Chassis stiffness

[stefan1200]

Hi all,

whilst fitting my ACT cherry bomb exhaust a few month ago, my local Indy designed a slightly different exhaust mounting which doesn't need the stock exhaust mounting plate which was then removed.

Is this plate maybe necessary for additional chassis strength and should be bolted on again?

Cheers,
Stefan

[Pupp]

If you're referring to the 'tray' that sandwiches the silencer box, I think I'd be inclined to replace it. Not because I think it's got any great structural significance (it's too flimsy for that), but 'cos it does retain a slightly cleaner line under the car and will help keep crud and road kill out of the void above...

[stefan1200]

Pupp,

that was the plate I meant. It doesn't look too bad without it, the s/s cherry bombs look good too. You're right however regarding dirt protection.

[The AJP Griff]

The plate is a chassis closing plate,and was put there to improve chassis stiffness.On later cars(cerbs and s6) they also had one at the front.Whilst i doubt you might notice much difference just pootling down the road,i'd put it back if it were me.

[David H]

The AJP Griff said:

The plate is a chassis closing plate,and was put there to improve chassis stiffness.On later cars(cerbs and s6) they also had one at the front.Whilst i doubt you might notice much difference just pootling down the road,i'd put it back if it were me.

I don't believe that thin sheet adds to chassis stiffness. I'd still replace it though to stop dirt ingress as mentioned above.

[GreenV8S]

David H said:

I don't believe that thin sheet adds to chassis stiffness. I'd still replace it though to stop dirt ingress as mentioned above.

Grab hold of that thin sheet and try to stretch it diagonally, and then see how stiff you think it is. Panelling in an open box section to stop it lozenging improves the stiffness immensely.

[stefan1200]

@ AJP Griff

It was a photo of the underside of a Sagaris with 2 plates on the chassis which made me wondering...


Thanks guys, the plate will go back on!

[The AJP Griff]

stefan1200 said:

@ AJP Griff

It was a photo of the underside of a Sagaris with 2 plates on the chassis which made me wondering...


Thanks guys, the plate will go back on!

I knew nothing of these closing plates until recently myself,then found we had an extra on L110!After a quick explanation and a practical demonstration by the great 'Jooster',i could really appreciate just how significant a contribution they make.