^ This.

 

didnt know how to reply because where is the question??

Scud all the way! If u can swing it.

Had 2 430s then the scud, the scud is totally different then the 430 in a good way, besides dumping the corsas for normal pzeros or touring tires if u wanna go 8 hours on the freeway.
Scud eats up its original sticky corsas fast!
but why would u drive any ferrari on the hiway? not even a 612 likes that. its for weekend blasts up ur favorite road.

 

The scud is tolerable up to an hour or so. After that you wish you were In a normal car. It sounds crazy- but the car is very un-involving when driven on highways at legal speeds. Its not comfortable, and you cannot speak with ur passenger. Get the regular f430- and maybe even find a manual trans.

 

I couldn't disagree more with you. All exotics are uninvolving at freeway speeds. This makes no sense to bring up. Its tolerable for 5 hours if you want no problem but not for continual long trips. The op was specific in his use and a scud doesn't fit it. You can also talk to anyone all day long in a scud because they just aren't that loud inside. I've got 7k miles on my 09 and I also have 13k miles on my 430 spider and the only real noise issues are my after market sound systems in both which is a must in any Ferrari because Ferrari sucks ass at radios. Also a must for someone doing 500 mile trips

 

I didn't get a ton of wheel time behind either, but I found the 430 Spider w/ Daytonas more comfortable than the Scud. That said I can see where Mark's coming from.
i <3 u

 

Thanks, all, for your responses/input. It's a tough call, no doubt.

Would I be happy with an F430? Of course - who wouldn't?

BUT, to explore the pinnacle of what the F430 CAN be..... and to put up with whatever discomfort that might arise on the odd occasion I'd be using it for a long drive....... hmmmmmm........

These are all great points that you guys have raised.

MOST appreciated. I'll keep you guys updated as to the end result.

The best thing about it? Regardless of my ultimate decision? I CAN'T lose!

As an aside - H20skier - could you provide details of your aftermarket audio installs? I'd be most interested. Thanks!!!!

 

I would suggest the 430, unless you want to shoot for a 599 instead

 

I bring it in to a local shop and give them money.....

Really I don't know all the particulars. The great thing about my installs are the only thing you see are the deck difference. All subs hidden in enclosed encasements that 99 of 100 people couldn't see. Sub's underneath and out of site. Sound is incredible. The man hours cost more than the equipment but worth every penny.

 

TTBear - where are you located? You can PM me if you prefer that.

My friend's shop has done systems in Ferraris (including a Scuderia) as well as several other exotics.

 

You CAN travel great distances in any car. It just depends how comfortable you'd like that trip to be. Or maybe how comfortable you'd like your gf/wife to be. I prefer my GT on the mountain roads, but I'd rather take my 911tt to GET TO the mountains. You know?

As long as you're keeping your bimmer, I'd go for the Scud.