Chasis stiffening > Structural foam

[Z32Andy]

Hey guys,

Not completely new here just starting new. I'm currently in the process of building my 2+2 building it into a time attack car. Right now I'm in the process of chasis stiffening and weight savings. Through my research (mostly through LOWFATZ and friends) I have learned about structural foam. My question lies with what new technology is out with this and are there products that you would recommend?

Thanks in advance.

[centralcoaster33]

Hi Andy, welcome back to NICO Club!

I'm not sure about any new developments. I'm glad you found out about foaming the rails and pillars, etc. Stitch welding your seams I imagine you've heard of. Chassis braces obviously work. Putting in a nice roll cage and having gussets to the chassis will also increase rigidity (and safety!).

[Z32Andy]

Hi Andy, welcome back to NICO Club!

I'm not sure about any new developments. I'm glad you found out about foaming the rails and pillars, etc. Stitch welding your seams I imagine you've heard of. Chassis braces obviously work. Putting in a nice roll cage and having gussets to the chassis will also increase rigidity (and safety!).

Hi thanks for the welcome back!

As far as braces go I am planning on doing all of the normal 300zx ones as well as some that aren't used so much in the z32 game but in my eyes have proven themselves elsewhere. There is also plans on enlisting in some well known cage builders up in the Midwest. But before I can get to the cage I will be doing the stitch welding to help and looking into the structural foam.

I really don't know much from the structural foam except i know manufactures started using it in say mid 2000s to add stiffness and safety without adding weight. So from looking around I found that LOWFATZ used https://m.grainger.com/mobile/product/H ... ting-2TE59.

I know that this is for 2 cars so I'm still searching for another one that may be less in price. As well as maybe something that has proven itself more. That is where I am looking for help in the community

[DCaff300ZX]

Welcome back, Andy!
Got any pics of the project car yet? Be sure to post anything up as I'm sure there will be a lot of interest.

You seem very well-studied already so I can't help you there with structural foam, other than to say I know it does work outside of automotive uses and in construction.
I myself though would focus on specialized bracing first and look at foam and other options like that as secondary. As you surely know the Z32 is a heavy beast and so with a diet in mind, any creative bracing that accomplishes multiple upgrades would be top of the list along with hopefully losing a heavier OEM piece along the way.
Hope someone with race-prep experience chimes in, and Good Luck with your project...sounds like a lot of fun!
Oh, and BTW there is a guy in Canada with the Daltech race car, he's posted up a few times here...Nismovs?...anyway, perhaps if you contact him he can share some of the mods done to that car to make it competitive?
Edit- here's his thread- imsa-bridgestone-supercar-rebuild-t596835-60.html

[Z32Andy]

Hi Dcaff300zx,
I am trying to keep up with pictures just forget sometimes because of so much going on. I will post up what i have soon. And am hoping for the interest would very much like to meet more people through out the community.

Yes right now I am just focusing on what I can do in the interior right now as I am saving up to progress the engine build. With that being said a cage is in the books all other bracing will be done as well. And foam is just on my list to help with stiffening as well as I am hoping it may help keep out some of the road noise. We will see how that goes though haha.

I will look into that thread. Thank you for the help!

[raremotive]

As far as braces go I am planning on doing all of the normal 300zx ones as well as some that aren't used so much in the z32 game but in my eyes have proven themselves elsewhere. There is also plans on enlisting in some well known cage builders up in the Midwest. But before I can get to the cage I will be doing the stitch welding to help and looking into the structural foam.

There is such thing as lost returns. Essentially you will be adding weight will almost no or negative return... ie.. weight gain. If you are going to go into a full cage. You can skip most of the bracing and foam... ie dead weight.. braces I would consider important would be anything around the strut towers and your rear subframe..everything else is dead weight... these options are for those would want reap some of the benefits of a cage without installing one..

I agree with centralcoaster33 in regards just biting the bullet and cage it. Don't bother with foaming or got-to-collect-them-all bracing... sufficient gusseting will take place of the rigidity added by the braces, if not more. This would be the most optimal weight/benefit route.

[DCaff300ZX]

Hi Dcaff300zx,
I am trying to keep up with pictures just forget sometimes because of so much going on. I will post up what i have soon. And am hoping for the interest would very much like to meet more people through out the community.

Yes right now I am just focusing on what I can do in the interior right now as I am saving up to progress the engine build. With that being said a cage is in the books all other bracing will be done as well. And foam is just on my list to help with stiffening as well as I am hoping it may help keep out some of the road noise. We will see how that goes though haha.

I will look into that thread. Thank you for the help!

No problem!
Raremotive's advice is something I personally will always take seriously, and I agree with his sentiment especially given our heavy...<slap>...uh, large-boned ladies' need for dieting.
There are some pics in the Daltech imsa racecar thread showing some of the interior and gusseting, not all unfortunately but I'd bet that course of action would be pretty much what you need, given it did race and fairly successfully I've heard.