A 458 custom Capristo story

When it comes to vehicles, there are some models that need no introduction. One can simply reference a 458 and the assumption is that anyone who has even the slightest interest in the world of exotic, luxury vehicles would know immediately the gem that is being referenced. It’s a model that is often met with a grave nod of understanding… one of those “if you know, you know” type things. So to say that we were incredibly excited when one particular client approached us about customizing his 458, is the understatement of the year!

But let’s back up for those who are not in the know. The Ferrari 458 is a vehicle that you have undoubtedly heard at one point in time, if not seen. With a 9000 RPM engine, these vehicles are beasts that roar with power - literally. They arguably boast the best-sounding engines. This 4.5 L V8 is the last naturally-aspirated engine and boasts 562 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, which never fails to raise the pulse of anyone who gets behind the wheel!

For this client’s 458, the goal was to take an already incredibly special vehicle and bring it to the next level with customizations that gear heads dream about with full Capristo upgrades. To start, we began with the exterior of the vehicle. With a full Capristo Exterior Carbon Kit, we got to work on transforming this beauty into a vehicle that was sure to make a statement on the street. This included installing engine compartment panels and front fascia wings. We also customized the side mirrors and gas cap and installed carbon fibre door sills. A rear diffuser was installed to improve the car’s aerodynamic properties and to give the vehicle a more aggressive look with its exposed-carbon finish. Most notably though, we installed a new engine cover. On a 458 Spider, the engine comes completely covered so with the Capristo kit we were able to swap the original for a glass engine cover that allows you to peer right in and marvel at the thing that Ferraris are known for - the engine!

Mechanically speaking, we also made some enhancements! By replacing the existing catalytic converter with the Capristo 200cell Catalytic Converter, we were able to improve the vehicle's sounds and performance. Generally speaking, most Ferrari owners desire that “F1” sound and to do that, you need as much airflow as possible. To put it simply, the 200cell does a better job than the OEM version and achieves higher decibels. The only “setback” to doing this is that it triggers a CEL (check engine light). Other than being a mere annoyance though, this is not a cause for concern, rather it’s simply the vehicle reading a change in the emissions passing through the system. That said, we had a solution - the Capristo OBD Wizard! What the OBD Wizard does is simply delete the code upon starting the vehicle so that the CEL does not appear on the dash.

One of the benefits of late-model Ferraris is that they are equipped with OEM adjustable suspension. Instead of having to work with aftermarket springs, we were able to adjust the existing setup to give the vehicle a more aggressively sporty appearance. Then, to further enhance the new lowered suspension, we swapped out the OEM wheels for HRE 305 Classics. These wheels are custom-built to factory specifications so that they fit the original Ferrari tire and bring the face flush with the fenders and quarters. When it comes to modifying the look of any vehicle, the wheels are a great place to start. Changing wheels is a relatively simple procedure, which can be massively transformative and these HREs are no exception. Not only do they complement the suspension but they also accommodate the OEM Ferrari cap to maintain that original look as much as possible. 

Looking to transform your vehicle into a one-of-a-kind piece of art, while still maintaining the integrity of OEM specifications? Get in touch and we’ll show you how!