Bandit 1, Mr. Bruce,
SPF handles better? I would certainly like to see some data on that. The drivers I have spoken to do not agree, (specifically, Dave Dralle). I, personally, am not qualified to answer this as I am not a race car driver.
Crashes better? Bent frame rails? I think everyone knows that straight is stiffer than bent--(remember the little ding in an aluminum can when you are standing on it?). If bent is going to be as stiff it has to be reinforced--read heavier. Crashes better? Well again, I'd really like to see some data.
Performs better: I think the SPF actually is quite a bit heaver than an original car. Our cars weigh 2248lbs dry--(Car and Driver, Willow Springs scales--iron heads, iron block even). (When that car was weighed, our cars very virtually identical to an original.) Car and Driver states weights wil a full load of fuel on board so they added 42 gallons of fuel to the weight of the car when they printed it.)
Lately, we have taken almost 100 lbs out of the car with the new billet aluminum parts. Add aluminum heads on top of that and we are pushing 2100 lbs. Anyone know how much a SPF weighs? I would really like to know. Of course, my goal is to some day make one of our cars weigh less than 2000 lbs. Don't laugh--it only makes me try harder...
Don't take any of this as my bashing SPF. I have stated on this forum many, many times SPF, (and others) make great products. I have seen their products and I have driven them. I am just a data oriented person. I like to see numbers. The only way to really improve anything is to measure it and to figure out how to make it better.
All I know is I am glad I am not building fiberglass cars...
David
