m tech 2 carbon fiber kit - anyone interested?

[kchase731]

Hi guys.

I've been slowly working on my 325 project and one of the things I really have been looking at is a genuine m tech 2 kit. I've read countless threads about kits and genuine vs a replica in fiberglass. As everyone knows a genuine kit is getting pretty expensive. The general consensus of all the fiberglass kits is they all flex and all have fit issues.

I think a good alternative to both a genuine kit and fiberglass could be carbon fiber. I live in Detroit and know people in manufacturing (tier 3 suppliers and shop owners). Over the past few weeks I've been asking around and a friend of mine referred me to someone who specializes in oem Carbon pieces for new cars. Their shop is the people who do the carbon for the new Shelby 350r for ford and that sort of thing.

I spoke to the owner and took my car over for him to see. His shop does a lot of custom carbon fab like this, he showed me carbon samples and how he makes parts. So I could provide him an original m tech 2 kit and he could make an identical copy in carbon fiber. The goal is to get a kit out that could be sold for ~$2k and include front bumper, rear apron, side moldings, side skirts and spoiler. He said if I can get 10 units sold he can make the mold and hit that price. His shop just did 500 seat backs for the regular Shelby gt350 so I'm thinking fit, finish and quality will be amazing because ford is certainly not going to accept pieces that have serious fit/quality issues (even if they do make just average cars they are not going to deal with quality control issues in assembly)

I get that $2k is still a lot for a non oem kit. But it's also 30% less than an original and it's freaking carbon fiber. So really this post is only asking one thing.

If I were to pursue this would people be interested in a carbon fiber m tech 2 copy kit?


I would most likely have to put up the money for a mold and the first kit, but I'm ok with that - I want one for myself anyway.

[Farbin Kaiber]

You mean like this?



From what I can tell, CATuned is working with a guy across the pond using the BMP name to produce this stuff, the BMP guy already did a complete e30m3 kit as well. Itt's going on a SEMA build, so if you want to get in, you'll have to beat that timetable, or buy theirs.

[kchase731]

m tech 2 carbon fiber kit - anyone interested?

Wow awesome. I didn't know that existed I've been looking all over. I wonder if those are "in production" and what they cost?


My guess is I could probably make them cheaper than he can in Detroit especially when you factor shipping

[Farbin Kaiber]

As I said above, you'll likely find out November when SEMA has hit.

[kchase731]

Because of the shops experience in manufacturing for oem my guess is this could be available a lot sooner than November.

While I was at his shop he was showing me molds they are not messing around there.

Would this be a "limited" "semi custom" piece? Sure but it would also be made like it was a oem production


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[george graves]

Love the idea. Might go with a mt2 kit myself. But you can import OEM used kits for less then $2000. Someone convince me why would I want to go aftermarket?

[ThatOneEuroE30]

m tech 2 carbon fiber kit - anyone interested?

Im in my mtech 2 kit 1300 and that was with purchase of brand new valance I just need a spoiler.

George. My only upside is i wouldn't feel so bad if i destroyed it on accident.

[gart]

Someone needs to make some damn quality cabrio side skirts already!! They would sell like hot cakes.

Edit to add I would totally buy this kit if I could get it with the vert skirts.

[reelizmpro]

I dunno cost goes up with CF yet you will want to paint it once on the car. Kind of defeats the purpose unless the price is low.

[george graves]

That and what about mounting up an aftermarket kit?

[kchase731]

Love the idea. Might go with a mt2 kit myself. But you can import OEM used kits for less then $2000. Someone convince me why would I want to go aftermarket?

I don't think you can actually get a kit for $2k. I think by the time you ship one that's in decent shape you are going to be at at least $2700 and most that are in good condition are asking more.

I think $2k prices are in the past. Looks to me from reading many old threads and posts 2-3 years ago you could get a kit for $2k all day long to your door. But not any more.

[kchase731]

I dunno cost goes up with CF yet you will want to paint it once on the car. Kind of defeats the purpose unless the price is low.

The idea is that carbon is going to fit better, be more durable and not have the flexing cracking or chipping that fiberglass has. I think it will actually cost less than an original abs plastic kit also

[kchase731]

Someone needs to make some damn quality cabrio side skirts already!! They would sell like hot cakes.

Edit to add I would totally buy this kit if I could get it with the vert skirts.

What kind of cabrio skirts? Are you looking for mt2 skirts? Or you thinking something else?

I think as long as the minimum order exceeds 10 units these guys could make basically anything.

[whodwho]

The weight savings would be a interesting consideration, the main thing I would be interested in is if can be created to mount like the original and not something hung on with dry wall screws like the fiberglass ones...

[Farbin Kaiber]

There are some interesting thoughts here.

1.) CF will fit the same as FG, or Basalt, or even burlap for that matter, it's not the matrix, its the work to make the component.

2.) Weight savings, see above.

OP, will your guy be doing wet layup or vacuum infusion, or OOA prepreg? Will he be using full CF or including a core material? What type of quality resin, and type will he be using? Will he use in mold gel coat, or will the components be clear coated with automotive grade UV blocking clearcoats?

Just a few questions to start anyway.