Exige GT3 spec - winter project

[Ross14]

Crazy idea time....
i was smitten when i saw the Exige GT3 - and like many diaspointed when they didn't build the cars (not that I could afford one)
As i have a Exige, a spare set of front and rear clams, and skills in working in glassfibre/carbon a winter project is in mind
to build an exige GT3 replica

having searched the web i've found some info but would appreciate if any of you have good images or data on the GT3
eg wheels, track dimensions etc
as this allows me to scale off images and also to set up base car before getting the grinders, foam and glass out to recreate that beautiful shape

the plan is to build male moulds on existing clams and then take moulds off them to produce the final new panels in either vacuum bagged carbon or glass (depends on finaces when i get to that stage)

any info would help

thanks

Ross

[bogie]

I think someone in the US has already done the moulds for you ...have a search around on Elisetalk, but Ive definately seen GT3 replica pics from the Jap and US tuning community.

Then you just need some wider rims and tyres - sorted ...thats it to be honest...unless you really want to strip the interior and make it totally impractical for road use etc.

I always fancied a wide bodies Elise myself,kinda like a GT3 front clam, and rear arches, but never got around to doing it, maybe the next one

[F.C.]

Ross14 said:

Crazy idea time....
i was smitten when i saw the Exige GT3 - and like many diaspointed when they didn't build the cars (not that I could afford one)
As i have a Exige, a spare set of front and rear clams, and skills in working in glassfibre/carbon a winter project is in mind
to build an exige GT3 replica

having searched the web i've found some info but would appreciate if any of you have good images or data on the GT3
eg wheels, track dimensions etc
as this allows me to scale off images and also to set up base car before getting the grinders, foam and glass out to recreate that beautiful shape

the plan is to build male moulds on existing clams and then take moulds off them to produce the final new panels in either vacuum bagged carbon or glass (depends on finaces when i get to that stage)

any info would help

thanks

Ross

I like your style!
If you're successful in making the moulds and are pleased with the end result would you consider making a few more blanks for those interested?
I'm interested to know if the carbon you have in mind is autoclaved or wet lay-up type.
I don't have any GT3 stuff of any use but keep me / us informed of your progress.
Good luck with it.
F.C.

Edited by F.C. on Saturday 13th September 10:39

[piooly]

good luck and keep us undated with the progress!

[andy_s]

Are you planning on changing anything else or is it just the shell you are 'modding'?

[bjc388]

Good luck with your project ... sounds interesting

[Ross14]

Thanks - will search re USA and Jap market. i quite like the challange - but will see what is on offer

mould wise - if its good and i can produce high quality - yep, will offer some replicas.

Carbon wise I use wet lay up and vacumm (prepreg is nice but you need an oven to get full cure and a fridge to keep it from going off before use)

autclaves are best, but a good vacum can produce almost as high carbon-resin content, but too much it not good

will keep everyone posted on progress

Ross

[Scuffers]

out of interest, which GT3 body shape?

year one they went though at least 3 widths of rear, then the 2007 bodyshell is totally different....

[Ross14]

you are correct, there are a number of shape variations. I'm going for the Concept GT3 Exige shape (the orange one in the PR /show car) not the race cars.

so far the US/Jap stuff i have found avaiable is similar ie GT3 racecar, but none identical to Concept GT3 Exige

from web searchs, images avaiable and my memory...
They wouldn't allow a camara into Hethel when i was there, to photograph concept car, nor will the sell it, or the body panels - yes i have asked.
Unless someone knows soemone...and knows different

So plan is

Front clam:
Front track stays as original
remove indicators (integrate them into headlights - probably LED)
reshape front grill area
reshape suttle area
I'm not intending to do the slats on top of the wheel arches as they are a B**** to
do correctly and are real mud slingers from wheels/road muck (see TVR sagaris)
the bonnet catches are 'Aerocatches' - avaiable from Demon Tweaks etc

Rear clam:
increase track by 110mm (using Reverie 55mm spacers) this will allow 122mm increase in rear body width. Same as data i have found on the web ie 1849mm (an increase from 1727mm wide std body)
restyle rear arches to match Concept GT3
the rear clam to be fixed in place as standard - as the rear hatch opens on Concept car, i am assuming the Areocatches on the rear above the wheels are dummies and for looks only

new rear sill sections (as per Concept GT3)

new rear air intakes (as per Concept GT3)

rear wing is the challange - probably start with a Reverie wing and build new mounts to match Concept GT3. if anyone knows of a near match or identical wing - please let me know

as i'v said, the plan is to modify current clams, then take a multi piece mould to be able to make one piece clams - Lotus use multiple sections bonded togther to form the clams

Any images or information on the Concept GT3 Exige is more than welcome

Ross

[Scuffers]

surely it would be cheaper (and quicker) just to buy a set of pannels?

I am sure lotus would sell you a set, after all, they have the moulds doing jack st (as do others)