I am still hoping to come out with a new PPF in the future. After talking with Manuel and Robert we have decided to replicate the rear links for them in Titanium so they can continue their trek to 800 whp on that 3 rotor of theirs. What they(and SR Motorsports) have done is reinforce the factory PPF as it seems to be weak above the 450 h.p., or so, level. Right now, their reinforced unit is holding up well so they and I are focusing on the rear 5-link. After that we will probably work on some stronger drive axles. If those hold up and work out then I will build the PPF out of SOMETHING lighter than the factory part and let Rob and Man test it for me. If they can't break it, I'd be willing to bet nobody could. I currently have a PPF in 6061-T4 box aluminum, which can be installed with one hand while lying under the car, but we are doubting it to be strong enough for even stock replacement. Since I have received several inquiries about the PPF project I am hoping to put it back on the priority list. We currently have about $3,000-$3,600 in design and fabricating hours into it, so I would hate to pass it up. MM and I have the same thoughts regarding the box or tube design idea. I actually have three different ideas to try and the one that tests out will be produced for further testing. I think Team is in the ballpark on the strength/weight proportions but my belief is that it is only for vibration damping. There is a harmonic damper bolted to the rear section of the factory PPF and I will probably have to make a heavier one to keep that smooth driveline that the RX-8 is known for. Without getting too technical, the PPF has to deal with two different forces; the tendency of the rear transmission mount to try and move in an orbital fashion and the differential case to want to rotate along the axis of the rear wheels.

CRH

 

if you pluck the driveshaft it sounds like hollow metal

 

I was just looking at a dealer catalog today: The Auto driveshaft is about $325, while the manual driveshaft is about $1200.

I'm guessing they didn't just wrap the auto one with carbon fiber and charge you $900

 

I have an idea:

Take a torch to it. If it is metal, it will just get hot. If it is CF...

 

^hahahahaha......you should put a disclaimer on that before someone runs out to their car with an acetylene torch close behind

 

lol i wasn't disputing just stating

 

Carbon fiber can be laid to accomodate different stresses/forces in different areas. I may be way off here, but would CF be a good material for the PPF?

I'm just thinking about how CF bicycle frames are built with specific-directional force in mind. CF is also good at vibration damping, too.

 

As long as I have been sitting on the prototype aluminum PPF I have no business even contemplating or discussing a PPF in materials I cannot easily obtain.

CRH