Front Reinforcement Plate...in carbon fiber!

[bigjae1976]

I think this is V4…it has a 4mm thick core and extra reinforcement between the bolt holes. Weighs 4.6lbs and is about the same stiffness at V2 and V3.

So I’m happy with the results.

So the V4 plate is for sale. $780 shipped within the US.

Next up, carbon engine screening panel - those stupid felt panels that always get torn up. This will be a challenge!

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by VictorH

Wow! That is really impressive and probably much better quality than the mass-produced stuff. If you're at the "it's a hobby" phase you really have some impressive skills!

Thanks. Definitely not too notch yet but I’m trying!

If you’re wondering, most “carbon fiber” parts are not carbon fiber.

Seibon and VRS make parts using fiberglass chop mat and polyester resin and then put one thin layer of carbon fiber on top.

Long story, got this VRS hood for my E46 M3 cheap but it was much heavier than the OE part. Still weighs 24lbs all cut up like it is. As you can see it is clearly super cheap fiberglass chop mat. The giveaway is the black gel coat on the side lip. An E46 hood needs a 52” wide cloth. Most carbon fiber cloth comes in 50” wide roll. 60” wide rolls are expensive and hard to find.

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by siulung2005

Following! I am in for one as well - I need to buy a replacement plate anyway so this is perfect timing!!

I have one available. $780 shipped.

[redpriest]

What's the weight on the stock plate?

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by redpriest

What's the weight on the stock plate?

7.8lbs

[redpriest]

I want to see if this will work with my car and if it does (given my flatbottom attempts) I'm in. A pound's a pound and I would like to subscribe to your newsletter.

[spxxx]

You would make a killing selling a slightly more aggressive "GT4+ sized" splitter that extends back to these OEM subframe pickup points with integrated diffusers haha or maybe that's just what I want... incredible work, I really want to get into vacuum curing CF stuff. Any vendors you suggest?

[tdott]

A cf skid plate shaped a bit like the mtl one would be pretty awesome.

If shaped like OEM felt ones they would just get torn up the same.

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by spxxx

You would make a killing selling a slightly more aggressive "GT4+ sized" splitter that extends back to these OEM subframe pickup points with integrated diffusers haha or maybe that's just what I want... incredible work, I really want to get into vacuum curing CF stuff. Any vendors you suggest?

I started with Composite Envisions but I’ve found some stuff locally.

You mean a GT4 lip that bolts into the front subframe? That should not be too difficult to make. You’d probably want to separate the lip from the splitter in case you damage or lose the splitter…then you don’t lose the entire assembly.

I have been brainstorming the idea of integrating mounting points for a splitter into the reinforcement plate and a easy to remove front bumper mounting. I should have my E92 M3 with a blown motor at my house in Mar/Apr so I can start playing with it.

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by tdott

A cf skid plate shaped a bit like the mtl one would be pretty awesome.

If shaped like OEM felt ones they would just get torn up the same.

MTL?

I have a plan 😉

I’m not going to pull a mold from the OE part. The felt makes it a challenge since I’d have to ruin the part. I will hopefully have something made by mid March.

[tdott]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

MTL?

I have a plan ��

I’m not going to pull a mold from the OE part. The felt makes it a challenge since I’d have to ruin the part. I will hopefully have something made by mid March.

sorry I meant something like this but in cf. sounds good, ill wait to see what you come up with.

[Dekab]

up

[bigjae1976]

A new job slowed things down and this TX heat has put a stop to things. Hopefully I can get fired back up soon. Hard to work when resin and epoxy start to gel up after 10 minutes.

[AirborneFF]

I'm in.

[rhyary]

Any progress to report?

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by rhyary

Any progress to report?

Working on my carbon E46 hood. The engine covers is next up.

[bigjae1976]

At this point, if anyone wants a CF plate just PM me. It’s $780 shipped.

In case anyone cares…Working on the felt cover replacement. So I’m changing direction on this. I had a Turner front plate that I could pull a mold from. I’m thinking it would be a dick move to pull an exact copy of it. I’d be more OK if could make substantial changes but I don’t really see any way I can do something tk make it better.

I think the OE part would have better air extraction out of the slot for the oil cooler exit. I’m confident I can make the end parts studier so they last longer. Also I should be able to keep the cost relatively low. I think I can make a carbon part that costs about the same or a little less than an OE replacement . I’m working through the hurdle of making the mold.

[rhyary]

I am interested in your complete solution for both. I have the Zeb splitter on the front and wouldn’t mind those two parts that were designed with the splitter in mind.

[kolosy]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

At this point, if anyone wants a CF plate just PM me. It’s $780 shipped.

In case anyone cares…Working on the felt cover replacement. So I’m changing direction on this. I had a Turner front plate that I could pull a mold from. I’m thinking it would be a dick move to pull an exact copy of it. I’d be more OK if could make substantial changes but I don’t really see any way I can do something tk make it better.

I think the OE part would have better air extraction out of the slot for the oil cooler exit. I’m confident I can make the end parts studier so they last longer. Also I should be able to keep the cost relatively low. I think I can make a carbon part that costs about the same or a little less than an OE replacement . I’m working through the hurdle of making the mold.

i still wonder if the aftermarket felt replacements hurt performance a bit as they increase ground clearance by going flat with the bumper edge, which should decrease overall downforce if i understand it correctly...

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by kolosy

i still wonder if the aftermarket felt replacements hurt performance a bit as they increase ground clearance by going flat with the bumper edge, which should decrease overall downforce if i understand it correctly...

I think most down grade oil cooling. The OE part has a gurney flap and a curved back end of the vent.

Cooling is less about core size and more about the air pressure differential front and back. I’m pretty sure BMW optimized the low pressure area behind the cooler which would significantly improve cooling.

[M3SQRD]

Awesome work. May needs these in the future.

[bigjae1976]

Another one done

Working on the stupid felt covers that go in front of the plate. These end parts are going on my car. I have a test dummy lined up for the first part that’s not made of random scraps of carbon.

I’m still trying to figure out the gurney flap on the vent, that’s been the painful part in all of this. Thought I could make the vent separately. I might just make a flat piece and bond it on.

This should be way more durable than the OE part - which is flocked cardboard - and I might be able to price them cheaper than the OE part.