Post pics of your engine bay
Only visual, which was the whole idea anyway. This is the second version of the "sideplates" and I think a third revision should finish it up. One the shapes have been finalized there is a final step to the entire project.
Which I haven't figured out how to implement quite yet.
Somewhat ironically, the beauty/cover panels were the result of too much cleaning of the engine bay.
After extensively tidying up the bay, I realized that was all well and good but it had left large empty areas- pocked with holes, studs and weird protuberances- that weren't particularly attractive beyond the fact that they were more vacant than stock.
Most newer cars have "styled" engine bays, unlike them I didn't want to cover up the engine, just the space around it. Which turns out to be visually huge...the FC has a very large bay (even a Ford 4-cam will fit).
As pictured, the plates are quite literally the canvas I've stretched for the final stage.
It's intentionally flat, featureless and monochrome.
I've thought of four different approaches to the final stage and have time to experiment as I await warmer weather.
1/8" thick ABS sheet, it's really a miracle material.
Easily cut/drilled/machined (as long as you keep speeds down to avoid heat) and black all through (so, no finishing necessary), it's resistant to most chemicals and will survive the heat you'll see in that part of the bay.
Best of all, it's very flexible.
Note that there is no hardware holding the main panel to the understructure, it essentially "snaps" into place, anchored mainly by the two front rubber bumpers and the radiator fill neck.
I drove her briefly with the hood off and was surprised at how stationary the panel was, especially given it's large unsupported span. I expected more flopping/flapping but there was none (granted, this drive was just around the neighborhood at low speeds and I'd expect more action at higher airflow rates).
Of course, with the hood back on and closed, the panel is sandwiched across the front of the rad by the hood seal rubber, so it ain't going anywhere anyway.
Which I haven't figured out how to implement quite yet.
Somewhat ironically, the beauty/cover panels were the result of too much cleaning of the engine bay.
After extensively tidying up the bay, I realized that was all well and good but it had left large empty areas- pocked with holes, studs and weird protuberances- that weren't particularly attractive beyond the fact that they were more vacant than stock.
Most newer cars have "styled" engine bays, unlike them I didn't want to cover up the engine, just the space around it. Which turns out to be visually huge...the FC has a very large bay (even a Ford 4-cam will fit).
As pictured, the plates are quite literally the canvas I've stretched for the final stage.
It's intentionally flat, featureless and monochrome.
I've thought of four different approaches to the final stage and have time to experiment as I await warmer weather.
1/8" thick ABS sheet, it's really a miracle material.
Easily cut/drilled/machined (as long as you keep speeds down to avoid heat) and black all through (so, no finishing necessary), it's resistant to most chemicals and will survive the heat you'll see in that part of the bay.
Best of all, it's very flexible.
Note that there is no hardware holding the main panel to the understructure, it essentially "snaps" into place, anchored mainly by the two front rubber bumpers and the radiator fill neck.
I drove her briefly with the hood off and was surprised at how stationary the panel was, especially given it's large unsupported span. I expected more flopping/flapping but there was none (granted, this drive was just around the neighborhood at low speeds and I'd expect more action at higher airflow rates).
Of course, with the hood back on and closed, the panel is sandwiched across the front of the rad by the hood seal rubber, so it ain't going anywhere anyway.
Not only is the concept intriguing but the execution is remarkable...it must have been insanely expensive to create the molds and autoclave such a large part.
The 3D effect provided by the rolled edges is something my decidedly two dimensional version lacks.
I've planned on edge molding of some sort to mitigate the "weak" edges on my panels.
@Jeff:
You caught me before I realized the panel wasn't stamped but rather, laid carbon fiber.
Still hideously expensive, I'm sure.
I wonder if there's any structure molded on the underside.
when I open my hood I feel like the car is cooking itself, I cant imagine whats going on under a cover like that. Cant be a good thing???
Likewise to clokker- that looks good but I wonder how the thin abs would hold up in a turbo engine compartment?
Likewise to clokker- that looks good but I wonder how the thin abs would hold up in a turbo engine compartment?
How any sidepanel/extension would do would depend entirely on proximity to the big heat sinks. Most turbo setups have too much piping to leave a lot of room for cover plates (at least on the exhaust side) anyway.
I suppose I could cobble a scrap piece of ABS near my stock exhaust manifold and see what happens, I'll check feasibility when I install the plugs/O2 sensor later today.
I've never seen that before, what an interesting piece.
Not only is the concept intriguing but the execution is remarkable...it must have been insanely expensive to create the molds and autoclave such a large part.
The 3D effect provided by the rolled edges is something my decidedly two dimensional version lacks.
I've planned on edge molding of some sort to mitigate the "weak" edges on my panels.
Not only is the concept intriguing but the execution is remarkable...it must have been insanely expensive to create the molds and autoclave such a large part.
The 3D effect provided by the rolled edges is something my decidedly two dimensional version lacks.
I've planned on edge molding of some sort to mitigate the "weak" edges on my panels.
snapped some pics to help another use with simplifying his vacuum system. here's a random engine bay image bay pic. nothing special, but still thought i'd share. ignore the random numbers, those were to help someone with vac line plumbing
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 12
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From: Bonaire GA
