Just curious if you guys like this thought as much as myself. See photo.

I have the ability to make Carbon fiber, tubing, paneling, diffusers etc.

I'm working on a tubing mold for the induction on the 4.2 setup as soon as I finish testing the stock system with my DAQ.

In the process, I began thinking what it would look like with carbon fiber instead of the plastic panels which I'm constantly conditioning.

I feel like I will move forward and make molds for these, I just wanted to see if there was additional interest as that would depict if I make a temporary mold or a more permanent.

Let me know your input.




Regards,
Derek Fricke

 

I have to say, it all depends upon the cost... If it's going to cost the same as a Jaguar engine cover, sorry, too rich for my blood, but if the pricing is more reasonable, I'd be interested...

 

Exactly how I feel Tex. Certainly much more reasonably priced.

 

Since the exterior dimensions of the V6 and V8 engines are often reported to be identical, I wonder if the same covers are used?

I might be interested if it's reasonably priced and it fits the V6.

 

Yes sir Foosh. The part numbers are the same for the 3 panels in the photo for V6 and V8 models XKR and F-Type 07-15. Appreciate the feedback.

Regards,
Derek Fricke

 

Great. That ought to simplify things while expanding the potential market at the same time.

 

+1 on the cost being the critical factor. That said, I want my CF bits to be external (mirror covers, splitters, etc.). I wouldn't pay for an CF engine cover since I've opened my hood about 5 times in 1 year

 

My thoughts mirror shift. I'm using CF wrap for most of my exterior parts. I'd be happy to pay for real CF if the price was reasonable. If you look at aftermarket CF parts for Corvette for example, they are like 25-50% of the Jag prices for equivalent pieces. Of course they also have much more sales volume.

I might pay for a CF engine cover if I wanted to start showing my car.

 

Engine covers would be nice, but I'm also in agreement with the others... mirrors, splitters, side skirts... those would be a top priority as they wouldn't be hidden under the hood.

 

Interested as well depending on the price though.

 

Thanks for the replies. CF would really dress things up.

I'll have to gather some quotes for tooling all the molds up. Good tooling is going to be a majority of the cost. If I have enough people interested I will justify it. These are larger parts, but I feel I can keep the price per part very reasonable depending on the complexity and milling/finishing process after. It's tough to say, but I can design the molds and gather some quotes.

I'm guessing somewhere to other markets (Stingray as mentioned) (smaller parts) 450- (larger parts) 800$ per part. Rough estimate. I would need to make one mold for forming, then an alternate mold to fix the pieces for milling (holes/edges/vent/etc).

I can give a better idea once I look into the overall mold costs vs market potential.

Per the positive replies, I'll go ahead and design them up. (For those of us that don't lift the hood much, just knowing it's there for when you do would certainly be a plus in my book).

For the external parts, I'll investigate this too. I'll need to get factory parts for dimensions but I'm certainly capable of making just about anything you guys can dream up.

Regards,
Derek Fricke

 

Personally, I think CF is fast approaching the end of its style cycle, and will be passé in a years at most. However...

If you could fashion a one piece Front Grill (without the bumper bar), and do so in a couple different mesh patterns, in both Chrome and Black, I think you'd have a real money maker there...

 

Certainly do-able Mike. If anyone knows where I can pick up a cheap front grill insert, I'd be up to attempt. Only downside is the parking sensors. Those are quite the finicky fellas. hat center segment certainly distracts the eye though.

With the decent feedback, I'll move forward with designing the molds for these parts.

 

+1. With blanked off receptacles for the sensors.

 

Since the two outside sensors are set into the smaller grill of the side scoops, would seem to my novice eyes that the same could be done with the two middle sensors.

I would expect that might slightly change the reference points that get fed to the display on the nav screen, but nothing one couldn't adjust to.

 

I think it's safe to say that if you could replicate any of the other CF parts that JLR offer for a sensible price you would be hearing from me. But not the engine cover.

For reference, the lowest price I've seen for genuine JLR bonnet vents is £350/pair, with mirror covers at £300/pair. £100/pair is the point where I stop laughing...

 

I seem to be lucky having bought a "near new" with OEM carbon fiber mirror covers, bonnet and side cover vents.

And I am happy to say they do look good

 

Wait...you don't wipe off the water spots after each washing?

 

I've opened the bonnet twice since September. On both occasions to show relatives and friends. The general response was that the cover made for a boring looking engine bay.

What can I tell you - mechanical engineers....

 

Hey hey hey now F-Typical I do agree with ya , I'm the anomaly in my group of mechanical engineers. Having a back ground in architecture and rendering I believe helps me on the mechanical engineer side.

I appreciate all the input. Certainly seems to be a fair amount of interest.

I'm moving forward with scanning everything and reverse engineering the existing panels. While I'm at it, I plan to do the coil-on-plug covers.

I'm gathering some rough quotes on making the molds and setting up a CNC trim fixture. If the cost for making molds doesn't kick my buns too bad I'll move forward with doing all the panels.

Regards,
Derek Fricke