| Author | Message | ||
| BretM (Bretm)
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I think for a normal car it's alright, but I personally wouldn't do it, I think metal and leather are nicer, but that's just my opinion. For a track car I think it's cool (or a heavily modified car like yours Modman). I just think it's kind of an all or nothing thing. If you want to lighten up and make it faster do it all and not just like some of those kids with Hondas, etc. I think saving 50 lbs is worth it for a performance oriented vehicle (ie you're really getting on it sometimes and not just using it as a cruiser, and possibly using it on the track too). On somewhat of a tangent, I like my US bumpers, but the though of saving almost 100lbs with a euro style bumper is appealing. | ||
| Ben Lobenstein 90 TR (Benjet)
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Heck there's even CF driving shoes now! -Ben | ||
| Modified348ts (Modman)
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Matt, what made you think I used it for weight reduction. Did you read my post? for fact I know saving 50lbs don't save hardly any time so it wasn't used for weight reduction. Ben understood what I meant. Does anyone not agree that on some interiors the 3D effect of carbon fiber looks good? it is used on most exotics from Lambo's to Porsche's. I understand where you are coming from of using the material for it's strength purpose but it is also discovered for it's beauty as you can see what some high end auto manufactures has done. Everyone has their own personal taste- there is clean and unique and there is tacky. If most would have thought what I did to my car was tacky then I would've had second thoughts. Hope this clarifies the subject well.. peace! | ||
| Peter Boray (Gts308qv)
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Lightweight carbon fibre flaps for fast entry and exit. ( I am talking about a cat door of course ! ) | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
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I have a carbon fiber vibrator somewhere  Gives me that special edge at the track LOL | ||
| Ben Lobenstein 90 TR (Benjet)
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Matt it's all a design element. There is CF for show that really isn't *AS* structural as some of the other CF stuff I use, but like perforated leather it's something new to add to a design of an interior. Alot of car customizers are using Alcantara fabric now, why? cuz it's NEW! it's like suede and velvet mixed in a synthetic. In my TR I have alot of CF, because it just works in the car. I have no chrome anywhere so why would I want a TI "chrome looking" shift knob. Just something to presonalize your car more. -Ben | ||
| Matt Karson (Squidracing)
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Modman, that there are benefits (weight and strength) to using carbon fiber is agreed. My issue is when it is used for other purposes. A carbon fiber shifter ball?? Oohh, that weight savings must shave 5 seconds off each lap at the Glen. And that doorsill cover, yes very structurally integral.....the increase in torsional rigidity by having that glued there must lower laps at Lime Rock by 3 seconds - per door!! William, I also agree with you on that tape thing....In my opinion, using carbon fiber where it is not 'really used' is the same as using the cheap tape. | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
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The best is when a ricer gets a 20# fiberglass wing then applies "carbon fiber" tape on it to make it look like a 20 oz wing | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
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Ouch Matt, very controversial. I agree with you in most parts though. I looked at a Viper on friday with carbon kit stuff in it. looked good but wannabe and that car actually "is". On Modmans engine I saw a carbon fiber air intake piece. That in the combo with the chrome hose looked just awesome. So yes it is a taste thing. I guess to each his own. | ||
| Modified348ts (Modman)
|
Hey now, the carbon fiber or kevlar material is good stuff. It's lighter and stronger than most material and doesn't attract heat. And as far as cosmetics you can get the carbon fiber material in many colors and weave patterns and even get creative. You can't even begin to imagine what neat things you can do that would change your whole pespective of this type of cosmetic. This will personalize your style and the fact is, the material is not really expensive and is easy to work with. Seems everyone who's selling it is hyping up the prices making people believing it's super high tech which it really isn't. I've made badges, logos, and even letters that says Ferrari that light up on the door sills made of this material -( this one not even thought of for aftermarket- made here first)But everyone has different tastes, I choose what is different and better in all aspects... Peace... | ||
| William_Huber (Solipsist)
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why not. Its something different & you got the cash to spend. Its better than a GOLD kit. Check out this site that has 360 parts. http://www.rmrace.com/ | ||
| BretM (Bretm)
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It makes it faster Matt, duh. Or on ghetto cruisers, saving 16 ounces in the doors of a Honda Civic change quarter mile times from about 4 minutes to low 12s. Right...  I too am unable to understand the purpose of these parts, I think leather looks a lot nicer and is a lot more comfortable. And the aluminum stock trim is a lot more durable (and pretty). | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
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ohhh, that that people who have carbon fiber interiors. You bring up a good point there too. Its also expensive. | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
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LOL | ||
| Matt Karson (Squidracing)
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I really don't understand the use of cosmetic pieces of carbon fiber. Personally, I think if it's not structural, or integral (ie; interior door panel for 360 Challenge Car) it makes the owner who put it there look like the MAJOR POSER WANNABEE they are!! NOW THAT'S CONTROVERSIAL!! Carbon fiber is not something that gets glued over an existing dash or screwed onto a shifter rod. It is a very high tech material which should be used in a manner which exploits its very merits. |