Converting a Ferrari F430 from the F1 gearbox to a gated 6-speed manual is a bolt-in job for an experienced mechanic. Around 40 hours of labour is a commonly reported figure. This guide covers the main stages and the decisions you’ll need to make. Exact steps depend on your car, and every EPOXY54 kit comes with unlimited free install support until your conversion is done right.
Decision 1: gearbox in or out?
This is the big one, and it comes down to the clutch hydraulics:
- Keep F1-type clutch fluid: the conversion can be done with the gearbox in the car. Best if your clutch is fairly fresh.
- Convert the clutch to brake fluid: the gearbox has to come out to change the throw-out bearing seals. Best if your clutch is worn, since you can replace it at the same time.
We’ll help you choose before you order.
Decision 2: keep the E-Diff
On the F430, the F1 hydraulic pump also runs the E-Diff. The usual approach is to keep the pump and blank off the lines that went to the gearbox controls, so you keep the limited-slip function. Removing the E-Diff is possible but loses the LSD.
1. Strip the cabin
Remove the centre console, F1 selector buttons and surrounding trim. The gated shifter sits where the F1 console was, and on some cars the console under the gate needs trimming. If originality matters, consider buying a separate console to cut rather than modifying yours.
2. Fit the clutch pedal and master cylinder
F1 cars have a wide brake pedal and no clutch pedal. The kit’s clutch pedal and clutch master cylinder go in, and the hydraulic line runs back to the gearbox. Left- and right-hand drive cars use different pedal designs, so make sure you have the right kit. Some late-production F430s need holes drilled in the pedal mounting plate.
3. Fit the gated shifter and cables
Bolt in the gated shifter with its gate plate and surround, then run the shift cables back to the gearbox. Smooth routing makes a big difference to shift feel.
4. Convert the gearbox side
The F1 car uses the same basic transaxle as the manual car. The F1 shift actuator is replaced with the manual shift selector housing and linkage. If you’re converting the clutch to brake fluid, this is when the gearbox comes out, the throw-out bearing is changed and any F1-only clutch parts are removed.
5. Bleed the clutch
Fill and bleed the clutch hydraulics with the correct fluid for the approach you chose. Never mix F1 fluid and brake fluid.
6. Program the ECUs and cluster
The engine ECUs and the instrument cluster need to be set up for a manual gearbox. Without this, the car will show F1 warning lights. Remote coding guidance is included free with every EPOXY54 kit. Hands-on coding is quoted separately.
7. Adjust and test
Align the shifter in the gate, adjust the cables until all six gears and reverse select cleanly, check the clutch engagement point and reverse lights, and road test. Recheck for leaks after the first drive.
DIY or shop?
A skilled home mechanic can do this. If you’d rather not, our Kit + Install option covers the full job in British Columbia for $24,990 USD total.
Related reading
- Ferrari F430 manual conversion guide
- F430 manual conversion cost breakdown
- Ferrari 360 manual conversion install guide