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Race Roots 12-28-2008 09:54 PM

Fluid Motorsports Bracing...input needed!
 
**MULTIPLE CHOICE POLL**

So I shall spill the beans I have been holding it in but it has come for Fluid to make some serious decisions on going forth with this project and I have asked for input but I want more!

So I am posting up the ideas we have on the drawing board of what I wanted to create for my new project.

They are waiting on the final go ahead and they will be prototyping braces for me in a months time.

I have created a poll for each item, I want you to vote for each item you would SERIOUSLY considering buying based on pricing provided.

Front Aluminum Under Panel MSRP $425


http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o...CIMG3792-1.jpg

Prototype for Subie Forester

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o.../Forrester.jpg


Front ladder 4 Point Brace MSRP $215

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o...MG3795-2-3.jpg

Front Lower Tie Brace MSRP $199


http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o...MG3795-2-3.jpg

Mid Ladder Brace MSRP $299

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o...CIMG3794-4.jpg

Side reinforcement Rear Arm Brace MSRP $175


http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o...CIMG3799-5.jpg

Rear Tie Brace MSRP $99.00

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o...MG3800-6-7.jpg

Rear Lateral Brace MSRP $99.00


http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o...MG3800-6-7.jpg

Fender Brace MSRP $264.00


http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o...RX8/brace4.jpg
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o...sus-1284-1.jpg

4 Point Strut Bar MSRP $275.00 and $315 with Master Cylinder Brace


We all know what these look like, it will be a hybrid of JIC/MazdaSpeed

Race Roots 12-28-2008 09:59 PM

Keep in mind Intro pricing will be at least 10% off with free shipping

kersh4w 12-28-2008 10:02 PM

i'd definitely consider the aluminum underpanel.

Race Roots 12-28-2008 10:05 PM

And you can vote for multiple items as well if those interested you as well.

kersh4w 12-28-2008 10:07 PM

not after i've voted... maybe you want to put that up at the top. lol.

05rex8 12-28-2008 10:08 PM

I would vote, but I don't really know what the benefits for these are. I know for stiffness and such, but how well do these really work?

mysql 12-28-2008 10:09 PM

it says "Multiple Choice Poll." :)

I like the undertray too, but it's going to be out of my price range since it's aesthetic.

Race Roots 12-28-2008 10:18 PM


Originally Posted by 05rex8 (Post 2789047)
I would vote, but I don't really know what the benefits for these are. I know for stiffness and such, but how well do these really work?

Fender Braces greatly improve the handling dynamics of your car. Which creates a triangular support that is both incredibly strong and incredibly lightweight. Fender braces provide reinforcement where your car needs it most, between the uni-body and front sub-frame. With Fender Braces chassis flex is virtually eliminated, achieving an overall improvement in handling.

The Rear Lateral and Rear Tie bars are going to be the best bang for the buck, turns just won't be the same. It stiffens the back end of the car.


Originally Posted by mysql (Post 2789049)
it says "Multiple Choice Poll." :)

I like the undertray too, but it's going to be out of my price range since it's aesthetic.


This is functional and protective as well, it is vented to bring air in and protect the underbody.

Race Roots 12-28-2008 10:23 PM


Originally Posted by kersh4w (Post 2789045)
not after i've voted... maybe you want to put that up at the top. lol.


Fixed :)

kersh4w 12-28-2008 10:25 PM

could you design the undertray to function as a spoiler as well?

increasing downforce on the front tires for more handling?

i dont know how you'd measure that though.

mysql 12-28-2008 10:26 PM


Originally Posted by kersh4w (Post 2789073)
could you design the undertray to function as a spoiler as well?

increasing downforce on the front tires for more handling?

i dont know how you'd measure that though.

you mean use the undertray to pull the vehicle down? The same undertray that is held on by tiny plastic screws?

05rex8 12-28-2008 10:27 PM

voted, these mods however would be things I would do to the car after I had nothing left to do....wouldn't be a huge priority for me at this point.

Race Roots 12-28-2008 10:29 PM


Originally Posted by mysql (Post 2789075)
you mean use the undertray to pull the vehicle down? The same undertray that is held on by tiny plastic screws?

LOL!

Possible yes, right now no....the cost and modification for that spoiler won't fit into most wallets.

And only a hand few need that kind of down force, or would be able to put it to good use for cost to make it.

Race Roots 12-28-2008 10:33 PM


Originally Posted by 05rex8 (Post 2789076)
voted, these mods however would be things I would do to the car after I had nothing left to do....wouldn't be a huge priority for me at this point.


Very True, there is a huge Autocrossing/ Track community for the RX-8 and why nothing this complex has been created is beyond me...these are the people that will benefit most from this.

Thank you for your input!

