View Poll Results: What is your level of interest
I am definitely interested, sign me up at $1000
0
0%
I am interested at $850 in a group buy
4
8.33%
Interested, but out of my price range
10
20.83%
Not interested
25
52.08%
Interested, but even $850 is too much!
9
18.75%
Voters: 48. You may not vote on this poll
Carbon Fiber Hood Info
#1
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Possible Group Buy for RX-8 CF Hoods
I have a friend in Japan who fabricates CF products for a variety of specialized cars - namely the Cosmo. He has just finished his CF Hood for the RX-8. He is interested to know what the interest in this type of product would be here in North America. As it stands now, with shipping to the U.S. on a single unit, the cost would be right at $1000. Of course if we were able to put together a group buy, we could use a more economical means of transportation and frieght them from Japan. I think the cost could go as low as $850 depending on the number. I am leasing my car and this is not an item I am personally interested in, but I want to help my friend out. The hood weighs 7 Kg (15.4lbs). So I don't think you are getting a significant weight savings, I think it is more for the look. Here are some pictures:
#2
I would use it if my RX-8 was black, if not then I was thinking about the weight savings but you say there aren't any so I don't see the point. I dont like the look of a car with a different colored hood.
#3
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Originally posted by neit_jnf
I would use it if my RX-8 was black, if not then I was thinking about the weight savings but you say there aren't any so I don't see the point. I dont like the look of a car with a different colored hood.
I would use it if my RX-8 was black, if not then I was thinking about the weight savings but you say there aren't any so I don't see the point. I dont like the look of a car with a different colored hood.
#6
The RX-8's hood is made of lightweight aluminum and the weight savings would be negligible, not to mention you will lose on the engineering Mazda did to make it a safer hood should you hit something with your car.
#8
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Like evel333, I would be interested if it was not oem spec, maybe a ram air duct similar to the 550 maranello and maybe some heat extractors like the concept drawings (I can't remember if they appeared on any of the cars) that were flanked off the rotor indent. The air box is centered up and appears it would not be very difficult to make it match up with the scoop and even keep it sealed.
#9
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its cool that he made one and is helping out with a gb... however that is WAY overpriced for a cf hood, especially an OEM looking one. I can get CF hoods for like $290 now in the US. I am not sure what kind of construction that hood is, if the weave is good, uv protection, or the skeleton frame... that would be helpful.
#10
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The aluminum hood that already comes on the RX-8 is super light, as mentioned.
I could not believe it when I opened the hood of the RX-8 at the Rev-It-Up in Atlanta. Quite noticeable.
No thanks.
I could not believe it when I opened the hood of the RX-8 at the Rev-It-Up in Atlanta. Quite noticeable.
No thanks.
#12
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the aluminium hood was developed for two reasons, firstly weight reduction
and secondly (more importantly) to improve performance in pedestrian impact tests, these have recently become a more important part of the european crash safety tests.
(i believe primarily due to the number of killer 4X4's on the road)
nice bit of manufacturing technology, but possibly a somewhat misplaced effort.
3Rotor, good luck to your mate.
and secondly (more importantly) to improve performance in pedestrian impact tests, these have recently become a more important part of the european crash safety tests.
(i believe primarily due to the number of killer 4X4's on the road)
nice bit of manufacturing technology, but possibly a somewhat misplaced effort.
3Rotor, good luck to your mate.
#13
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Actually the proposals being made for pedestrian vs. vehicle crashes involve spreading the impact over a greater portion of the leg/body and providing a "soft" place for the body/head to land when hit by a moving vehicle. The frontal area of cars is getting smaller and smaller which leads to a high pressure/sq. inch impact zone and greater damage.
I'm speculating a little, but carbon fiber is somewhat flexible. I've damaged one in an accident. It tends to flex/bounce back whereas metal deforms permanently. I don't see how adding a carbon fiber hood is going to make your car more dangerous to a pedestrian.
I will say that the hood should provide some sort of vents if he's going to tackle this...third gen guys LOVE vented hoods! Even n/a rotaries produce a lot of heat. It'd be a good investment. Slap on a turbo/supercharger and in my book, it'd be a necessity. And I do agree, cost does need to come down some, although my CF hood was around $1100 (third gen).
I'm speculating a little, but carbon fiber is somewhat flexible. I've damaged one in an accident. It tends to flex/bounce back whereas metal deforms permanently. I don't see how adding a carbon fiber hood is going to make your car more dangerous to a pedestrian.
I will say that the hood should provide some sort of vents if he's going to tackle this...third gen guys LOVE vented hoods! Even n/a rotaries produce a lot of heat. It'd be a good investment. Slap on a turbo/supercharger and in my book, it'd be a necessity. And I do agree, cost does need to come down some, although my CF hood was around $1100 (third gen).
#14
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I believe there's a picture somewhere on the forum pages, but the aluminium hood is formed with dozens of 'trumpet' cone shapes on the inside face allowing the outer skin to be as light as possible while still holding it's shape.
#15
interested if it has vents instead of scoops
but the vents must be purposfully places so it serves some purpose and wouldn't affect the engine in the rain
but not at my price rage, maybe 300 bucks cheaper
good luck
but the vents must be purposfully places so it serves some purpose and wouldn't affect the engine in the rain
but not at my price rage, maybe 300 bucks cheaper
good luck
#19
#20
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The weight difference between carbon fiber and the stock hood can't be that much. The RX-8 aluminum hood is already pretty light. Other than for looks, I don't see the point.
#21
RX8 HA HA
(_(__)#///////3
thanks for the pic..it looks sweet...i can read japanese..it says the carbon weaves are marvelous and the craftsmanship is good.. it also says that it has a slight difference in weight compared to stock...
#22
CHAH-LAY MURPHAAAAAY!
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#24
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Woo... i play that game but havn't really tried the RX8.. the handling system in that game isn't really fun.... all the cars dun really feel much different... preffer playing Gran Turismo 3 / Concept