to dwell for 3-5 minutes before buff off.
-Dress tires using Blackfire Long Lasting Tire Gel.
Condition of the paint after washing.
After an initial polishing to remove most swirl marks, numerous deep scratch and D/A sanding ‘tails’ where quite visible! From the factory!!
Six spots on the Scuderia required wet sanding to reduce/remove the D/A marks.
A couple of Before/After photographs…
Some After photographs…
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