Material Opinion

[Chuoiz]

I'm planning to cover up the whole mid section of the underbelly of my 3geez and I need your opinion on what material best for the job...(I'm developing something I cant say yet till I know it works)..

things to consider on material
-somewhat cheap (carbon fiber pricey)
-withstand heat from exhaust pipe
-somewhat rigid (to hold shape)
-acceptable weight gain

thanks guys ..and please dont flame me if theres already a thread and I missed it in my search...

[A20A1]

Do you mean cover the exhaust pipe and close off the "U" ?
Just stay away from the fuel tank.
you'll notice that your shifter will get hotter.

Or do you mean follow the "U" and make a heat sheild to keep the interior cooler?

[Chuoiz]

thanks for the link cke...and I mean the whole underbelly making flat from side skirt to side skirt...anymore suggestions anyone??

[Ludi Mali]

aluminum sheetmetal. not sure on the weight of that tho.

[Chuoiz]

also what about some sort of plastic that is durable to withstand road conditions..?? and I'm not trying to insulate the car, I'm trying to get smooth air flow..

are you talking about one big sheet or small pieces put together?..I'm going for something almost completely flat

[A20A1]

Yeah I figured that

WORKING TEMP Plastics

Polyvinyl Chloride  75-140 F ?
Styrene	            150 F	
UHMWPE              160 F	
ABS                 175 F
Acrylic	            180 F
Nylon		    220 F
Acetal	            220 F
Polycarbonate	    240 F
Canvas Phenolic     250 F
Linen Phenolic	    250 F
Noryl		    265 F
G10 Epoxy/Glass     300 F
G7 Silicon/Glass    480 F	
PEEK		    480 F
Teflon	            500 F

I'd say stick with aluminum.

Toyota / Lexus has dimpled underbody.
Ferrari or Lambo type cars have underbody pannels.

[Ludi Mali]

dimpled will give better air flow, sort of like a golf ball. Watched a tv special on Lance armstrong and they use that principle on his suit in places to reduce drag

[Chuoiz]

ok thanks guys...quick question...is the weight of all that aluminum and good air flow an acceptable trade off?