[enzone]

The 456 and 550 basically share the same engine
(although there is a 43HP difference between them)

Can any modificationd be made on a 456 to increase the HP?
I am really intersted in making some upgrades on my car.
I look forward to any comments and suggestions!

Thanks,

Ed



Feel the need for extra speed!

[tazandjan]

Ed- The bottom ends of the engines are similar, but the heads on the 550 were completely redesigned and the intake system has dual length runners for good power low, like the 456, and high because of shortened intake runners above ~5500 rpm. The cams on the 456/M are actually higher duration than those on the 550 to try and get more high rpm power from its less optimized intake system. The 550 uses hydraulic lifters where the 456 uses shim adjustable solid lifters.

There are used 550 engines on the market for ~$10K and that is probably the cheapest way to increase power, if your 456 is a Motronic 5.2 car.

Otherwise you can use a few tricks like replacing the center muffler/resonator with straight or X-Pipes and installing low back-pressure mufflers for a little free hp (up to 20). Although I am not fond of oil upstream of my mass air flow meter, the BMC or K&N air filters will slightly increase power and intake noise.

On a Ferrari V12 engine, once you go down the path of higher compression pistons, larger valves, ported heads, etc, you run into really serious money. Replacing just the valve guides on a 456 can run into five figures, as several owners have learned.

The 456/456M and 550/575/612 engines are from completely different families, the former Type F116 and the latter Type F133.

You can always trade for a 550 or 575M.

[Boxer]

Outside of replacing the mufflers and cats with freer flowing items, from a cost standpoint, your best bet it to either trade the 456 in for a 550 or a 612. Know that is porbably not the answer you are lookign for but int he long run, probably the better move cost wise.

[Mark456M]

An ECU remap will free up around 30hp. Couple that with freeflow air filters and the exhaust mods Taz suggests and that will be about it. Will almost get to 550 standard hp.

[enzone]

Originally Posted by tazandjan

Ed- The bottom ends of the engines are similar, but the heads on the 550 were completely redesigned and the intake system has dual length runners for good power low, like the 456, and high because of shortened intake runners above ~5500 rpm. The cams on the 456/M are actually higher duration than those on the 550 to try and get more high rpm power from its less optimized intake system. The 550 uses hydraulic lifters where the 456 uses shim adjustable solid lifters.

There are used 550 engines on the market for ~$10K and that is probably the cheapest way to increase power, if your 456 is a Motronic 5.2 car.

Otherwise you can use a few tricks like replacing the center muffler/resonator with straight or X-Pipes and installing low back-pressure mufflers for a little free hp (up to 20). Although I am not fond of oil upstream of my mass air flow meter, the BMC or K&N air filters will slightly increase power and intake noise.

On a Ferrari V12 engine, once you go down the path of higher compression pistons, larger valves, ported heads, etc, you run into really serious money. Replacing just the valve guides on a 456 can run into five figures, as several owners have learned.

The 456/456M and 550/575/612 engines are from completely different families, the former Type F116 and the latter Type F133.

You can always trade for a 550 or 575M.

Terry,

Thank you very much for your valuable imput on this!
I have already changed the air filters to K&N and currently the resonator is being replaced with straight center pipes as per your suggestion.
Next step will be the rear mufflers.I am unsure with what brand to buy??
I tried Tubis a few months ago and they were to loud and a lot of droning at low rps.They were not for me,so I put the stock back on.
I will be listing them on ebay this week when I can find the time.
Have you heard of Quicksilver Exhaust??
Best,Ed

[enzone]

Originally Posted by Mark456M

An ECU remap will free up around 30hp. Couple that with freeflow air filters and the exhaust mods Taz suggests and that will be about it. Will almost get to 550 standard hp.

What is an ECU remap?
An additional 30 HP would definetely make a difference...

Can you be more specific on how to get this mod done?
Thanks,
Ed

[tazandjan]

Ferrari 456 5.5 V12 Performance ECU Tuning Software

[Mark456M]

Originally Posted by enzone

What is an ECU remap?
An additional 30 HP would definetely make a difference...

Can you be more specific on how to get this mod done?
Thanks,
Ed

I had a special remap done by Superchips. Try contacting them, they're in Sanford, Florida. They have dealers nationwide.

[Granucci]

I find the concept of replacing the top end interesting, but wonder of all the bits from intakes to ECUs etc. needed to make it work better: Guessing the hood would allow it to happen but less tight [?] than the two-seater models.

I would go back to standard filters, as I will soon: I cannot be bothered in the daily driver with the maintenance needed to keep the K&Ns up to par---anyone wanting to purchase for shipping and some extra bucks, the 456 K&N's pm me.

The ECU remapping sound more viable and less intrussive IF they consider the CATs correctly...

I would rather more torque than HP: As already said--one of our sponsors provides pipes and such to increas, slightly but with less hassle some extra HP.

[tazandjan]

Mark- Could you really feel the difference after the remap?

Ed- You heard the Larinis in the other thread. I also like Capristo and Kreissieg, but they tend to be pretty expensive compared to Larini or X-OST.

[JayG]

Originally Posted by Granucci

I would go back to standard filters, as I will soon: I cannot be bothered in the daily driver with the maintenance needed to keep the K&Ns up to par---anyone wanting to purchase for shipping and some extra bucks, the 456 K&N's pm me.

What extra maintenance keeping them up to par? Oiling every 50k miles? If you are touching them before that then you may be over oiling them causing oil to go in the intake pipe. Unless you live in a dusty climate, you shouldnt be touching them for years.

[Mark456M]

Originally Posted by tazandjan

Mark- Could you really feel the difference after the remap?

Ed- You heard the Larinis in the other thread. I also like Capristo and Kreissieg, but they tend to be pretty expensive compared to Larini or X-OST.

Taz, Yes, it pulls like a train from very low down. The boss at my techs place said he had never driven such a smooth pulling car. Must get it on the dyno!
Only problem is, it tends to get to the limiter rather easily

[tazandjan]

Mark- One thing I have not worried about is power, but the idea is tempting.