[Fondelli]

Here is a question for all the gurus on the forum! I'm thinking about building a road/track GTV6 and lightening it by fitting composite wings etc. Suspension wise I'm thinking of going down the RS route.
I was of the opinion that I could fit composite wings on a GTV6 as the bulk of suspension load goes through the torsion bars. However one bit of advice I've been given is that I will need a welded in cage with bars going to the inner wings+a cross brace.
What is everyones opinion? For example a 75 has bolt on wings, so what makes a GTV6 different? There is no point in putting good suspension on a front end that is flexible.

 

[iachella]

You mean a wing like the tuner boys put on the back of their Hondas? I say don't do it. Alfas don't need them.

 

[Grant]

He means wings, as in the non-USA way to say fender. (Bonnet, hood).

 

[Fondelli]

Quite correct!

Yes folks, I do mean fenders/hood/front panels etc.

 

[5yearplan]

The wings/fenders are welded on the GTV6, but structurally I don't think there's a big difference. You wont lose any rigidity with composite pieces, some are even more rigid. But it will definitely leave a bigger mess if you crash. This is how I would do it (see pics). Make the whole front end out of composite, and have the wings/fenders and front facia unbolt as one piece. And the hood unbolt separately. Then tie in the roll cage with the front and put strut bars in as well. Last I knew you could get composite body parts for the alfetta at least ( they have some in common with the gtv6) from someone in the UK I think? Maybe try the links at www.gtv6.com, but I will look for the link. P.S. Sorry to whoever these pictures belong to...

 

[Gabor K.]

I think you would be well advised to start at the other end! Before building the car! Check with the racing series what is allowed of modifications for your car. In some series not all modifications are allowed and if you build first, you might be forced to reverse the modifications! So most important thing is to check first, then plan!

Have seen several companies offering lightweight panels, here a couple of them:

http://www.jpc.se/EN/referenser_1.htm

http://www.jpc.se

http://www.scuderiadelbiscione.com/Produits 1.htm

In this link it´s referred to a company supplying(Prototype Composites) carbonfiber hoods. However their site is pretty much unfinished so I wonder if they are up and going?

http://www.tuoracing.com/GTV6Racecar.html