Id like to try making my own intake out of fiberglass. I doubt it will be pretty but I just want to practice with using glass again. I have a little work shed to use and very little prior experiance, but hell I have enthusiasm. Might count for something.

Okay here are my thoughts on this. If I use some type of carboard tube, like a poster tube as a mold for the fiberglass. Putting together small cut sections for the bends like ive seen IC piping and exhaust, to acheive my desired shape.

If I do this and then layer the glass up enough to make a strong lightweight fiberglass intake, will A. this even work, B. be efficient enough to make any power.

Im not trying to go for some new revloutionary design just simply copy a standard intake tube but make it myself. I just would like to have a little project for the fall and winter months. I realize that a few attempts will probably be needed to get desired result.

Please anyone out there add your thoughts or suggestions to what I have brewing in my head and see if im on the right track.. Seems simple in theory, but am I instore for a major pain in the ***?

 

i've actually pondered doing this w/ CF. Can it be done? Absolutely. PITA? Probably. Using cardboard/poster board is a great idea b/c once finished you can soak it in water and remove the cardboard altogether and the composite material should have very little heat soak. Def a VERY time consuming project tho.
If you are going to go thru all the trouble you should really put a lot of research into the design, maybe copy the J's Racing intake design?

 

A few things to consider:

1) Heat transfer. How well does FG shield against heat being radiated throughout the engine bay?

2) Will you be able to lay the FG so it's smooth on the inside? Also, you have to make sure that nothing will flake off or fly off into the combustion chambers.

Otherwise, I don't see why you can't do it?

 

Heat shouldnt be too much of a problem, you would think that the underside of fiberglass hood absorbs just as much heat as your intake piping, could be wrong just a thought.

 

Im not really super concerned with the heat soak, I mostly wanted to try and do it just to do it. The inside should be smooth if I can figure out how to get it like that, Im hoping maybe something like electrical tape or maybe just plain masking tape could get me pretty good..maybe some paint or something to also help keep any debris from flaking offf...

Yes lots of variables but I think that I can do it. Ill post up some pics when I get started, I need to make some room in the shed so I can work.

 

Gel Coat maybe but I wouldn't paint the inside. I don't see a problem with using Fiberglass, Mugens intakes are hand laid fiberglass, J's uses CF and plenty of other manufacturers use both.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mike M &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Gel Coat maybe but I wouldn't paint the inside. I don't see a problem with using Fiberglass, Mugens intakes are hand laid fiberglass, J's uses CF and plenty of other manufacturers use both.</TD></TR></TABLE>


Thanks Mike, Its things like this that will make my project work out better and the reason that this really is a great place to be a part of. I appreciate the help everyone

 

there's a member on the Hybrid forum that is working on C/F intercooler piping for his car.haven't seen pics yet,but from talking to him,it's definately do-able.
Chris

 

if its fg u could always cut it in half to get the inside smooth and wrap some more fg to put it back together.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by TeamNextGenChris &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">there's a member on the Hybrid forum that is working on C/F intercooler piping for his car.</TD></TR></TABLE>

There is a guy in Toronto who claims to have carbon fiber IC piping made for turbo kits that will be released soon (if not already) I'll take some pics if i ever see it in person.