Fast Intentions exhaust is here! (continued)

EYE ESS

I'm just wondering how the actual carbon fiber muffler will hold up to the snow/ice. Does CF deteriorate with those conditions? If so, I am thinking of going with the 12" resonator setup and then painting muffler black.

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FPenvy

I do believe on the turbo kit there's the option for the 3" exhaust with the black ceramic thermal coating. could be an option for the 2.5" CBE? probably need to ask tony about that one.

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324whp/258wtq AAM Tuned |F.I. NonRes CF CBE/NonRes TestPipes #373|UpRev Tuner|Akuma Motorsports Intakes|Z1 34 Row Oil Cooler

Bully

I'm not familiar with FI's processes or actual material specs used on the CF mufflers, but I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night. To answer your question, no CF does not deteriorate or warp in icy conditions.

To go a step further, based on the application, my guess is that these mufflers are carbon fiber reinforced ceramics. This is the same type of material used on heat shields of space vehicles. They can handle the frigid temperatures of space and the extremely high temperatures of re-entry through the atmosphere. The ceramic portion of the composite matrix prevents galvanic corrosion between the carbon fiber and stainless steel components of the exhaust. It appears that the muffler is resin coated (smooth glossy clear finish) for anyone worried about mechanical failure due to the difference in the CTE (coefficient of thermal expansion) between the carbon fiber and stainless steel.

njobe89

i'm definitely staying at a holiday inn next time

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FPenvy

the muffler "cans" are CF shells with SS ends. most people I talk to about my exhaust think its just some mufflers wrapped in a CF shell.

but as for them holding up I agree with this guy. they are pretty tough. I may not have driven in winter but I've had mine on for about 30K miles prior to removing my mufflers for straight pipes. only marks on mine so far are small chips in the clear coat from rocks. no dents, breaks, cracks, etc...

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324whp/258wtq AAM Tuned |F.I. NonRes CF CBE/NonRes TestPipes #373|UpRev Tuner|Akuma Motorsports Intakes|Z1 34 Row Oil Cooler

Bully

My guess is that the cans are stainless steel wrapped with the composite material which makes the thermal expansion part interesting. I'm sure they cycle tested these things. Easy test would be to just pick them up. If they were just hollow skins, I'm sure they would advertise the weight difference to help justify the $300 difference.

EDIT: Wow. They do advertise it. SS cans make the system 47lb. CF 41lb. From what I can see it looks like maybe the composite skins are just wedged over flanges extruding from each end of the SS sandwiching it. That would be a smart design because bolting it or attaching it in any rigid way would introduce compressive loads in the exhaust during warm up. Carbon fiber structures are amazing in tension and horrible in compression.

FPenvy

actually im pretty positive its just a CF shell capped by SS butt plates.

tony, correct me if i'm wrong please.

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324whp/258wtq AAM Tuned |F.I. NonRes CF CBE/NonRes TestPipes #373|UpRev Tuner|Akuma Motorsports Intakes|Z1 34 Row Oil Cooler

Bully

Sounds right based on what I see now. It's even better than I thought!

FPenvy

yea that's where the weight savings comes from. wouldn't imagine them being 5lbs lighter with full SS cans and a CF wrap lol

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324whp/258wtq AAM Tuned |F.I. NonRes CF CBE/NonRes TestPipes #373|UpRev Tuner|Akuma Motorsports Intakes|Z1 34 Row Oil Cooler