911R Weight Reduction
#212
Although the original R was all about weight reduction and reducing weight has been a Porsche hallmark, the responses I have received to this thread make it seem that very few Rennlisters are truly interested in weight reduction, even though it might be rearward, unsprung or rotating, or all three, other than as a curiousity. Even so, you might like to see the latest iteration of the titanium hood hinge which shows further weight reduction -- and there is yet one more step.
#214
As I see that people are driving their R's, I am surprised that thery are not interested in further reducing the weight of their cars to make them even more special, e.g., over 22,000 views but very few expressions of interest.
#215
#216
No question that a lot of people are interested in this type of engineering in the pursuit of the ultimate - but to be honest it doesn't surprise me that there aren't many people realistically pursuing what you are doing here.
The dollars just won't translate into a difference that I would suggest is tangible enough to justify. I would look at the BBS wheels for instance: lots of people oggling at the Magnesium setup, but the dollars are too much compared to the FI-R wheel.
If you are looking to target people, focus on reducing weight on items that people seem to be comfortable with changing. Using this forum alone as a litmus test, people seem to be very comfortable to swap out wheels, exhaust (inc. headers).
I just don't see the demand there for swapping out engine covers etc to save a few grams (not that people don't respect your incredible craftsmanship).
All the best with your pursuit of the ultimate 911R
The dollars just won't translate into a difference that I would suggest is tangible enough to justify. I would look at the BBS wheels for instance: lots of people oggling at the Magnesium setup, but the dollars are too much compared to the FI-R wheel.
If you are looking to target people, focus on reducing weight on items that people seem to be comfortable with changing. Using this forum alone as a litmus test, people seem to be very comfortable to swap out wheels, exhaust (inc. headers).
I just don't see the demand there for swapping out engine covers etc to save a few grams (not that people don't respect your incredible craftsmanship).
All the best with your pursuit of the ultimate 911R
#217
I think people in general need to see the completed product in toto..
I'd volunteer to have my RS dressed in all the goodies and take it out on the show circuit/magazine reviews
Have some internet celebrity wax eloquently about the lust-worthiness of lightweight bespoke parts would drum up some demand...
Part of the problem is that many people are collectors and will not modify...
And of those that do mod and drive, the price may be a factor...
I've been a weight weenie (from cycling background) forever and I wish I had deeper pockets...
It is a worthy project and I salute your technical skills and time invested to make this happen...
I'd volunteer to have my RS dressed in all the goodies and take it out on the show circuit/magazine reviews
Have some internet celebrity wax eloquently about the lust-worthiness of lightweight bespoke parts would drum up some demand...
Part of the problem is that many people are collectors and will not modify...
And of those that do mod and drive, the price may be a factor...
I've been a weight weenie (from cycling background) forever and I wish I had deeper pockets...
It is a worthy project and I salute your technical skills and time invested to make this happen...
#218
Thanks for your constuctive input. I do not think it a warranty issue given how and from what things are made. I do think that people are willing to settle for less than the best because, in most instances, they have never seen anything really excellent. I did think, however, there might be a few that would want the best rather than less. If the need is for an "internet celebrity", I have no interest in paying for this as this has nothing to do with the integrity of the components. As to "wheels, exhaust", the the former are in the works (perhaps there will be a few who will want the best) and as to the very best of the latter, no one here I would suspect would be willing to pay to them even though they would not only save substantial weight but would have a very positive aerodynamic affect. Finally, to "engine covers," I am afraid I have nothing to offer and never did. Next, however, will come axles and brakes - all of which should fit R, GT3 and GT3RS. And a clutch which will fit the R and the new GT3 if it has a manual gearbox. These will all save much more than a few grams.
#219
Just looking at it from a basic marketing perspective, without a catalog with pics of parts, and maybe even pics of pieces installed on a car, it's tough to ignite that "must have this" impulse which drives passion purchases.
Sometimes amazing products and ideas languish because they aren't marketed properly. I realize that carries a huge cost (often more than the product itself) and you're trying to create something unique and bespoke. But look at Singer, even with all their success, they still actively markets on all social media, they set up shows, and they go to all events. It's the reality of The psychology of inducing a purchase.. you can't skip the marketing unfortunately.
Sometimes amazing products and ideas languish because they aren't marketed properly. I realize that carries a huge cost (often more than the product itself) and you're trying to create something unique and bespoke. But look at Singer, even with all their success, they still actively markets on all social media, they set up shows, and they go to all events. It's the reality of The psychology of inducing a purchase.. you can't skip the marketing unfortunately.
#220
Once a project car is finished, I could see a great write up in a magazine to jntice sales. Also, collaborating with shops for install of these bespoke parts as well. A sort of "why wait for your 911 to be old before you "singerize " it. Do it now, enjoy it now.
#221
whats the solution ?
