HornetBall's Build #2: Meet Red
#464
Elite Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Granbury, TX
Posts: 6,301
Total Cats: 696
"BP pipe should be about 21" long x 2.5", aluminum, largest radius you can make fit with your particular car setup. Keep the beginning of that first turn as far from the TB as possible. Generally that's difficult because the pipe hits the hood, radiator, everything. Simple but high quality cone filter on the end. No pep boys or ebay filters. I suggest Green, K&N, AEM, etc. Filter doesn't need to be huge. We measured no power loss from a huge 6x8" AEM to and old 3.5x5" round K&N or no filter. B6 pipe the same but about 19". Length measured along centerline of tube from TB plate to filter element or area where cross section increases, not measured to filter flange. Getting the length wrong is not a a huge problem, just costs 1-3 whp. You'll lose more than that by using a tight radius silicone U coupler stuck on the TB. We prefer a larger radius aluminum U bend with a very small straight section off the TB before the bend begins.
Not always possible with headlights and other stuff in the way but we like to route the intake back towards the RF shock tower. On race cars with headlight removed, you can sometimes just fit the required length in the abandoned headlight area. That reduces the bend on the pipe and maybe worth 2whp or so over a U bend. If you are wondering if a straight pipe sticking out of the hood makes the most power, ah yep. 4whp over anything with a U bend. Did we try huge 3 and 4" pipes? Ah yep, no gain.
Engine moves around, particularly with rubber mounts. Pay attention to how your fancy new intake pipe wears holes in the rad top hose, pulls loose your IAT, bangs against the hood prop and generally tells you"do over".
I won't provide specific sources for the materials here because google."
So, maybe I've done myself some good with the new intake!
#466
I need to wait until my vehicle situation is sorted out, but i'm 100% down for this after.
I've been wanting to buy a vinyl cutter, so unless you "need" the graphic right meow, hang on a couple months and we can make something awesome. I'm thinking a huge eggplant for my eggplant-colored car.
#467
Elite Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Granbury, TX
Posts: 6,301
Total Cats: 696
Been quiet here, so adding a video. This is basically the delta between a no-aero SuperMiata and Spec Miatas. The driver of the Sunburst car is a former Porsche pro -- so not a slouch.
#468
him
you in the same turn on the seam/paint
My assumption is that happens several times a lap at various corners. Usually a poor turn leans to another poor turn if they're in close proximity.
#470
More on the hardtop.
I have one of the Treasure Coast hardtops too. Rick and I and another guy piggybacked our orders to save shipping.
I agree with Rick’s remarks on finish and fit and given the 32# weight savings, I’m satisfied.
I did not leave mine in gelcoat. I painted mine after talking with a friend who has worked fiberglass for years with Corvette projects.
He warned me against leaving the gelcoat finish alone due to UV rays creating future problems. He told me there are products (like wax stuff) that you can put on to prevent problems, but that is supposed to be done yearly.
He recommended at a minimum putting on clear coat. I found a local paint shop that did a decent job of painting it body color for $200.
So talk to people you know and trust that know fiberglass and make your own decision whether to paint or not.
I have one of the Treasure Coast hardtops too. Rick and I and another guy piggybacked our orders to save shipping.
I agree with Rick’s remarks on finish and fit and given the 32# weight savings, I’m satisfied.
I did not leave mine in gelcoat. I painted mine after talking with a friend who has worked fiberglass for years with Corvette projects.
He warned me against leaving the gelcoat finish alone due to UV rays creating future problems. He told me there are products (like wax stuff) that you can put on to prevent problems, but that is supposed to be done yearly.
He recommended at a minimum putting on clear coat. I found a local paint shop that did a decent job of painting it body color for $200.
So talk to people you know and trust that know fiberglass and make your own decision whether to paint or not.
#471
Elite Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Granbury, TX
Posts: 6,301
Total Cats: 696
Been out of the country quite a bit working, but finally made it back to a track weekend. The weather's cooled off and the car was running great. This session, in particular, was a lot of fun. First TDE instructor session on Sunday morning: