Empty your windshield washer reservoir,and lose 10 pounds,free.

 

I've heard some composite makers are saying that there is a shortage of carbon fiber to meet market demand. (Not because of all the ricey cars, but demand is up due to aerospace industry now are demanding more graphite... plus the huge demand in golf clubs or tennis racket industry...)

So often times manufacturers will dye the fiberglass black to fool the fast and the furious crowds. Especially when hoods and fenders are not really structural parts anyway.

I've changed the hood on my civic after an accident to carbon fiber(probably fake carbon too because it's only $300). This is because the cost is about the same by buying a steel hood and paint it... plus, I can really feel the weight difference everytime I open the hood!

For S2000s, our aluminum hood is so light already. If you really want to go with carbon and have money to burn, make sure you get a nice hood from a reputable place. You'll probably save some weight, but rest assured that your carbon hood won't be as stiff... or last as long as your OEM aluminum hood. Further, for sure your money could be spend more wisely... instead of saving just a few ounces. Weight reduction is probably one of the costiest method to improve performance.

Carbon fiber is good for structural members. All non-structural members such as fender or hood or dashboard is only good for show.

 

IF I'm not mistaken:
OEM - 15/16 lbs.
Aftermarket carbon look-alikes - about the same.
Real dry carbon ($$$) - about 5 lbs.

 

How much do the tools weigh? I guess 15 lbs...(this is a SWAG, I am NOT going outside with a bathroom scale).

if 15 lbs., then that's .5 percent difference in weight distribution (50.5/49.5). This further proves pantyraider's theory...You won't notice the difference any more than .you'll notice the difference in weight itself.

 

carbon fiber is pretty much for the looks

 

so... dont use CF for fenders?

 

As far as I know, with the possible exception of VERY VERY costly carbon fiber hoods, the ones bought for street (but intended for offroad) use are fiberglass hoods with a carbon fiber overlay.

Correct me if I'm wrong...

 

^what?

no no no no its carbon fiber

our hoods are light as it is already like i said its for looks or if you get a vented one it helps with the heat being aired out

 

carbon fiber look alike hoods are ugly, belong on ricer mobiles and are out of character with the s2000. If its real dry carbon, please paint it. Just my 2cents.

 

Yes the CF hoods weigh a few Lbs less.

Dry Carbon is extremely strong and weighs significantly less. Dry CF is very expensive.

Losing weight to go straight quicker is one thing.

Losing weight to improve overall handling is another.

A lot of good suggestions already on alterior methods of losing weight.

Spare Tire
Trunk lid
Hood
Fluids
Side mirrors
Seats
Rims
Exhaust
Headers

The list goes on.

A hood alone is not going to do squat good or bad. Unless it's vented..because then it at least help allow the heat out of the engine bay.

Tim