DSE Carbon Fiber Belly Pan

[pokeyl]

I was told the panel is structural, I don't remember who. That is why the screw head is so large. Structure is the outside area of the screw clamping the pan to the tunnel.

You could cut your own, Dragonplate.com

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monocoque

[SSGNRDZ_28]

The Viper frame is completely self sufficient without any bodywork (unlike many vehicles, and by definition, not a monocoque). The area in question (which includes the passenger compartment) is the strongest part of the frame. It is completely boxed in by the transmission crossmember and crossmember behind the differential (which also serves as a jacking point) on bottom and the bulkhead /rollbar on top.

The thickness of the belly pan was reduced for the Gen IV and V hinting the excess strength was not required (either from the beginning or due to chassis stiffness improvements with the Gen IV /V). While the pan definitely doesn’t reduce stiffness - is it a significant improvement or even a measurable improvement, especially post 2006?

Of course anyone is welcome to go to dragonplate.com if they’d like a ~$1000 flat piece of carbon fiber without any provision for cooling the transmission or differential, however, that would alter the undisputed function of the pan - aerodynamics.

Doug

[pokeyl]

Sweet, Thanks

[SSGNRDZ_28]

These are in stock and ready to ship. Confirmed fit on Gen IV. Note - not a structural piece - if you want something stiffer go with a Gen III pan.

IMG_3154.jpg

IMG_3157.jpg

IMG_3149.jpg

IMG_3151.jpg


Lastly note you can see where the carbon ACR Extreme diffuser touches the belly pan - this is galvanic corrosion between the carbon and aluminum. The belly pan is being eaten slowly by the carbon fiber which will occur any time there is significant moisture / water. My car has only been washed a few times!

The carbon fiber belly pan will eliminate this corrosion issue as well.

IMG_4142.jpg

Thanks
Doug

[Pappy]

Very, very nice piece!!!

Pappy

[SilverACR]

Wow what a beautiful piece! Nice job!

[13COBRA]

It's awesome, looks even better in person and on the car!

Doug, thanks for all you do for the Viper community!

[parabs]

Awesome piece! Doug, you keep designing parts to add to my list.

[13COBRA]

Awesome piece! Doug, you keep designing parts to add to my list.

Just tell him to keep your credit card on file..

[Arizona Vipers]

When do I get mine?

[ViperGTS14]

Would have been cool if the alum was anodized from the factory. What is the weight savings again with the carbon fiber kit versus stock alum?

[13COBRA]

Would have been cool if the alum was anodized from the factory. What is the weight savings again with the carbon fiber kit versus stock alum?

A few lbs I'd guess. I would venture to guess the factory aluminum weighs 6-8 and the carbon fiber weighs 3-4? I could be wrong. I just went back and held them both, but don't have a scale at work.

[SSGNRDZ_28]

Thanks to all above!

When do I get mine?

It’s on the way of course - is your car back yet?

Would have been cool if the alum was anodized from the factory. What is the weight savings again with the carbon fiber kit versus stock alum?

Anodizing a piece that large world be pretty expensive. Weight saved is ~6lbs for Gen IV and V and probably ~15 for Gen III but I haven’t weighed one. There are quite a few variants of belly pan design.

thanks
Doug

[Arizona Vipers]

Thanks to all above!



It’s on the way of course - is your car back yet?



Anodizing a piece that large world be pretty expensive. Weight saved is ~6lbs for Gen IV and V and probably ~15 for Gen III but I haven’t weighed one. There are quite a few variants of belly pan design.

thanks
Doug

No I still don't have it. It's getting down to the nitty gritty if I can make the nasa nationals now

[13COBRA]

No I still don't have it. It's getting down to the nitty gritty if I can make the nasa nationals now

Shoot. That's no fun

[chris955]

anyone looking to get rid of their original pan let me know

[13COBRA]

anyone looking to get rid of their original pan let me know

Shipping would be tough.

[TrackAire]

Damn that looks awesome......I wonder what shipping would run to San Francisco?

[Arizona Vipers]

anyone looking to get rid of their original pan let me know

I'll sell mine, DM me an offer and your zip code

[Steakfeast]

anyone looking to get rid of their original pan let me know

Where are you located? My stock one will be up for sale...

[ACR-ISH]

Where do I get my jack puck? Did I miss it? Great idea! I hate narrowly missing my pan every time I work on the car.

[13COBRA]

Where do I get my jack puck? Did I miss it? Great idea! I hate narrowly missing my pan every time I work on the car.

I love mine! Doug is the man!

[Arizona Vipers]

Where do I get my jack puck? Did I miss it? Great idea! I hate narrowly missing my pan every time I work on the car.

http://www.dougshelbyengineering.com/viper.html

[ACR-ISH]

Ah!

[Arizona Vipers]

Got mine yesterday! Looks awesome Doug! The box is HUGE my wife was like wtf did you buy now!