Carbon Fiber Hood?

[Kelpie]

Hi there,

 

I'm contemplating to install CF hood cover but have the following questions:

 

a) I read from some of the threads that claimed CF hood is "stronger" that the stock hood, why?

b) Would the SRS sensors be gone if replaced with a CF hood?

c) Can a CF hood be painted in such a way that the CF marks and patterns be totally concealed?

d) Would the paint last?

e) Would a CF fares poorer in sound dampening? Do I have to expect more engine noise?

f) What sort of performance enhancement would I expect to experience with CF? Pick up only?

g) I've seen cars with CF hood, which is harder to close than the stock hood. Is this an alignment problem or a common feature?

h) Are CF hoods cover repairable for dents and scratches?

i) Roughly how much weight can be saved with CF compares with stock? 50%?

 

Thank you very much.

 

Regards,

[Rainforest]

search under robson design lor

 

anyway CF is not "standard" but so far neber see or heard mata catch. so keep ur bonnet and exchange when time for inspection lor.

 

b) SRS sensors should b at the bumper area not bonnet.

 

c+d) paint over yes.. but tat's rather wasteful. painting basically etch prime into the fibre so should last quite well unless the painter cheated.

 

i) CF will not dampen noise for sure. But dun worry, pple actually pay to mod exhaust for more noise. So consider noise is now free.

if saving wt is issue, try getting rid of the spare tyre and all load parasites

[Watwheels]

Some ans:

 

a)In theory CF characteristics are such that it is tougher in strength as compared to steel....BUT steel is ductile while CF is brittle. Upon big impact steel will dent while CF breaks into little pieces.

 

b) SRS sensors are not installed underneath the hood if thats what u'r thinking.

 

c) Why would u wanna paint it?? Ppl spent so much $$ on CF hood to show it off, Why would they wanna spent $$ to conceal it with paint?? Btw CF has no paint issues.

 

e) Only if it has many vents on the hood.

 

f) CF only help your car in terms of weight loss. Improve power to weight ratio. If u serious u your self can loose some weight to improve too.

 

g) Steel or stock hood can close easily using its body weight. U drop the hood it'll slam shut. CF very light mah, so have to use cow strength.

 

h) Yeah, no problem.

 

i) Can be more than that.

 

U'r welcome.

[Turbonetics]

a) I read from some of the threads that claimed CF hood is "stronger" that the stock hood, why?

Ans:CF hood from Taiwan are not stronger than stock hood,unless you get those from USA.the bone structure are very well made to withstand crash.iam not sure if its will be better than stock one but at least its better than Taiwan one.

 

b) Would the SRS sensors be gone if replaced with a CF hood?

Ans:What is SRS sensor?is it the sensor light that loghte up when you open your hood?if so,i guess it will not be affected.

 

c) Can a CF hood be painted in such a way that the CF marks and patterns be totally concealed?

Ans:Yes,the pattern and marks can be concealed by paintwork.

 

d) Would the paint last?

Ans:Yes,its as lasting as normal hood.

 

e) Would a CF fares poorer in sound dampening? Do I have to expect more engine noise?

Ans:Yes,you would expect more noise from the engine bay.But you can get a soundproof to stick on to the hood.It helps alot.

 

f) What sort of performance enhancement would I expect to experience with CF? Pick up only?

Ans:Does not help much and the feeling is not noticeable.unless you have your whole car lighten.

 

g) I've seen cars with CF hood, which is harder to close than the stock hood. Is this an alignment problem or a common feature?

Ans:Most of the case is the alignment,but it can be adjusted.

 

h) Are CF hoods cover repairable for dents and scratches?

Ans:This one iam not very sure but i believe dents cannot be fixed.Scratch should not be a problem.

 

i) Roughly how much weight can be saved with CF compares with stock? 50%?

Ans:i think its about shaving 75% off the stock ones.

Edited December 18, 2006 by Turbonetics

[Yc86]

nice one..

 

to add on:

a) Depends on how u define "strong". CFRP has a very high stiffness compared to aluminium.. but that also means that it is much more brittle. why? CFRP is made of sheets of interwoven carbon fibre and held together by a plastic(epoxy). The 'strength' of the CF comes from this interweaving of the fibres, which makes it able to withstand high tensile forces without deformation (changing shape).

 

SRS stands for safety restraint system or something like that?.. sensors for the airbags.

not sure bout this, but i think the logical place to put it would be behind the bumpers? since they are the first to see the force of impact..

 

h), i believe CF can't be dented. It will only crack, which is easier to repair cosmetically with epoxy, sandpaper and paint. the structural integrity of the hood might be compromised, but if it's on for the weight savings and cosmetic, then it shouldn't matter.

[Yc86]

performance enhancement... I think ppl change to CF hood mainly for the weight savings.. if u have the extra $$, can go for CF doors, fenders, boot... plastic windows.

 

or the cheaper alternative would be to empty your spare tyre compartment and all the barang barang in the rear seat.. remove window motors, radio, aircon, rear seats...

 

If you're planning on the CF hood alone, don't expect to see much changes... I think the difference between when you're driving alone and with a passenger is much more noticable than the CF hood...

Edited December 23, 2006 by Yc86

[Mroonws]

Some cars has light bonnet, some has heavy bonnet...So it depends on what car you drive on the percentage on weight saving...

[Turbonetics]

wow,you have improved alot.

[Wishsing]

I think Carbon Fibre shld be quite strong. Check out this USD1M Ferrari Enzo (carbon fibre body).

 

Before:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrari_Enzo_Ferrari

 

The accident:

http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2006-02/22096721.jpg

http://cache.jalopnik.com/cars/bended_enzo.jpg

 

After:

the body-

http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2006-02/22096729.jpg (driver was unhurt)

http://img.presence-pc.com/news/e/n/enzo5hz7nh.jpg

and the engine: http://img.presence-pc.com/news/e/n/enzo20engine9nl5ne.jpg