fiberglass mufflers

[ZStig]

I like to think outside the box. Has anyone ever made mufflers out of fiberglass? You could use some high temp epoxy, finish it in black, and have metal tips like a regular exhaust. You'd have a LOT more flexibility with the design of the muffler, and the weight savings would be substantial

[-c-]

Originally Posted by Roffle Waffle

I like to think outside the box. Has anyone ever made mufflers out of fiberglass? You could use some high temp epoxy, finish it in black, and have metal tips like a regular exhaust. You'd have a LOT more flexibility with the design of the muffler, and the weight savings would be substantial

yea my uncles company makes prototype engines and drivetrains here in Detroit and he was telling me how they maid a ceramic engine that was bullet proof and didnt need any cooling system and also a plastic engine block with ceramic sleeves, he said it was a V8 a man could lift with his bare hands, it was crazy cool looking to with all the structural ribbing he said it looked like some alien technolody when it was done.

so yes anything is possable only thing is, cost.....great for one off's never know how it take for production.

[ZStig]

cost would be about $200 in materials + my own labor.

I'm going to make a custom intake first though, once I find a MAF adapter

[esqu1re]

Interesting, OP. I wonder how that would affect the sound, and whether it would stand up to the heat cycling and expansion. I don't know how strong fiberglass is, but perhaps it hasn't been done because it's not durable enough---too prone to cracking? You'd think that some manufacturer would have done it if it was a viable alternative. Would sure be cheaper to fabricate and possibly lighter than Titanium.

[Eccentric]

Any pics of that engine?

[Z4-VILLA]

this looks like Diokaef's page about making his own header setup

[ZStig]

Originally Posted by Z4-Villalona

this looks like Diokaef's page about making his own header setup

more like your mother

[ZStig]

Originally Posted by esqu1re

Interesting, OP. I wonder how that would affect the sound, and whether it would stand up to the heat cycling and expansion. I don't know how strong fiberglass is, but perhaps it hasn't been done because it's not durable enough---too prone to cracking? You'd think that some manufacturer would have done it if it was a viable alternative. Would sure be cheaper to fabricate and possibly lighter than Titanium.

Its been a busy time at work for me, so I'm gonna work on an intake first, and then tackle a muffler. I don't think there is too much heat back there to mess with fiberglass, but I'll do some research first

[Twisted Six]

Originally Posted by Roffle Waffle

Its been a busy time at work for me, so I'm gonna work on an intake first, and then tackle a muffler. I don't think there is too much heat back there to mess with fiberglass, but I'll do some research first

I'd think an aluminum housing either riveted or welded would be best outside...and even as the internal hole-punched screen tube.

The rest could be baffled with glass.

Either way...it still would be unlikely to weigh less than a Ti box would.

I have a full Ti exhaust for my Skyline RB26-DETT r34 engine.....and its ridonkulous how light the whole 8' foot long pipe and muffler weighs.

[Z4-VILLA]

Originally Posted by Roffle Waffle

more like your mother

what was the point of saying that? youre an idiot.

[mousitch]

Originally Posted by Z4-Villalona

what was the point of saying that? youre an idiot.

[SCHMOUPE]

Originally Posted by Z4-Villalona View Post
this looks like Diokaef's page about making his own header setup
more like your mother

Is comparing someone's ideas to Diokaef that big of an insult? Jeez!

Back to the topic, OP, I think fiberglass is pretty weak and prone to cracks a lot easier than your typical metal. Specially at how low it sits. Go talk to lotus owners and see how easy fiberglass cracks.

[Z4-VILLA]

lotus is a well dressed toyota any way

[ZStig]

Originally Posted by Z4-Villalona

what was the point of saying that? youre an idiot.

I just thought I'd write a post as useful as the one you wrote

[ZStig]

Originally Posted by shakib

Originally Posted by Z4-Villalona View Post
this looks like Diokaef's page about making his own header setup
more like your mother

Is comparing someone's ideas to Diokaef that big of an insult? Jeez!

Back to the topic, OP, I think fiberglass is pretty weak and prone to cracks a lot easier than your typical metal. Specially at how low it sits. Go talk to lotus owners and see how easy fiberglass cracks.

then the shape would just have to be more low profile

[Twisted Six]

Disappointing to see a thread digress so quickly.

Anyway..........Although fiberglass would be cheapest for your mock-up initially....I'd plan on using Carbon Fiber for the final can and structure and using some aluminum tubing sourced at a local recycling plant that will sell used 'by the pound' metals.

More than likely...you'll find an assortment of tubing that will fit the fabrication needs.

If your not able to weld/heliarc....than mock up the fitments perfectly and hold them in place with mask-tape ..and take to a welding shop so they can Tack-weld and then you can test fit prior to final weld closure.

You can then drill/perforate the areas that enter the box/sound chambers before you do a final stuffing (stainless lathe shavings last longest) and assembly/epoxy of the clam shell design.

A lower application of Kevlar will allow for great friction/dragging resistance and add real World lifespan to the unit.

Cheers,Vinny

[ZStig]

thanks! thats a lot of great info. How about I just make the models, and you manufacture them? hahaha

[Z4-VILLA]

you sire have a serious attitude problem....apparently you under the notion that everyone is out to attack you on this thread. tsk tsk.
As Z4 M owners we can be little arrogant but this is disgusting.
my advice: go out and destress a little and post when youve blown off a little steam.

[SCHMOUPE]

Originally Posted by Z4-Villalona

lotus is a well dressed toyota any way

I won't open another can of worms but that statement is in poor taste. If only fiberglass was as tough as metallic body parts and cheap to repair, you would not see me in an M coupe and rather in an Exige S. Know the car before you trash it.

[Z4-VILLA]

I agree with you completely I was without the articulation to produce a well founded enough statement

[esqu1re]

Originally Posted by shakib

I won't open another can of worms but that statement is in poor taste. If only fiberglass was as tough as metallic body parts and cheap to repair, you would not see me in an M coupe and rather in an Exige S. Know the car before you trash it.

Wait, he wasn't complimenting the Lotus? I kid I kid. Nothing wrong w/ toyotas though if you treat your car as an appliance...I've always wanted a Supra. To bad they don't make them anymore. When the Zombie apocalypse comes, a toyota land cruiser / 4 runner / tacoma is what I want to be in.

Anyway, oh...yeah...this thread is about mufflers.

[Twisted Six]

Originally Posted by Roffle Waffle

thanks! thats a lot of great info. How about I just make the models, and you manufacture them? hahaha

Its all time and money to SOMEONE.

If I were to have to manufacture...I'd want to do the R&D for a successful part.

Try your mock-ups in glass.....and see THEN if you even like the result.

I will say though.....aluminum would be the better choice if one couldn't swing Titanium.

Because going with Composites won't be cheap necessarily when compared.

best of luck and keep us posted.