all you need is the right tools

 

Why'd they weld the bend instead of bend the bend?

The thin-wall stuff has a tendency to deform when it's mandrel bent. Plus, it looks cooler.

Edit--you know what else? My fiberglass guy has the answer--do it in fiberglass. My buddy with a cnc machine can draw up a neat little part and have it cnc'd so it's exactly what I need. MY other buddy with a hammer would probably just hit it until it worked. You're looking at the solution from my friend who's a wiz at welding.

 

Just get a stir-friction welder. Done! Granted, I think they can only mate parallel pieces (rocket bodies, fuel tanks, etc).

 

Usually the way people here do exhausts is they buy mandrel bends, cut them correct sizes and weld them together.

For example.

 

You're absolutely right. I guess my point is that if you're a hammer, the whole world looks like a nail. I needed a test exhaust, sent some dimensions and a time frame, and I got what they could make quickly with the tools on hand.

One thing I like about builds is that you can finish a project, look at it, and then ask yourself how it can be made better. The refining process is fun and rewarding. Later on we're going to experiment with some really exciting exhaust ideas, but for now we've got the SEMA deadline.

Edit--BTW, the welds are all TIG by hand, using a rotating jig.

 

This is great

 

If you're going racing 100% in the Catfish, a nice Sparco or Tillet or a Corbeau FX1 would be just fine.

For the road-going version that will see track time, I wanted to get a seat that had a vintage look to it. These seem to fit the bill.

Thoughts? They're based on the old skool Recaro that used to go in Porsches, Datsuns, Alfas and classic Rally cars.

 

Like the seats....?


Like the rest of what you do, unbelievably awesome!

 

I like the seats, but I would need to see them in the car to say for sure. The Catfish doesn't strike me as particularly retro, where as those seats are pure retro.

 

That's my concern Jack. I like the seats because I remember them in my dad's 356 Speedster, so I have a certain nostalgic feeling about them. I think they'd work in the Catfish, but don't want to make a decision based purely on childhood memories. That said, these things hold you in place comfortably, and include a slot for a 5 or 6 piece harness. Choices.

 

I like them.

 

I love the seats, but I don't think they would be ideal in the Catfish. It would seem the catfish would need something a touch more modern to go along with its lines. Perhaps a seat top that mirrored the roll hoop behind the driver?

 

That's the area that concerns me too. I think that these will be "the" seats for the show. They're also a nice option for Miatas too IMO. When I get more time, if ever, there are some unfinished seat styles on the drawing board that will need to be explored.

 

offtopic but I have to ask: will those seats fit in a stock Miata and if so are they available for sale?

Thanks,
Thomas

 

Yes, these seats are available at Porsche seats - leather car seats - custom car seats - Recaro car seats - classic car seats . I gave Stefan (the owner) the Miata dimensions today, so he should be able to accommodate Miatas shortly.

 

Awesome, thanks.

 

woohoo race car! running out of summer friend! please offer a bare bones track version upon release!

 

I really just started to look at this:

At 1,500lbs and a nice 300hp turbo setup, the Catfish will have a 5:1 horsepower to weight ratio. That's NUTS.

The 2013 Nissan GT-R is 7.15:1

The 2011 Porsche GT2--the fastest and most powerful EVER road-going Porsche--at least in 2011--comes in at 3,020lbs and 620hp. It beats the Catfish with a 4.87:1 ratio. MSRP $245,000.

I think I need moar rollbar.

 

I'm not sure that seat is the best fit from a visual stand point but if it fits price point it is fine. a relaxed shell might be better choice, something like a lotus Elise seat but im sure that adds costs.

 

Elise seat is what I was thinking, too. Or maybe these...no idea what cost is on them though.

http://www.manikllc.com/seats.html