RyanX-8 12-28-2008 10:37 PM

In the future I would deff consider a aluminum under panel to replace that stock crap. However, the price is kinda high to me for something so minimal. JMO

Race Roots 12-29-2008 10:47 AM


Originally Posted by RyanX-8 (Post 2789091)
In the future I would deff consider a aluminum under panel to replace that stock crap. However, the price is kinda high to me for something so minimal. JMO


10% off MSRP and Free Shipping

rotary.enthusiast 12-29-2008 11:35 AM

Sorry, but I think your poll needs a "none of the above" option :)

The aluminum under-tray for a show car might be a nice touch, but I don't see many people buying it for that price. For 99% of the people out there, the 8 is more than stiff enough already, so the bracing doesn't seem like it would be a big seller either.

swoope 12-29-2008 11:53 AM

transmission brace..

beers :beer:

Razz1 12-29-2008 01:44 PM

I don't understand why kane voted in this poll when he sold his RX8 for a Miata.

RK 12-29-2008 02:06 PM


Originally Posted by Fluid Motorsports (Post 2789084)
Very True, there is a huge Autocrossing/ Track community for the RX-8 and why nothing this complex has been created is beyond me...these are the people that will benefit most from this.

Short answer is that the autox community is pretty exclusively in stock so they're very limited in what mods they can add. With the move to STX there might be some more interest in ST legal modifications but that'll really depend on a lot of things.

HeavyMetal699 12-29-2008 02:34 PM

The OEM undertray is really flimsy. I've replaced several plastic screws and I probably need to check it to see if I need to replace more. I would replace mine just for durability reasons.

According to others on the forum the RX-8 already has an incredibly stiff chassis and I'm skeptical whether the increased stiffness will offset the added weight.

Maybe when I start tracking more often these will appeal to me more.


Also if the undertray helped with radiator temps I'm sure more people would be interested.

RK 12-29-2008 02:44 PM


Originally Posted by HeavyMetal699 (Post 2789828)
Also if the undertray helped with radiator temps I'm sure more people would be interested.

Good point. Talk to the AZ people. They had big issues when they were stuck in city traffic. The heat coming off the street was cooking their engines. w/o humidity and without airflow (since they were stuck in stop&go) they had no way to cool.

Not sure if an aluminum under-tray would act in the reverse tho for people on a track generating lots of heat from the engine. Since heat rises I imagine it wouldn't be a huge deal but still might act a little as a box-in for the heat.

Rotr8 12-29-2008 02:45 PM

AutoExe sells all the bracing with the exception of the fender bracing,, if they're doing it it must be helpful I voted for the fender bracing...

StuttgartRX8 12-29-2008 05:05 PM

I voted for 2-7 and the Fender brace, I might be interested in those pieces since the Autoexe set was on my list of next to do mods.

r0tor 12-29-2008 06:40 PM

i have doubts on the effectiveness of a fender brace with a car not having a mcphearson strut front suspension... but what do i know

swoope 12-29-2008 09:03 PM


Originally Posted by Razz1 (Post 2789738)
I don't understand why kane voted in this poll when he sold his RX8 for a Miata.

i think you might have confused kane with chrism

beers :beer:

lilring 12-29-2008 11:22 PM

I do like the Front Aluminum Under Panel but as stated a couple of time, it is very expensive

Highway8 12-29-2008 11:51 PM

If you do the aluminum underpanel #1 it should go past the oil pan and it could be incorporated with #2 (Front Ladder Brace 4 Point ). There seems to be interest in the aluminum underpanel but unless it has more functional value it would be a hard sale, if it went past the oil pan like the beat rush http://www.therpmstore.com/popup_ima...25grqnum1ulc74 , it would be more of a functional upgrade. The beat rush aluminum under panel only goes under the oil pan but it does not offer any additional bracing, they just claim improved air flow, cooling and down force.

Even if you dont include the front ladder brace with a lengthened underpanel they would just need to be compatable.

Beat rush is getting about $200 for the small aluminum under panel but I would rather spend $450-500 for a complete aluminum underpanel (front bumper past oil pan).

Race Roots 12-30-2008 12:00 AM

Update: Price Lowered on the 4 Point Strut Bar to MSRP of $275 without Master Cylinder Brace

With Master Cylinder Brace it would be MSRP of $315

Race Roots 12-30-2008 12:01 AM

All of your feedback is being forwarded to the R&D Team and are being taken into consideration.

Race Roots 12-30-2008 12:10 AM


Originally Posted by HeavyMetal699 (Post 2789828)
The OEM undertray is really flimsy. I've replaced several plastic screws and I probably need to check it to see if I need to replace more. I would replace mine just for durability reasons.

According to others on the forum the RX-8 already has an incredibly stiff chassis and I'm skeptical whether the increased stiffness will offset the added weight.

