How difficult was that, I have wanted to to do the CF roof replacement but have no idea where to start when it comes to taking welded panels apart.

 

it is very easy to take off and replace
only 2 little spot welds holing it on
the CF roof from Mazdatrix is $525 but, I think thats a pretty fair price for 21lbs of shedded weight
taking that much off the the car that high up will make a big difference and lower the center of gravity
I don't recommend doing it without a cage though...the roof provides a good bit of structural rigidity
there's a reason they made the roof out of steel

 

I thought the Mazdatrix roof came with a structural reinforcement piece to connect the B pillars.

 

can't say...haven't gotten it in yet
doesn't look any different though

 

If you don't mind posting up a good amount of pics I would appreciate it, I have yet to see a single 8 with this roof besides they Mazdatrix car itself.

Also any update on that check valve going to the actuator reservoir?

 

Only install it if you have a proper cage Carbon.

 

sure will
I don't quite follow...you know the Pettit kit uses it's own manifold

 

Im taking about the vacuum line that originally came off the UIM and connects to the solenoid reservoir where the VDI,SSV,&air pump lines start from. From the factory a check valve is installed, but I was told OD placed two there instead of one. Im just trying to confirm a theory on an engine failure I was told about where the VSS failed at high RPM and cause detonation and resulted in catastrophic failure.

Attahced the drawing.

 

since that part is a little different now I don't think it is but, next time I work on the car I'll check it out and snap a picture
you could always shoot OD a PM...he's probably more helpful than I am

 

I already did, unfortunately OD has not been on in over a month

Regardless the configuration there will still be a vacuum line going to the solenoids, thats all I am looking for. Its in the very back right next to the oil filler neck.

 

No problem man
I'll ask him

 

Well the cage is taking shape
I should have some pictures to report back with in a few days
My builder has a CAD system that you enter the Make/Model car and it maps out a cage for you and bends it to shape
in short...it's crap...quite a few illegal joints, weak loop and supports, and no harness bar
this is the design it mapped out:


and here's a design I drew up based on that and some of the advice that various race teams gave me:

take into consideration this is only the base for the cage
it does not include the door cages (NASCAR driver door cage/X-bar passenger door) and several minor support bars such as the ones that will be across the windshield, at the top of the rear doors, etc
this also does not show any of the cage that will extend into the engine bay to the nose of the car or around the rear bumper...that will also all be tied into the cage

tubing is being bent as we speak

 

good start on the cage





figured you guys would like the rebel flag in the background
did that just for yall

 

So isn't the weight savings from the CF Roof countered by the gains of the cage?

 

Sure. But the cage is a must.

 

While you're at it, you should have the chassis seam welded. Cut out the heavy *** door bars. No need for them with the cage.

 

Looks good how much does this bad boy weigh now?

 

both on the list
we've shed > 400lbs of weight of course some of that will be gained back
I'm weighing each individual thing and will be starting a thread soon to list the weight savings

 

getting there buddy. i was gonna comment on the flag then i saw you already did lol.

 

one thing I'd like to point out
most of the cages I've seen in 8s, even some of the teams
they don't actually attach the cage to the chassis they just weld a plate to the floor about where the red circle is and attach it there
believe it or not you can actually bend that thin metal floor back and forth with one finger
sort of makes you question the structural integrity of a lot of cages out there

 

The cage in my RX7 was bolted in place with plates above and below the floor pan.

 

our floor has a good bit of play in it though and while that may not effect the rigidity a whole lot it will definitely matter in a crash
oh and we fitted the seats yesterday (with the helmet on)
TONS of head room...we need to raise them ~3"...wasn't expecting that

 

They all do. The floor pan is just to seal off the passenger compartment and keep your feet off the ground (Fred Flintstone hates floor pans). You did it the right way. The plates help spread the load for the floor pan mounts, but in reality it does a less than ideal job of stiffening the overall chassis when compared to attaching to the actual vehicle structure as in your pic.

 

well that's reassuring
hey Team you don't want to sell that MXL Pista you've got do you?

 

Great thread.

Are you going to run two seats or just solo? Is two a requirement?

Also... I might pay you some good damn money for that windshield. Mine's got a monster crack that I doubt insurance wants anything to do with.