How "structural" is the front bumper bar ?

[Mike Noc]

Looking at the photo there won't be much to protect the front of the engine from a minor accident, so on reflection I think option 3, a smaller tubular or box section brace bar in front of the intercooler, would be your best bet.

[maxxpump]

Originally Posted by Saga Lout

It's part of the structure, it's made to absorb initial impact, then the crumple zones take out a bit more etc...Without it you risk serious injury in a smash, the bulkhead can come in and pin you down, maybe even while your car is burning...and you get to be a dead star on youtube as people film it, then the insurance won't pay out and your family lose out.

I've heard this happened to older cars alot, where there is a head on impact and the engine is pushed backwards and presses through the firewall and crushes your legs!

I personally wouldn't tamper with the square bar at the front of the car as it has to be there for a reason!

[Jakg]

Originally Posted by maxxpump

I've heard this happened to older cars alot, where there is a head on impact and the engine is pushed backwards and presses through the firewall and crushes your legs!

I personally wouldn't tamper with the square bar at the front of the car as it has to be there for a reason!

The double bulkhead on our cars is incredibly strong - I don't think this is likely to be an issue.

[Pistonbroke666]

Very interesting thread.
The crash bar is indeed very restrictive when it comes to installing the larger FMIC's.

I like the idea of replacing it with something smaller but just as effective. I'll be following this part of the build with interest.

[KWIL]

The body torsional strength (ie doors still open) refered to by Jules is almost entirely due to the centre "box" of our 3 box car shell, namely the cabin strength, double bulkhead and all. You could still rip one of the two legs off and not seriously affect that box.

[GeraintUK]

I've found a compromise which involves retaining part of the box section but beefing up and allowing me to fit in a 600x300x76 intercooler which is suited for upto 800bhp.

Drawing already off to the place that makes the rad/intercoolers for me.

It's the best compromise I can do.

Thanks for the inout. I made a balanced decision that is somewhere in between the two extremes of doing nothing and losing mass performance, or removing completely and risking major damage at minor impact.

Thanks
G

[Pistonbroke666]

Originally Posted by GeraintUK

I've found a compromise which involves retaining part of the box section but beefing up and allowing me to fit in a 600x300x76 intercooler which is suited for upto 800bhp.

Drawing already off to the place that makes the rad/intercoolers for me.

It's the best compromise I can do.

Thanks for the inout. I made a balanced decision that is somewhere in between the two extremes of doing nothing and losing mass performance, or removing completely and risking major damage at minor impact.

Thanks
G

Keep us posted on how it goes, I've been dying to find another way to spend money on my build :p

[wullie480]

I'm sure you haven't forgot but the bar also helps hold the bumper in place.
It might droop if its not supported.

[GeraintUK]

Originally Posted by wullie480

I'm sure you haven't forgot but the bar also helps hold the bumper in place.
It might droop if its not supported.

that's a little why i wanted to at least retain the parts where the bar bolts to the chassis legs.
Solution I have now will do just that as well as keep the top part of it so i'm happy with the plan

[GeraintUK]

Originally Posted by Pistonbroke666

Keep us posted on how it goes, I've been dying to find another way to spend money on my build :p

Oh I can think of plenty of ways.

Have you uprated the fuel system yet