Maybe when I start tracking more often these will appeal to me more.


Also if the undertray helped with radiator temps I'm sure more people would be interested.

Well we are going to have a prototype and we will have to have an independent tester for all of the above products.


So Rest assured the products won't go into production if I and the tester do not feel a benefit to be had.

We here at Fluid all compete in autocrosses, so we will be putting this to the test.

Race Roots 12-30-2008 12:12 AM

Can we get a mod to change the poll price of the 4 Point Strut to MSRP $315 please

Highway8 12-30-2008 12:31 AM


Originally Posted by Fluid Motorsports (Post 2790702)
Can we get a mod to change the poll price of the 4 Point Strut to MSRP $315 please

Thats a big price drop, $315 - 10% and free shipping for a 4 point strut bar with master cylinder brace makes it a very appealling piece.

alz0rz 12-30-2008 12:40 AM

I'm not voting on anything because I wouldn't consider buying it just yet but it is definitely nice to have the option of that Front Aluminum Under Panel.

Race Roots 12-30-2008 12:42 AM


Originally Posted by Highway8 (Post 2790718)
Thats a big price drop, $315 - 10% and free shipping for a 4 point strut bar with master cylinder brace makes it a very appealling piece.

I believe in fair pricing.....I am 100% on the 4-point with pricing like that.

kersh4w 12-30-2008 02:22 AM

$315 is a lot more tempting.

think of it this way. you'll probably sell a good deal of them, so your margins have to be less.

also, rx8strakes floods ebay with their products. are you doing the same? i know they make a lot of their money off ebay. if you arent, i'd check into it, you might reach another demographic. instead of the enthusiast demographic, you might reach the ricerboy demographic. but lol, it shouldnt matter to you. you'll be moving product. :)

Race Roots 12-30-2008 11:07 AM


Originally Posted by kersh4w (Post 2790772)
$315 is a lot more tempting.

think of it this way. you'll probably sell a good deal of them, so your margins have to be less.

also, rx8strakes floods ebay with their products. are you doing the same? i know they make a lot of their money off ebay. if you arent, i'd check into it, you might reach another demographic. instead of the enthusiast demographic, you might reach the ricerboy demographic. but lol, it shouldnt matter to you. you'll be moving product. :)

One thing we cannot do is Ebay, it destroys a product image and we are not allowed nor do we believe in it.

I tend to agree with getting the ricer boy demographic which leads to our next major launch demographic.

Tiered Sponsorship levels for all different forms of competition.

Car Shows
Local Meets
Autocrossing
Track Events
Daily Drivers

All pushing Fluid Motorsports on an National and International Scale, creating a massive network of enthusiasts for all kinds of car owners, not just RX-8 owners.

Stay Tuned

Atilla 12-30-2008 11:17 AM


Originally Posted by Fluid Motorsports (Post 2791113)
One thing we cannot do is Ebay, it destroys a product image and we are not allowed nor do we believe in it.

I tend to agree with getting the ricer boy demographic which leads to our next major launch demographic.

Stay Tuned

^that's pretty cool. Nice move.

+1 on the 4point strut bar price. Sorry if this has been discussed already but i don't think i've ever seen a cylinder brace w/a four point strut. Any pic's by chance?

Race Roots 12-30-2008 12:00 PM

Not yet...

But you can expect pics soon

Highway8 12-30-2008 01:18 PM


Originally Posted by Fluid Motorsports (Post 2791113)
One thing we cannot do is Ebay, it destroys a product image and we are not allowed nor do we believe in it.

This ebay thing is off topic so this will be my only post on the subject.

The reason ebay can destroy a product image is that many of the products are not backed by a real business/shop and have no R&D behind them. Ebay does a great job with advertisment and is a great way to move product and increase a business/products visability. I sell a complete line of non-automotive products on ebay and they move well and reach customers who would not otherwise buy on-line. The product image is not effected in anyway. If you are not allowed then discusion over.

Love the idea of many of the bracing products but for many cost will become an issue. You might want to address what makes your products a better value then the autoexe kit (about $650) or the mazdatrix version $350. Beat rush also has some products but they are priced substantially more.

the_duke313 12-30-2008 07:31 PM


Originally Posted by r0tor (Post 2790206)
i have doubts on the effectiveness of a fender brace with a car not having a mcphearson strut front suspension... but what do i know

any response to this opinion?

kersh4w 12-30-2008 08:10 PM

i dont think putting your product on ebay will "destroy your image." you can find volks on ebay.. does that destroy their image? granted, its not rays itself selling them, its through a reseller. anyway..

why are you not allowed to use ebay?

Rotr8 12-30-2008 10:07 PM


Originally Posted by the_duke313 (Post 2791894)
any response to this opinion?

