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Old 08-03-2009, 02:18 AM
COBRANIP COBRANIP is offline
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Cobra Make, Engine: VSE alum. frame, FFR carbonfiber body (under construction)
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DocDirk, I have the same curosity and am working (?) on a similar project but am not far enough along to shed any light. I am starting with a Herb/Matt Adams aluminum frame (200 lbs) and a FFR carbon fiber body (probably under 100 lbs). I am looking at it primarily as a track car. There is no doubt a heavy car will have a more comfortable ride (assuming a relatively heavy sprung weight to a relatively light unsprung weight...that is simple physics).
One other benefit is for any given HP/WT ratio the lighter car will require less HP... which I think can translate into a "more reliable" and less extreme engine.
The biggest problem I anticipate is traction. As you get lighter and lighter how do you get the power to the ground?
I really enjoy the engineering challenge which is my motivation.
I would think the biggest advantage would be in something like an Autocross course.
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