Steve Theodore

Hi Robert, long time admirer of your projects here and we have chatted a few times in the past about weight reduction. The doors that I have seen that best exemplify a high standard are made by Manthey Racing and a few guys run them on their 996 and 997 cars. I didn't follow along closely enough to see if they are producing 991 doors yet, nor if they would measure up to your level of quality...but they seemed far better to most efforts I've seen to fabricate quality aftermarket carbon doors.

This project remains quite awe inspiring, and of course I'm very happily following along. Best wishes to you, as always!

Robert Linton

Thank you. I have always heard that Manthey products are very good. But, as I have never had any of their carbon fiber parts in my hand, I cannot opine (pictures can hide surface flaws and imperfections); additionally, (a) the making of many carbon fiber parts remains part art and part science, i.e., depending upon who actually layed up a particular part, two "identical" parts can vary in quality, (b) different autoclaves can produce different "identical" parts, (c) due to a variety of reasons, there can be slight cracks in the resin and/or the coating designed to retard (i.e., it will not completely prevent) oxidation, (d) there can be problems below the surface and (e) problems can occur from Improper bonding and/or an improper bonding agent.

Robert Linton

Update: Front and Rear Drop Links should be completed with 10 days. Front and Rear Top Damper (shock) mounts to be completed by end of March. Various Metal Under Front and Rear Pumper Pieces to be translated into Carbon Fiber in design. Inconel/titanium exhaust system to be test fit over next several weeks (modifications if necessary). Testing of Carbon Clutch begins tomorrow. New Carbon Fiber and Super Magnesium Steering Wheel pieces completing design. Lightweight starter and lightweight alternator to be completed by April. Carbon Fiber Gearbox moving forward.

signes

Super Magnesium?

Love this thread.

Robert Linton

A magnesium alloy without the corrosion issues of magnesium and therefore not requiring special coatings before painting. The black plastic pieces at three, six and nine o'clock on the R Steering Wheel and the black plastic pieces to which they attach will all be machined from super magnesium.

GrantG

Cool - is that suitable for wheels or not the correct properties?

Robert Linton

BTW, should anyone like to discuss the contents of this thread with me directly, please call me at 212-628-6778. bob

Robert Linton

I do not have the answer to the wheel question. I have, however, suggested to one wheel manufacturer that looking into this issue might be interesting.

MileHigh911

Hey Bob,
This has been one of the best ever threads from an true enthusiast. You are doing things we all dream of. You are probably even making Singer jealous. I hope you have cataloged and taken detailed pictures of your passion. I would love to see one of the many Porsche enthusiast magazines do a complete write up of your journey.
Thank you !!

Jason

Robert Linton

Thank you but I have never done anything for publicity. Truthfully, I am surprised that I have continued to post on Rennlist (as I am sure you know, I do not post on Facebook, Instagram, etc.). I have continued to so do because it has seemed that people are interested. As to magazines, although, without use of my name, certain cars I have have appeared upon occasion, it is certainly nothing I seek. What I do, with some examples, though candidly not the best examples, appearing in this thread, is done not for show or notoriety but simply to improve the particular vehicle. And, to be sure, in all that I do or have ever tried to do in the various areas of life through which I walk, the guiding principle has always been and will always be to do the best that can be done and that anything less is simply not acceptable. A friend, a retired United States Army Four Star General, often talks about "what right looks like" and I believe one should do right and, if you do, the results look the part.

928cs

Thanks, Bob

GrantG

Thanks, Bob!

Drifting

Bob,

i love this thread and admire your work.

After reading this thread I have a question for you.

What are the next two best “bang for the buck” car weight loss options, after the primary three weight loss modifications options of lithium battery, side muffler delete, and magnesium wheels?

(for this question, lets assume this is a 991 Porsche GT car ordered with PCCB, LWB, radio delete, and standard headlights)

Robert Linton

Is it PDK or manual?

Drifting

PDK