Plausible, but I think it would help with traingulating the strut tower brace and help stiffen the front subframe

Race Roots 12-30-2008 10:28 PM


Originally Posted by kersh4w (Post 2791957)
i dont think putting your product on ebay will "destroy your image." you can find volks on ebay.. does that destroy their image? granted, its not rays itself selling them, its through a reseller. anyway..

why are you not allowed to use ebay?

They don't want the lowest bidder atmosphere to be started, they want a niche market where part whoring and undercutting is not occurring. Better for dealers and Manufactures both. If I cannot move a product at a decent profit I won't carry it. Hence they lose dealers, a very important part of the market and in the longrun the consumer looses out to becasue they won't know the product existed nor will it be pushed into the market like I do. It is impossible for them to get their name out to every single niche and community.

But enough about that



Originally Posted by Rotr8 (Post 2792117)
Plausible, but I think it would help with traingulating the strut tower brace and help stiffen the front subframe

Correct, it is elminating chassis flex by creating the triangluar support in the front subframe and unibody area.

If you want positive feedback check out the 350Z community and Subie community they swear up and down about the quality and the benefits they have seen.

The Fender Braces alone are my most favorite.....installation isnt the easiest but well worth it from feedback from others who have purchased with the Z and subie community.

The benefits of GTSPEC over other brands for one is they use Military-Grade 6061 Aluminum and precision cut CNC steel brackets for super light weight but excellent stiffness where it is needed most.

Fate710 12-31-2008 02:55 AM

Most all the stuff you have posted, I would buy. I'm setting my car up for time trials, auto-x, and to do some track days, and I know the benefits of each of the items listed, as I've had them installed on previous track cars

BigRed 12-31-2008 08:20 AM


Originally Posted by Fluid Motorsports (Post 2792156)
They don't want the lowest bidder atmosphere to be started, they want a niche market where part whoring and undercutting is not occurring. Better for dealers and Manufactures both. If I cannot move a product at a decent profit I won't carry it. Hence they lose dealers, a very important part of the market and in the longrun the consumer looses out to becasue they won't know the product existed nor will it be pushed into the market like I do. It is impossible for them to get their name out to every single niche and community.

But enough about that




Correct, it is elminating chassis flex by creating the triangluar support in the front subframe and unibody area.

If you want positive feedback check out the 350Z community and Subie community they swear up and down about the quality and the benefits they have seen.

The Fender Braces alone are my most favorite.....installation isnt the easiest but well worth it from feedback from others who have purchased with the Z and subie community.

The benefits of GTSPEC over other brands for one is they use Military-Grade 6061 Aluminum and precision cut CNC steel brackets for super light weight but excellent stiffness where it is needed most.

Just for your benefit, I want to make sure that you know that on eBay, you can make a "Buy It Now" only auction. Thus, there is no bidding. Great products though!

Kennetht638 12-31-2008 12:13 PM

how thick is the undertray and will it cover the oil pan? I may be interested if it can serve as a mild skidplate for road rally and rallycross, though honestly, $425 is pretty expensive for me.

lilring 12-31-2008 01:21 PM


Originally Posted by Kennetht638 (Post 2792792)
how thick is the undertray and will it cover the oil pan? I may be interested if it can serve as a mild skidplate for road rally and rallycross, though honestly, $425 is pretty expensive for me.

Agree with that!

Rotr8 12-31-2008 01:36 PM


Originally Posted by Fluid Motorsports (Post 2792156)
Correct, it is elminating chassis flex by creating the triangluar support in the front subframe and unibody area.

If you want positive feedback check out the 350Z community and Subie community they swear up and down about the quality and the benefits they have seen.

The Fender Braces alone are my most favorite.....installation isnt the easiest but well worth it from feedback from others who have purchased with the Z and subie community.

If you need a tester for this I'll do it Im fabbing up my own fenders anyway so maybe by the time im finished you might ahve a set of prototypes...

r0tor 12-31-2008 03:23 PM


Originally Posted by Fluid Motorsports (Post 2792156)
Correct, it is elminating chassis flex by creating the triangluar support in the front subframe and unibody area.

If you want positive feedback check out the 350Z community and Subie community they swear up and down about the quality and the benefits they have seen.

The Fender Braces alone are my most favorite.....installation isnt the easiest but well worth it from feedback from others who have purchased with the Z and subie community.

I tend to disagree the two will be of value for comparison. The 8's suspension pick-up points are tied directly into the front crossmember which is bolted and secured to the unibody. Subaru's run with McPherson struts which means the strut is attached to the unibody near the fender and is itself a suspension arm pick-up point. I'm not completely sure of how the 350z's multilink is arranged, but judging from picks i believe the upper a-arm is tied into the unibody directly.


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