Arden’s Speedster GT Build

Good start!

Here’s the chassis and the body. The body pictures are ones setting on one of Rafa’s chassis

Very nice, Arden. Where did you get the chassis?

@Michael Pickett I got the chassis from a guy in Grand Rapids Michigan. Alan gave me the line on chassis it was on Facebook Market place

Arden:

Very cool!

Where did you get the airscoops ahead of the rear wheel wells? Looks like a prefab piece.

@Panhandle Bob Rafa’s shop in Mexico Put them in at his shop. I believe he’s only done two like that before.

Thanks, Arden.

I bet that there is at least a small market for them. The trick would be altering the body to accept them. I assume they are actually perforated to allow air in.

@Panhandle Bob  Yeah they go into engine bay.

That is a GREAT mod!

And here, I thought they were just decorative!

They appear to be well fabricated, 3 piece  and carbon fiber. I'd love to have these on my car, and I bet it could be done without a remolding of the body, but tricky to do.

Does anybody now a source for these?

It looks to me like there are 3 pieces:  the external grille, the carbon fiber directional inside piece - plus the piece that gets bonded and fiberglassed into the side of the car.  It does add and Emory custom look.

Yeah, but the question is- will they pull air into the engine compartment?  It would be fantastic if they do.  Some testing in Arden's future I do see...

I guess there are three things to consider, appearance, function and installation. If you get the first two and the install doesn't require a ton of fabrication (cut a hole, glass or otherwise attach the elements, pre-paint, and there you go, in my dreams.)

Still, where can you get them?

@Panhandle Bob you could get a hold of Rafa at Custom Fiberglass

Done, Arden. Thanks.

I will report back on the response for anybody else who might be interested.

FWIW, I researched this issue many years ago when I was having problems with my Subi turbo overheating.  One solution seemed to be NACA ducts, a type of which Rafa installs on his bodies.

If my memory is accurate, there are a number of makers, but none that would mount easily onto our Speedster body shapes without extensive modification.  Rafa's version seems to hit the sweet spot.  Recessed versions of vents like these actually pull more air than scoops, due to complex formulas and configurations that I almost, but not quite, understood.

If someone buys and installs these, please keep the group informed of before/after engine temps.

I like how Henry cuts out a vent behind the rear licence plate - for another purpose - but it does aid in bringing air into the engine compartment.

Simple and hidden.

@Bob: IM S6- Is that done for engine clearance?

Al:  It's for access to the engine, for changing belts, etc. 

So far, it's never been needed...touch wood. 

@Bob: IM S6 posted:

Al:  It's for access to the engine, for changing belts, etc.

So far, it's never been needed...touch wood.

Right!  Of course, it's secondary function as another air source is great as well!

I added a cutout vent behind the licence plate on my pan-based IM when I had the body off. I haven't done any serious testing to see if it helps or not.

I really like the Rafa's side air ducts, but don't think I'm going to get motivated enough to add them.

I’m still waiting for the New windshield to arrive in Laredo so they can ship my body to Ohio. I did get a couple Sweet Grill badges though!