Superram lexan lid
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Oakland CA
Superram lexan lid
Has anybody fabricated a Superram top from a sheet of polycarbonate? Not for any performance reason but just for cosmetics. I'm thinking about doing it. It's possible that it would help insulate the manifold from some of the engine heat.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 30
From: Los Angeles CA
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 30
From: Los Angeles CA
cause not doing anything, is just showing factory gasket matching,
i saw agent 86's insides and they were ported, clould they not siameise the plenum and semi saimeise and blade the runners, i guess that wouldraise the rpm band...
Last edited by slickfx3; Feb 7, 2009 at 03:17 AM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,036
Likes: 13
From: Edmonton AB
TTBoMK) the rest of the substances listed in the following chart have
a "Continuous Service Temperature - in Air (max.)" range of 160-221ºF.
Plastics Comparison Table.
Machinist-Materials.com
As a substitute for the aluminum SR lid, my vote is that choices fromMachinist-Materials.com
the chart other than PEEK/Teflon would be fine for static display, not fine
for use in service.
I am unaware of what material GM uses for the ZR1's clear hood bubble.
.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,036
Likes: 13
From: Edmonton AB
Grossly heavy?
It is cast aluminum - reasonably light amongst the cost-effective
material choices available at the time. The optional 'billet' lid
appeared to be thicker and did not have the cast ribs.
The SR lid spans a large area of the plenum without any support
and needs to be able to withstand resonant waves.
Density Lbs/cubic In
my vote is that some other criteria should be evaluated before making
an exact dimensional copy of the aluminum piece.
.
It is cast aluminum - reasonably light amongst the cost-effective
material choices available at the time. The optional 'billet' lid
appeared to be thicker and did not have the cast ribs.
The SR lid spans a large area of the plenum without any support
and needs to be able to withstand resonant waves.
Density Lbs/cubic In
- .043 - Polycarbonate (Lexan)
- .098 - Aluminum
my vote is that some other criteria should be evaluated before making
an exact dimensional copy of the aluminum piece.
.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 12,772
Likes: 17
From: Indianapolis IN
Once Polycarb fogs over due to the fuel vapors, you will see nothing any way,
but if you are really bored, You would have to use Polycarb at least 5/16 or probably 3/8 thick to keep the mount holes from cracking out to the edge of the lid when you tighten it down.
You would be better off to mill out a 6"x6" or 8"x8" hole in the middle and bolt the clear piece to a spot in the center of the lid,
but if you are really bored, You would have to use Polycarb at least 5/16 or probably 3/8 thick to keep the mount holes from cracking out to the edge of the lid when you tighten it down.
You would be better off to mill out a 6"x6" or 8"x8" hole in the middle and bolt the clear piece to a spot in the center of the lid,
Mine didn't come with the billet lid. I wonder if a brass insert would help for the bolt holes and cracking.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,036
Likes: 13
From: Edmonton AB
Although Lexan Corrugated sheet is unharmed by many
chemical substances, it is important to avoid contact with
adhesives, paints or solvents which are incompatible with
polycarbonate. Chemicals to avoid include: benzene, gasoline,
acetone, and carbontetrachloride, among others.
I know that products like acetone (used in nail-polish remover) arechemical substances, it is important to avoid contact with
adhesives, paints or solvents which are incompatible with
polycarbonate. Chemicals to avoid include: benzene, gasoline,
acetone, and carbontetrachloride, among others.
fast-acting when it comes to attacking polycarbonates. Gasoline
might take longer to cause it to haze over. Perhaps get sample
material and smear gasoline on in order to test first-hand before
putting any work into fabrication.
Regarding the prospect of the fasteners causing stress cracks to
radiate out from bolt holes in the Lexan. One possible solution
might be to design for inserts to prevent overtightening - pieces
of brass or steel tubing cut to length to fit inside the bolt holes
in the Lexan.
Incidently, the current issue of Popular Hot Rodding has a feature
car with clear top valve covers. IIRC, it is a 64-67 Chevelle with
black-on-red two-tone paint. (This feature does not appear on the
PHR website at the moment but the magazine cover has PHR's '75
Laguna being prepped for paint and other articles in the issue include
one about CPP tie rod arm adjuster sleeves for a blue '68 Chevelle.)
.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,036
Likes: 13
From: Edmonton AB
Sorry, Aardwolf. I had not noticed that you had already suggested
this.
I agree with you that something along this line would improve or
eliminate cracking. Unless the material was costly, I would consider
trying simple drilled holes first to see whether there was an issue.
.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 30,856
Likes: 293
From: Boston, Dallas, Detroit, SoCal, back to Boston MA
you can do it, LSX intakes are plastic
You need to look at the material properties.
The reason the lid is thick is because of the loads
When the throttle is shut there's a vacuum trying to pull it down.
Load = length X width X psi vacuum
You need to look at the material properties.
The reason the lid is thick is because of the loads
When the throttle is shut there's a vacuum trying to pull it down.
Load = length X width X psi vacuum