Carbon fiber.. function over form?

robones

Are we talking in general about cars here or specifically about the Z? Wet Carbon Fiber or Dry? Manufacturing process? There are many variables before accurately providing a response.
Because if we are talking about the Z, you would know the Z comes with very light weight aluminum hood and fenders. The aluminum hood and fenders will weigh the same if not less than the CF counter parts. However this is entirely dependent on how the CF part is made. Some manufacturers wrap a fiberglass mold in Wet Carbon Fiber to minimize costs when fabricating. In other words, the piece is not entirely made of Carbon Fiber but only the top layer. This process does not result in weight savings and actually adds weight of the final product.
Dry Caron is a different manufacturing process and it will result in weight savings over the stock Z parts.
Now if you compare OTHER vehicles, you may see weight savings from all forms of CF parts over stock BUT when it comes to the Z, its not likely.
I also want to discuss how CF parts will react in case of an accident. Keep in mind, that stock aluminum hoods and fenders come designed with crumple zones. The material (aluminum) used will bend easily and not shatter into a million pieces upon impact. The Carbon Fiber hood will not bend and crumple as Nissan designed it which can result in serious injury and even death.
I would go as far as, in an event of an accident and you (the one with CF hoods and fenders, etc) are at fault, and your “aftermarket” parts caused unusual damage to my vehicle or myself, I would sue the crap out of you for reckless endangerment, along with any other possible crime I can sue you for.

cooltoy

Ahhh, the American Dream.

robones

hmmmm interesting.... I wonder how you would "REALLY" react if you got seriously hurt because as you got side swiped an a part of the "CF" Hood ripped apart and went through your driver side window and lodged itself in your head, chest, or eye. Would you look the other way? Would you feel remorse and say, its ok, don’t worry I forgive you?

Uhm... waiting for your thoughts.

cooltoy

You are absolutely right. I can't argue with that.

Nismodean

And this is where ignorance kicks into high gear ladies and gentleman. It has been proven time and time again that carbon fiber parts (full CF not wrapped aluminum pieces) give a higher margin of safety and survivability due to the fact that it shatters when involved in an accident.

Reason being is that the shattering of the CF pieces carries away the impact energy rather than trying to absorb it in crumple zones. Crumple zones lessen the impact by slowing the energy transfer down, however, that energy being inhibited is still transferred to the occupants in the car though reduced. The shattering effect of the CF takes the energy from that spot and removes it from the car completely effectively reducing the intensity of the crash. Any amount of energy carried away from a car in an impact is a plus.

Your insight on suing makes you a burden on our court system sir. Think about this. If you get injured because shards of CF hits you, you might want to consider what could have been if it was a piece of metal hurling at you....

Here is (though at its most extreme) CF working its magic.

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The Truth, it hurts sometimes. FI LTH & FI CF CBE. This is a 370Z forum, if I want to fling poo at another brand of car and your feelings get hurt, then you're hanging out in the wrong forum (cry elsewhere).