#224
Here is the current list and status (notice I have eliminated certain items):
1. Carbon Fiber Engine Compartment Lid DONE
2. Carbon Fiber Retractable Rear Spoiler DONE
3. Carbon Fiber Engine Under Tray/Rear Enhanced Diffuser (January 2017)
4. Carbon Fiber Side Skirts DONE
5. Carbon Fiber Front Bumper Lip DONE
6. Carbon Fiber Rear Bumper Lip DONE
7. Titanium Front and Rear Suspension Springs DONE
8. Titanium Front Hood Hinges DONE
9. Titanium Engine Compartment Lid Hinges DONE
10. Titanium Front Hood Prop Rod, Machined Plastic Holder and Base January 2017
11. Carbon Fiber Dry Sump Oil Tank March 2017
12. Aluminum Metal Matrix Composite Water Pump Pulley January 2017
13. Lightweight High Strength Specialty Alloy Rear Axles with 10 Ceramic Ball CV Joints March 2017
14. Wire Electro-Discharge Machined High Strength Specialty Alloy Transmission Output Flanges March 2017
15. Titanium/Inconel Exhaust System March 2017
16. Carbon Fiber Clutch February 2017
17. One Piece Forged Aluminum Lithium Highly FEA'd Brake Calipers April 2017
18. Lightweight Hose Kit May 2017
19. Titanium Fastener Kit May 2017
20. One-Piece Forged Magnesium Wheels April 2017
21. Carbon Fiber Front Anti-Roll Bar May 2017
22. Carbon Fiber Rear Anti-Roll Bar May 2017
23. Carbon Fiber Fender Well Liners May 2017
24. Carbon Fiber/Aluminum Adjustable Mono-Ball Front Damper Mounts March 2017
25. Aluminum Mono-Ball Rear Damper Mounts March 2017
26. Lightweight Alternator May 2017
27. Lightweight Starter May 2017
28. Aluminum Metal Matrix Composite Front Uprights May 2018
29. Aluminum Metal Matrix Composite Rear Uprights May 2018
30. DR-25 (M Spec) Main Wiring Harness and Other Harnesses June 2017
31. Carbon Fiber Induction System June 2017
32. Carbon Fiber/Titanium Gas Pedal June 2017
33. Carbon Fiber/Titanium Clutch Pedal June 2017
34. Carbon Fiber/Titanium Brake Pedal June 2017
35. Carbon Fiber/Titanium Footrest June 2017
1. Carbon Fiber Engine Compartment Lid DONE
2. Carbon Fiber Retractable Rear Spoiler DONE
3. Carbon Fiber Engine Under Tray/Rear Enhanced Diffuser (January 2017)
4. Carbon Fiber Side Skirts DONE
5. Carbon Fiber Front Bumper Lip DONE
6. Carbon Fiber Rear Bumper Lip DONE
7. Titanium Front and Rear Suspension Springs DONE
8. Titanium Front Hood Hinges DONE
9. Titanium Engine Compartment Lid Hinges DONE
10. Titanium Front Hood Prop Rod, Machined Plastic Holder and Base January 2017
11. Carbon Fiber Dry Sump Oil Tank March 2017
12. Aluminum Metal Matrix Composite Water Pump Pulley January 2017
13. Lightweight High Strength Specialty Alloy Rear Axles with 10 Ceramic Ball CV Joints March 2017
14. Wire Electro-Discharge Machined High Strength Specialty Alloy Transmission Output Flanges March 2017
15. Titanium/Inconel Exhaust System March 2017
16. Carbon Fiber Clutch February 2017
17. One Piece Forged Aluminum Lithium Highly FEA'd Brake Calipers April 2017
18. Lightweight Hose Kit May 2017
19. Titanium Fastener Kit May 2017
20. One-Piece Forged Magnesium Wheels April 2017
21. Carbon Fiber Front Anti-Roll Bar May 2017
22. Carbon Fiber Rear Anti-Roll Bar May 2017
23. Carbon Fiber Fender Well Liners May 2017
24. Carbon Fiber/Aluminum Adjustable Mono-Ball Front Damper Mounts March 2017
25. Aluminum Mono-Ball Rear Damper Mounts March 2017
26. Lightweight Alternator May 2017
27. Lightweight Starter May 2017
28. Aluminum Metal Matrix Composite Front Uprights May 2018
29. Aluminum Metal Matrix Composite Rear Uprights May 2018
30. DR-25 (M Spec) Main Wiring Harness and Other Harnesses June 2017
31. Carbon Fiber Induction System June 2017
32. Carbon Fiber/Titanium Gas Pedal June 2017
33. Carbon Fiber/Titanium Clutch Pedal June 2017
34. Carbon Fiber/Titanium Brake Pedal June 2017
35. Carbon Fiber/Titanium Footrest June 2017