[adnaan]

Have you modified your 456? If so what have you had done? Mine is completely standard, and to be honest I quite like it that way. But I know a lot of people like to change the exhaust or wheels. What has been done to yours? Was it money well spent?

[Granucci]

The things you should modify from stock without question are some of the following:

1. When due: the bearings on the belts to Hill's
2. " : Bearings in the 6-speed [two of them] to Hills, do clutch at same time.
3. NOW: All hoses to better/upgraded per tech support types: OEM busted and caused many problems.
4. NOW: Flush and clean all the radiator: OEM AL types caused a buildup in the system to even clog the Heater core to clog = possible rebuild
5. 'Might' : Think about put a front end guard against dinging your radiator as they commonly get toasted from a smack: reinforce the guard from the plastic to a metal one. The goosneck at the radiator bottom was 'stupid' engineering. New Radiator = $8k USD + as the Oil radiator is part of it, AND you need the new upgraded radiator if getting another from OEM. OR, better yet, build your own, as I did = less expensive by thousands, and better engineered to expand the radiator capacity.
6. Replace/NOW: all OEM fluids [should be done EVERY year, especially cooland, Oil, trany fluid] with better newer than OEM: Something like Redline!
7. WHEN DUE: Make sure the head gasket gets a proper checkout.
8. IF Necessary/or check: the coolant chemistry as the heating/gasket may leak slightly causing the only way to check properly the chemistry.

9. WHEN?/IF : Valve guides: If you are blowing blue smoke = $$$ for new valve guides as the OEM were junk. I can post all that info later.

Stuff I didn't keep stock [kept stock in boxes, in garage] for better:

1. Radio w/ Ipod and sattelite/XM
2. CD-Changers
3. ENVIRON plastic thingie that bubbles up: Ricambi makes a replacement and non sticky site will perform it if you don't want to.
4. BETTER [if you want] exhaust: Me = Tubi...looking for OEM [again] as someone sold his tubi and convinced me to sell him the OEM exhaust cans.
5. [I didn't do it, but love it]: Remote alarm, door locks, trunk lock keys.
6. I've installed tracking device linked to Police and law enforcement: I got it at cost, so why not.
7. In Grill RADAR Detector: the display was cleaverly done in the dash by the Speedo, can't see anything unless activated by RADAR....
8. I didn't do it and want to go back to stock: Front ashtray and plug..I like it at stock but need to change it back.
9. Have some XM think in rear/hidden:
10. Battery Charger interface: Recommended
11. Cup Holder that is easily removed and non-intrussive: My design, well, in the works as we speak.
12. Custom Valve Stem caps for tires: Do yourself a favor and get the ones that require a special removal device: Kids just love collecting them otherwise.
13. Better K&N Air Filters


Keeping wheels stock as not so bad, but could be persuaded to change under right circumstances.

HAVE seen and can post the link or info later, MUCH BETTER Cross drilled brakes!!!! AWSOME, and IMO money well spent.

I am thinking of off-painting, just a tad so it can be seen, the rear moving disfusser. My airfoil moves, but too subtle..might 'bling' it out a bit for more WOW [mirrors should do it <--- ok NOT]

I would, aftern I get it repainted sometime over next few years definetly get the 3-M protection on the front and leading spots

GET A good protector against sun's UV rays.

Other mods will include fixing that blasted window on driver's side....have the fix documented but need to do it better: EVEN after Ferrari expensive fix, it isn't quite right at all.

[adnaan]

Wow Rik. Fantastic post!

One thing I want to clarify is the Bearings you mentioned. Do you mean the ones for the Cambelts? When I purchased mine I spoke to Hill Engineering about ordering it from them. They told me that the Ferrari OEM bearings are actually top quality and they decided not to make it for the 456. However they said the same cant be said for the 355 OEM bearings which are not of very good quality.

Also when I had my cambelts done over here I thought that I would need to also change the cambelt tensioners. But the specialist doing the job told me that tensioners on the 456 are also superior in quality (like the Testarossa he told me). Anyway he inspected it and said it didnt need changing. Worth knowing that you dont have to throw everything away.

Anyway before I took delivery of my car I changed all the filters and fluids. I cant really say if its made a difference since I didnt have the car before I got the work done. But now it drives really well, starts first time and doesnt miss a beat. I think credit goes to the previous owner who obviously took care of the car, but in the 1000 or so miles i've driven it so far, i've not been disappointed at all.

[Granucci]

http://www.ricambiamerica.com/produc...ucts_id=335955

These bearings for the transmisson/gearbox are superior and just came out last month: expensive, but will not break or need replacing again. Recommended to do both

Ricambi's Hill engineered tension/cam bearings [http://www.ricambiamerica.com/index.php?cPath=600_519 NOT for 456 = darn ], but they have been out for years, and are only what I'll put in from now on: that is one part, that after an expensive engine out [talking 348/355] you don't want to fuss with it again or take the risk. Another thing in those two models, although some feel an overkill--I Don't!!!--, is to just replace the water pump...otherwise it's another engine out.

Seen this insitu stuff and after last experience, would just do it when all it out.

ALSO: Do NOT purchase bearings without knowing it is a rep. dealer. There have been numerous posts lately on cheap, knock off bearings out of China/similar. Even to have the lettering 'nearly' the same. Go to a rep. dealer, like our sponsors or such and sleep better.

[adnaan]

Originally Posted by Granucci

ALSO: Do NOT purchase bearings without knowing it is a rep. dealer. There have been numerous posts lately on cheap, knock off bearings out of China/similar. Even to have the lettering 'nearly' the same. Go to a rep. dealer, like our sponsors or such and sleep better.

Good advice! I heard about that but luckily I had discussed it with Hill who gave me their honest opinion.

[DavetheChemist]

Modifications:
Parking sensors and cruise control were already in when I bought it. The parking sensors are 'Brees' branded and are standard after-market ones I think.
The cruise control is from a Peugeot. It works very well apart from if you start the car with it turned on it won't work until you turn the car off and restart with it turned off.

[cribbj]

First, I'm a 550 owner, not a 456, but I think HID upgrades to the headlights are a very worthy modification. If your headlight pods are similar to the 550, then the H7 low beam halogen projectors can be easily removed, and Audi A4/A6 D2S type HID projectors will fit right in. Then it's just lamps, ballasts and wiring.

It was one of the easiest and most satisfying upgrades I've done on my 550, as I'm an old fart and my night vision just isn't what it used to be.

[wetpet]

man, i don't know how many times my mind is going to tell me the 456 threads are about 458's. i keep clicking on them and think where is the 458?

[cribbj]

Originally Posted by wetpet

man, i don't know how many times my mind is going to tell me the 456 threads are about 458's. i keep clicking on them and think where is the 458?

Me too Ed; I know I'm going to refer to the 456 as a 458 one of these days..... You know what they say - chalk it up to age & alcohol