At this point we’ve now installed just about every configuration of exhaust systems possible for the F12/812 which, in case you didn’t know, share exactly the same exhaust system. From just boosting the tone slightly with a back box from either Novitec or Capristo, to replacing the middle silencer with an X-pipe in addition to the back boxes, all the way through to replacing the catalytic converters with sports cats or cat replacement pipes.
Everyone has different requirements, everyone has different tastes, but there’s one thing that has never really been in question – a decatted Ferrari V12 is just about as good as it gets…it just depends how brave you are!
We recently got a call from a client who was on the verge of taking delivery of his 812, this is a man who is about as brave as they come because we organised for the car to be delivered to our workshop, have a series of modifications carried out and then we shipped it directly to his house for him to see in the flesh for the very first time. His bravery didn’t stop there however, he wanted to go all out – the cats had covered less than 10 miles and they were already on their way out.
As we’ve described many times, each element of the exhaust system fulfils a different role:
- Back boxes: Craft the TONE
- X pipe: Lifts the PITCH
- Cat replacements: Raise the VOLUME (and turn your car into rear facing flamethrower)
So what was the configuration we opted for?
- Novitec back boxes
- Capristo X pipe
- Capristo OBD Wizard
- Capristo valve control system
- Custom made decat pipes
This really is the holy grail when it comes to the F12/812, the Novitec back boxes are absolutely magical. The only things we can really compare the noise to are out-and-out Ferrari race cars…the F50 WISHES it sounded even half as good as this does!
The keen eyed among you may have noticed a rather strange sounding addition to the line-up in the form of the OBD Wizard. This is one of the most important elements of the entire setup, this clever little unit is a tiny box that plugs directly into the OBD port and cancels the Check Engine Light that arises from the replacement of the catalytic converters. The car’s ECU is expecting a certain level of efficiency from the cats…and because they’re not there the ECU finds itself slightly confused – but this is no issue for the OBD Wizard.
When we discuss this, we always make clear that this doesn’t just cancel the CEL in a blanket sense, it only turns off the light when it pertains to emissions. This way your car’s diagnostics can still operate and alert you to any issues that may arise, but you won’t have a permanent light on because the cats are gone.
The customer also opted to have a few, choice elements from Novitec’s exterior carbon catalogue installed on the car – namely the rear lip spoiler, front lip spoiler, front intake surrounds and exhaust surrounds. Novitec’s carbon weave matches Ferrari’s OEM pattern perfectly which helps the car to look more like a highly optioned car as opposed to a boy racer.
Finally, we had also decided to install lowering springs to give the car a stance deserving of it’s soundtrack. These really are one of our most popular modifications, and for good reason! They’re variable rate which means that when you’re driving gently the car feels exactly the same as stock, the comfort is not compromised at all, however under load they stiffen up and prevent body roll in corners or pitching of the nose under braking or acceleration. Couple this with the fact that it allows the car to be lowered significantly and you’re on to a winner!
With the carbon & springs installed and the exhaust in place it was time to hear the car in action, we had made sure to take a video of the car revving with the stock system installed and then place the car in exactly the same place to test the full decat system…words simply don’t do it justice.
Have a look at the video below and hear it for yourself…
Looking to learn more about the 812 and Novitec’s options? Check out our latest guide detailing the whole catalogue on offer…