vert reinforcements on a hardtop
 

is it possible? would it actually help stiffen things up without adding much weight? searched and couldn't find anything on the subject.

nobody?

Is it neccessary? The coupes are pretty rigid as they are.


Also, consider that the verts weigh 4xx lbs more mainly from extra bracing, and they have some parts that are lighter than the coupes(window motors, wheels) to offset the overall additional weight. Anyways is it worth weighing much more?

Just my $0.02

I would understand if you were converting the coupe to a custom targa top but other than that it just seems like it would just slow down the car with the added weight. Why not just use strut braces and other suspension mods in that area to stiffen up the chassis without adding an uneccessary 4xx lbs of weight?

I doubt that even half of the weight difference is due to the extra reinforcements.
Verts have the heaviest seats (the batwing stereo headrest monstrosities) and the soft top itself weighs more than the coupe roof.
They also have a more elaborate interior.

At any rate, it's irrelevant to the OP because whatever the weight penalty, the vert reinforcements address a problem he doesn't have- lack of a roof.

With 20+ years of racing history behind them, our cars chassis is pretty well understood, fixes- from simple to elaborate- are fairly well known.

Shampoop, what are you doing that makes you feel the car needs "stiffening"?

I would say just about 250lbs is from extra metal on a vert. This is after weighing a coupe and a vert both prepared to the same class rules. There was about 290lbs between the cars and the vert didn't have a windshield.

Most of the extra weight is from the floor pan and rockers on the vert being twice as thick. There is also a couple extra layers of thick metal in the door pillar/ strut tower area. This is all the stuff nobody notices. The brace behind the seats is obvious as is the extra subframe behind the engine cradle.

I stand corrected.

yeah I can totally tell the difference. I prefer my vert the way it is. On the 86 I have the entire under side of the car is bent to shit from jacking it up and the vert pan doesn't even flinch. Plus I am putting on the Rmagic wide front fenders and there is so much more fender reinforcements you would other wise never notice.

http://www.corksport.com/autoexe-mem...for-rx7-1.html

better then adding the 2xx lbs i think. this would still help out alot

nothing yet. saw a CL ad selling the stuff. just got me thinking.

Structural foam injection. See the sticky.

Pointless unless you're making a race car. And if you're making one a properly built cage will make it stiff beyond your wildest dreams.