Brentis

I've heard people say that carbon fiber hoods come in different qualities. So where does VIS fit in the scale? I've heard they are good. Does VIS make different quality hoods or is it just a comparison among manufacturers???

Thanks!

c00lduke

I've heard the fitment sucks

RX7 RAGE

iTrader: (22)

VIS = Rice

Brentis

OK - so what is better than VIS?????

These VIS pics look like it fits damn well...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...408904257&rd=1

vudoodoodoo

My friend has a VIS CF hood on his Supra. To my surprise, it fits well. The hood itself is very nice!
Their body kits still suck though.

RX7 RAGE

iTrader: (22)

Get this KS CF replica.....excellent quality and fit

http://sportcarmotion.com/RX7pics.htm

just go to contacts and send an email to Loi Song....fiber images makes that hood.

Brentis

How does Fiber Images differ from VIS???

Seems like everyone has an opinion, I'd like some concrete info if possible.

Thanks!

DomFD3S

Fiber Images is a different company (than VIS).

I have seen Fiber Images at the car shows. They had a "import model" stand on top of their carbon fiber hood to show the strength and flexibility of their product. (Also, if you go to Fiber Image's website, you can see them drop a wheel on top of a carbon fiber hood).

This is NOT a product endorsement. This is only what I have observed. In spite of everything that I said, I have NEVER examined a Fiber Image product up close.

Brentis

To resellers have this too say...

OEM style hood, real Carbon Fiber, almost 50% lighter that weight of stock hood. Triple layer high gloss coating, comes with latch already in place and pre drilled holes for ease of installation. Washer nozzle holes are pre drilled as well. Looking at this hood, we can easily see that the quality is much better than such hoods by Fiber Images. The edges are rolled in carbon fiber rather than being cut off on the top...VIS hoods also have a better shine to them and the weave is tighter than the Fiber Images hood. Hood Pins recommended for added safety.
http://www.rsxmotorsports.com/fibimcarfibh.html

Again swift motorsports is bringing you amazing group buys. Take advantage today and get your VIS Racing carbon fiber hood. We have worked with many manufacturers of carbon fiber hoods, including fiber images and tc spoiler, and we have found that the VIS Racing hoods are superior to all others. http://www.swiftmotorsports.com/group_buys.htm


Nobody knows????

DomFD3S

The "weave being tighter" is solely dependent on the particular weave pattern of carbon fiber. Thickness is also dependent on the particular fabric.

Just like how a sweater can be thick or thin or have a large and loose weave pattern versus a tight knit pattern, it basically varies.

Do a search on "carbon fiber" and you will come up w/ some interesting results. Some of which will give you more information on carbon fiber itself (to better help w/ your decision).

rx7tt95

Jesus, for $368, I'd jump on it even if it wasn't 100% flawless! I paid SUBSTANTIALLY more than that from Rotaryextreme, and while I'm sure the quality is better (mine was just plain perfect), $700+ can go towards a lot of things :-)

Nameless

Dont let this scare you off. People hear this and that... but I have first hand experience from seeing their hoods on cars personally.

I also was anti-VIS because they sold my brother a jacked up TRD widebody replica a few years ago.

VIS hoods are surprisingly good quality. The finish and fit is very nice, and the latch looks good. Seen people not using hood pins on their hoods as well. However I have not seen one on a 7.

skunks

why is vis rice? it looks good to me

Brentis

ok - I asked the VIS guy how VIS and Fiber Images differ and I'm going to call later today. I'll give everyone a report to clear the question... (well from the VIS perspective)

Brentis

Here is more info... Fiber Images says that the cut edges are better aligned and don't look bad with loose threads, etc.. state that the VIS hoods are lesser quality and the biggest problem they have is hood fading. Says in 3 months you'll go back to the stock hood... etc., etc.

Sent an email to a guy who sells both and here is what he said.

I deal both with Fiber Images and VIS Racing. I try to deal more with VIS for the following reasons. There are a couple of reasons why VIS Racing Hoods are better.

The process of VIS racing hoods is not rushed like the Fiber Image ones. Carbon Fiber, like fiber glass, does not like to be rushed in it's curing process. Rushing the curing process causes warping which in the end result causes a poor fiting hood.

The finished edges of VIS hoods are much cleaner and smoother. The fiber images edges are rough and have an unfinished look.

The hood latch is about the same, but all hood manufacturers recommend the use of hood pins for installation.

Both of the hoods still use the factory hood props.

If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact me

rx7-11

vis carbon fiber hood
94 touring
stock turbo
greddy intercooler
greddy blow off
rx7 downpipe
pettit midpipe
apexi n1 catback
advan wheel

TTurboXfd3s

yeah! so what is fiber image's website?

mazdaspeed00

iTrader: (6)

vis makes quality hoods for the price.

cabaynes

iTrader: (4)

Jay is that you?! hey man! it's Charlie, Dan's friend... nice to see you on the forums! CV2 all the way

Scr3wU5hutUp

my sister's boyfriend has a VIS Knightsports carbon fiber hood. the funny thing is though, it seems to weigh more than the factory hood. we're thinking that its just fiberglass wrapped with carbon fiber. the fitment isnt all that good either. also, we noticed that the hood was starting to come apart a few weeks later. something was flaking off...some protective layering maybe?

T88NosRx7

iTrader: (1)

be careful, everything that I have seen unpainted suck, but I've seen some nice kits. There was probably a lot of body work that went into it.

BC-FD3S

iTrader: (2)

I have a Fiber Image hood for my 95 Civic. The fitting is ok and quality is acceptable. But I got this in 2000 so I assume their quality is better as there are more supplier making CF look hood.

All CF look hood ( as far as i know) has only one layer of CF cloth lay on top on some fiber glass made hood just to get the CF look. If some supplier said they use three layers of real CF cloth, ( i don't think they do) it will be much much more expensive and worthless to do so.

Real CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) panels has a very expensive and time consuming manufacturing process which require:
1. Laying a CF cloth
2. Putting resin between each layer of CF Cloth ( at least 7 layers of CF to get the maximum strength)
3. Vaccum wrap to pull all air trapped between the fiber so there will be no bubbles (bubbles inside the CFPR panels will creat stress concentration point which will lead to crack propagation and the panel will fatigue)
4. Heat cure at 600-800 degree F for 8 hours
5. Final finish.

(I have learned all this in from my engineering course and a field trip to BF Goodridge Aerospace Plan who makes the Jet Engine Housing for Boeing 747. I also made some Kelvar Reinforced Plastic in the lab too.)

For a CF look hood that cost only $300+$400, it seems like they are made by one layer of CF cloth on top on a FRP hood with resin put on top and finally polished to mirror finish. So what you buy is just a CF look hood, not a the real deal.

I have heard the real Mazdaspeed hood is the real deal and that's why it cost over a grand.

Just some infomation for you.
BC

Alpha-7

iTrader: (1)

so does anyone have the ks vis hood on there car and if u do can u post a pic of it.

ilike2eatricers

will the extreme heat from the engine bay affect the finish and/or shape of a real cf hood or "cf look" hood? By shape I mean will the cf warp due to high temps? thanks

BC-FD3S

iTrader: (2)

My FiberImage on my honda started fading due to sunlight and moisture when I parked my car outdoor to make room for my FD in the garage, not sure if engine heat contributed to the fading. I think they will withstand heat from engine and many people used it on the FD, so it should be ok.