got $$$ = carbon interior (NICE)

[eslai]

Originally Posted by denverpete

You know, when I first saw Perfectlap's post I thought, "That's just the type of thing I love discussing with my friends - all the little parts and pieces that I'd like to pick up someday". Little add-ons for my Harley or vehicle that helps "make it mine". Personally I'm not a big carbon-fiber type of guy. Wouldn't mind some though. But I really get the passion. Who cares why? Weight, looks, what difference does it make? And I was really curious to see what other little things got Boxster owners adrenaline pumping.

Then I check the rest of the thread and - wow - way to put the brakes on a guy's enthusiasm.

Some of the negativity on this board is staggering.

But hey, that's just MY opinion.

Y'know it's funny but on the Porsche forums we all seem to have a habit of thinking that we all have to be Nothing But Supportive at all times. I've never seen any other car brand forum that's like that. Some guy could post a lime green interior with a pink paint job and we'd all be expected to raise a glass and toast him.

[TriGem2k]

I have a semi full Artic Silver interior and I do plan on adding to it. I dont see why carbon fiber is any different. I am not a big fan of carbon fiber (just dont like the way it looks) but some do like it, and i have no problem with painted interiors.

**I recently did add Artic Silver painted trim pieces to my car...Will post picks when I get a chance**

[Perfectlap]

well no one said I was trying to make my BoxsterS into an Elise!

The Boxster is not a pure sports car like the Elise or GT3 which is no good for daily driving. Certain concessions have to be made for daily/street use. Which means every where else there should be an efffort to choose things that will make the car lighter. If you like CF and Aluminum equally the lesser of two weights should apply. But of course like intakes, headers etc mods, one has to consider at what price?!

I will be replacing the battery with the 15 pound braile! actually I think I'll do it before Autocross/Track season gets underway.
No matter how insignificant, its not any one item but the sum of all the parts.
I chose my Carrera wheels first because they were 10 pounds lighter (per wheel) as well as my GT3 seats. With the Battery upgrade and lighter tires and we're down over 150 pounds(the phantom passenger not sitting in your car anymore) If either my seats or wheels were heavier than stock I would definitely have passed. More $$$$ to go slower????

This season I'll be using the Michelin Pilot Sport Cups which are lighter than my Toyo RA-1's and grippier. Its always better to run a lighter tire than a lighter wheel with a heavy tire (if that makes sense).

p.s.
Carbon Fiber is Beaauuutifull! But I see the argument that its not so great looking everywhere. And Porsche could have used a nicer looking Carbon weave. But Composites are great, Been a fance since 1990 when I bought my first Carbon bike.

[99-Boxster-MK]

Correct me if I am wrong but the greatest weight saving is in the tire/wheel combo as unsprung weight is mush more speed limiting.

I think the ratio is somewhere around 4 to one, so saving 40 pounds on your tires/rims nets you about 160pounds of weight gain..

I read this a while a go so my memory may not be accurate so please correct me if I am wrong.

Mike

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by 99-Boxster-MK

Correct me if I am wrong but the greatest weight saving is in the tire/wheel combo as unsprung weight is mush more speed limiting.

I think the ratio is somewhere around 4 to one, so saving 40 pounds on your tires/rims nets you about 160pounds of weight gain..

I read this a while a go so my memory may not be accurate so please correct me if I am wrong.

Mike

I'm not a physicist (since I can't spell it) but momentum + lesser weight = quicker acceleration and faster cornering.

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

I'm not a physicist (since I can't spell it) but momentum + lesser weight = quicker acceleration and faster cornering.

Hi,

Weight (or more appropriately Mass) is a Factor in Momentum - P=MV... Objects in motion are said to have a Momentum. This Momentum is a Vector. It has a size and a direction. The size of the Momentum is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by the size of the object's Velocity (Speed). The direction of the Momentum is the same as the direction of the object's Velocity. So the more Mass (weight) an object has, the more Momentum it will have for a given Speed...

The Principle does not apply in this case, nor does Unsprung Weight, so far as Acceleration is concerned, Weight is Weight... period.

Acceleration is a Vector quantity which is defined as "the rate at which an object changes its velocity." An object is Accelerating if it is changing its Velocity. It increases it's Velocity by adding more Force from the Engine. By reducing the Overall, not just Unsprung, Weight, resistance is overcome more easily leaving additional Power to make the Car go even Faster.

Unsprung Weight is the Mass of the Suspension, Wheels and other components directly connected to them, rather than supported by the Suspension. (The Mass of the Body and other components supported by the Suspension is the Sprung Weight.)

Unsprung Weight includes the Weight of components such as the Wheels, Spindles, Wheel Bearings, Tires, and a portion of the weight of Driveshafts, Springs, Shock Absorbers, and Suspension Links. If the vehicle's brakes are mounted outboard (i.e., within the Wheel as is the Boxster), their weight is also part of the Unsprung Weight.

The Reaction Forces of the Wheels to bumps and surface imperfections are transmitted by the Suspension to the Body. The greater the Unsprung Weight, the larger the forces exerted on the Body. Therefore, the smoothness and stability of the Ride and the Mechanical Loads are closely related to the ratio of Unsprung Weight to Sprung Weight.

The Inertia of the Unsprung Weight affects the Suspension's ability to follow the shape of the Road, or Track. As a result, high Unsprung Weight has a negative effect on overall Handling and Braking ability, especially on imperfect surfaces. This results in having to traverse this Road at Lower Speed to keep control of the Car, you cannot allow the car to go as Fast as if the ratio of Unsprung to Sprung Weight were more favorable.

Sorry, I did take a lot of Physics, it was my minor...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[ranbar2]

Originally Posted by eslai

Y'know it's funny but on the Porsche forums we all seem to have a habit of thinking that we all have to be Nothing But Supportive at all times. I've never seen any other car brand forum that's like that. Some guy could post a lime green interior with a pink paint job and we'd all be expected to raise a glass and toast him.

Hey, eslai, are you bustin on my lime green, carbon fiber dash???

[eslai]

Originally Posted by ranbar2

Hey, eslai, are you bustin on my lime green, carbon fiber dash???

Haha if you had actually spent money to have a lime green, carbon fiber dash fabricated, I don't think I'd have a right to say a damned thing.

[ranbar2]

Yeah, it was a bundle, but seemed just the thing to go with my pink full-leather seats, shifter and brake handle! Now, if only I can find matching floormats...