| SimonS2k |
| Usually, this is a product for a non-suv/truck Honda but I was wondering if there was a carbon fiber hood option for the Pilot. The oem hood is just soooooooo heavy. I would like to lighten up the load a bit.....maybe to increase mpg, less weight up front....better front/rear weight balance? :D |
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| dragoncoach |
| To each his/her own, but I don't think buying a carbon fiber hood would make that much of a difference. Sure c/f is lighter, but even a 20lb savings doesn't matter unless you're racing. As for balance, it may make a difference but probably not much. For me, the cost/reward factor isn't enough. But if you like it, go for it! |
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| netman88 |
I like the heavy hood because it's safer during any accidents.
The SUV is not for racing since it may flip so I think if you wanted to replace the hood, you have to look for custom shops. |
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| A6Pilot |
Netman88 brings up a good point. The safety systems in todays vehicles are engineered as a whole vehicle system. The entire structure is designed to absorb impact energy. This includes bumpers, front structural elements, fenders, hood mounting, bracing, and also the windshield design and placement. Even powertrain support and mounting are part of the whole. Honda, especially, has taken a comprehensive approach with the design of their ACE structural approach.
You have to wonder what the consequences are to occupant (and pedestrian) safety when a key structural element, such as a hood, is replaced by a component designed by someone more concerned by aesthetics and marketing than safety. Feeling lucky?
Carbon fiber sure does look cool, however.
As far as SimonS2k's concern of better front/rear balance, who's to say that handling might, in fact, deteriorate with a lighter load up front? After all, these Honda engineers have so much to learn from us. |
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| rlapid |
| i've heard that carbon fiber hoods don't collapse as well in the event of a frontal impact, thus creating the chance of it slicing through the windshield and into the passenger cabin :eek: any truth to this? |
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| rocky |
| So what if you were Honda and wanted to race a Pilot (they've raced Ody's so anything is possible) |
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| dragoncoach |
quote:
Originally posted by rlapid
i've heard that carbon fiber hoods don't collapse as well in the event of a frontal impact, thus creating the chance of it slicing through the windshield and into the passenger cabin :eek: any truth to this?
They don't colapse at all. They are rigid and shatter or splinter when they are impacted. |
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