Fibreglass bonnet.???

Big Dave · Nov 22, 2005

Ok folks ,,
Does any of you chaps know where i maybee able to lay my hands on a fibreglass bonnet for a 944S2......?????
Preferably in good nick.. ie not split or cracked...????

Guest · Nov 22, 2005

I know that EMC do a lot of GRP panels for the 944 race cars they prepare. Not sure if a bonnet is one of the things they do though.

Why do you want to go for GRP?

Peter Empson · Nov 23, 2005

Try Simon at http://www.essentialstyling.com/, he can provide both ultra lightweight racing ones and a nice hinged solution for road cars (which I think he said was about half the weight of a metal one).
Best regards,
Peter.

Fen · Nov 23, 2005

I want one too, main reasons being weight saving and that I can cut holes in it for cooling.

John Sims · Nov 23, 2005

Or you could try http://www.gt-racing.com/ . I rather fancy a CF bonnet, how good would that look on a black car [8D].

You can get GT Racing products through Lindsey Racing so if you give Andrew Sweetenham a ring he might be able to get them delivered to you at a discount to buying direct and without the unknown of duty add ons.

Peter Empson · Nov 23, 2005

Lol! There's almost enough of us interested for a group buy! [

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John Sims · Nov 23, 2005

Just had a look for a bonnet (hood)

Apparently, the original weighs in at 79 lbs where as the composite replacement is 14lbs .'. -65lbs [8D]

Mark_Bennett · Nov 23, 2005

How will you cope with all that weight going from the front?
I hear that having a lot of weight at the rear of a car does terrible things to the handling....[

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944Turbo · Nov 23, 2005

How much does the rear wiper motor weigh? its all about balance[

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lali · Nov 23, 2005

It doesnt weigh 65lbs!!!....

BUT..... the lexan rear screen saves 80lbs I've been told..... so... does that mean you'd need both?

I'm taking my car in to EMC this week so I can check the price of GRP bonnets and wings

Guest · Nov 23, 2005

The lexan rear screen looks crap though. It's barely ok on a race car. It very quickly becomes scratched and makes the car look like a shed.

Just fill your rear tyres with helium. That'll do the trick.[

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Peter Empson · Nov 23, 2005

My car was spot on when setup and corner weighted with the plastic rear screen (and no rear seats), so I personaly think its not something to worry about excessively. Sure the bonnet would throw the balance towards the back again, but lets face it most people will take their spare tire, carpet, jack etc out during a trackday and so that should restore the balance back again pretty well I'd have thought.
Best regards,
Peter.

Peter Empson · Nov 23, 2005

I must have had my screen for about 4 years plus now and my car is used daily and whilst on close inspection you can see surface scratches I don't think it looks that bad from the outside (and if i could be arsed it does polish up pretty well!). It isn't the best to see through though, as it does distort the view and the fine scratches do make it look a little hazy.
It's not a modification i'd recommend to everyone, but I'm quite happy with mine and i'm sure other like minded people will appreciate the benefits it brings.
Best regards,
Peter.

944Turbo · Nov 23, 2005

But it is further back so has more leverage [

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John Sims · Nov 23, 2005

ORIGINAL: Mark Bennett

How will you cope with all that weight going from the front?
I hear that having a lot of weight at the rear of a car does terrible things to the handling....[]

Slow in and fast out with all that extra traction at the rear. Now what does that sound like? [8|]

It isn't always what weight you have but where the weight is. The bonnet is relatively high so not a good place to have weight (same with the tailgate for that mater). Having a lighter bonnet may move the centre of gravity back slightly but it should also move it down which is far more advantagious.

I've almost talked myself into it [

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Big Dave · Nov 23, 2005

Flippin heck
I hadnt realized ide get SO many responses.. [

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I only "threw" it in on the off chance ....[

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Quarterflash · Nov 23, 2005

Who are EMC?

Andy Duncan · Nov 24, 2005

Dave, nice to see you at Brands; bit late but my view on F/G bonnets for what its worth;

fine for track cars but poor on road cars unless you pay good money for one, cheap ones ripple and look awful with age they are not as strong as steel and you then have the challenge of securing it, fitment to the front end is another challenge, lock pins offer no security and there is much work to fit support brackets, windscreen wash jets, and front lock mechanism!

Re lexan rear glass; whilst you are taking 80lbs out of it, its from the wrong location, ie you will lighten the back and further compromise handling. I would suggest this is an option that should be part of a more comprehensive plan to improve the car.

I feel there are better more cost effective ways to lose weigh and improve car balance.

andy

Quarterflash · Nov 24, 2005

Andrew
I will need to lose weight from the front as I will be fitting a heavier engine - what do you suggest?
Q

Guest · Nov 24, 2005

I can get them from the people that I get panels for my race car from. There are 2 sorts, super light weight with no bracing and lightweight. I have supplied a lot of the people in the 924 championship and others to boot.

Price is £140 + carriage and NO VAT (retail for these is normally £150 plus VAT)

You can e-mail me through my profile if anyone is interested.

Cheers