[JuggernautTCW]

I was looking at the 08 STI Varis bodykit, and they come in different materials for each part... Can someone explain the real differences among all those (Carbon fiber vs FRP vs Carbon-Kevlar vs Full Carbon)? Like weight and strength characteristics....

[1day]

Can't find anything on the 08. Got a link?

[JuggernautTCW]

Bulletproof Automotive

[1day]

Wow, I've seen aero kits for Lambo's cheaper than that. Is that in actual US dollars or is someone conversion calculator broke?

[BMonkey]

Originally Posted by 1day

Wow, I've seen aero kits for Lambo's cheaper than that. Is that in actual US dollars or is someone conversion calculator broke?

Nope that's the right price, its not imitation or "carbon fiber look", it's carbon fiber. If you want to save some cash, get FRP, or better yet if those prices are so intimidating to your bank account that you wonder if the conversion calculator broke, get fiberglass.

Juggernaut, here's a few answers for you from Seibon

Seibon Carbon Fiber Products: Hoods, Trunk Lids, Fenders, Lip Spoilers, Accessories..

overall, my explanation would be that FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) is a good cheap alternative to carbon fiber with better strength than fiberglass. Carbon Kevlar is a stronger weave than carbon fiber used for parts that need more strength than just carbon fiber can provide, but at the cost of greater weight than carbon fiber. Full carbon is answered on the Seibon FAQ. There are two types of carbon fiber you might see dry and wet. Dry carbon fiber is the best carbon fiber you can get, it is lighter and stronger than wet carbon fiber, but it is also considerably more expensive. Wet carbon fiber is what you see most times when you see carbon fiber parts.

[1day]

Originally Posted by BMonkey

Nope that's the right price, its not imitation or "carbon fiber look", it's carbon fiber. If you want to save some cash, get FRP, or better yet if those prices are so intimidating to your bank account that you wonder if the conversion calculator broke, get fiberglass.

Juggernaut, here's a few answers for you from Seibon

Seibon Carbon Fiber Products: Hoods, Trunk Lids, Fenders, Lip Spoilers, Accessories..

overall, my explanation would be that FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) is a good cheap alternative to carbon fiber with better strength than fiberglass. Carbon Kevlar is a stronger weave than carbon fiber used for parts that need more strength than just carbon fiber can provide, but at the cost of greater weight than carbon fiber. Full carbon is answered on the Seibon FAQ. There are two types of carbon fiber you might see dry and wet. Dry carbon fiber is the best carbon fiber you can get, it is lighter and stronger than wet carbon fiber, but it is also considerably more expensive. Wet carbon fiber is what you see most times when you see carbon fiber parts.

Intimidating "no"
3-4k for something that saves just a few pounds and is on the verge of ricey?? Maybe it is just me, but I would rather put $1600 under the hood instead of on it.

[BMonkey]

Originally Posted by 1day

Intimidating "no"
3-4k for something that saves just a few pounds and is on the verge of ricey?? Maybe it is just me, but I would rather put $1600 under the hood instead of on it.

And me... I just do both

[JuggernautTCW]

thanks for the explanation guys... just wondering though... if carbon fiber is supposed to be strong, how come my v-limited lip broke as soon as i hit a snow bank while the replica doesnt (made of polyethylene i think)?

[BMonkey]

Originally Posted by JuggernautTCW

thanks for the explanation guys... just wondering though... if carbon fiber is supposed to be strong, how come my v-limited lip broke as soon as i hit a snow bank while the replica doesnt (made of polyethylene i think)?

There's a difference between strength and elasticity. Carbon fiber is not good at taking impacts because it has almost no elasticity (where a metal like steel or aluminum would bend when hit). In fact, it is known for "sudden catastrophic failure" that's the main reason you never see it anywhere that requires large loads to be placed on it (like the suspension or frame). Also carbon fiber is known for hiding damage from minor hits to it then coming apart when it gets put under stress. Carbon fiber is getting better engineered about not just falling apart when overstressed, but go to any bicycle shop and someone will have a story about a carbon fiber bike frame snapping in two.

[AndyDuncan]

Originally Posted by BMonkey

overall, my explanation would be that FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) is a good cheap alternative to carbon fiber with better strength than fiberglass. Carbon Kevlar is a stronger weave than carbon fiber used for parts that need more strength than just carbon fiber can provide, but at the cost of greater weight than carbon fiber. Full carbon is answered on the Seibon FAQ. There are two types of carbon fiber you might see dry and wet. Dry carbon fiber is the best carbon fiber you can get, it is lighter and stronger than wet carbon fiber, but it is also considerably more expensive. Wet carbon fiber is what you see most times when you see carbon fiber parts.

They're all plastics reinforced with different fibers. FRP is actually the same thing as Fiberglass (the brits call it Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic). Carbon Fiber is really Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic. Carbon-Kevlar is a carbon fiber weave with kevlar reinforcing threads, there are also pure kevlar weaves, as well as Nomex weaves (a fire-retardant aramid fiber related to kevlar).

The difference between "dry" and "wet" carbon fiber is a little more complicated. For "wet" layups, you can either let the resin cure at atmospheric pressure, or you can vacuum-bag the piece to suck out excess resin and air for a tighter, stronger, lighter finished product. There also is "pre-preg" ("dry") carbon fiber, which has just the right amount of resin already embedded in it. Pre-preg is usually the strongest per pound but is of course the most expensive.

In addition, there are things like autoclaves for heat curing the pieces, different epoxies, and different weaves and qualities of carbon fiber fabric.

Basically you have to look at the part to see whether you want to spend the extra money to get the reduced weight/increased strength as you move up the ladder of price/capabilities.

If it's a small decorative piece that you're going to paint, then FRP is probably fine, if it's a large, heavy, structural piece, or you want the "look" of carbon, then carbon is the way to go.