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John Lowe · 09-10-07, 07:34 AM

Hi

Here are some of the reasons I ordered RCR. Sorry if this rambles a bit but these were some of my thought processes in making my selection.

1. Accident damage, all the space frame guys raise this one. Think about it. If you have a shunt heavy enough to damage the chassis then it is likely that the whole car will have to be stripped and rebuilt anyway, this includes removal and replacement of riveted aluminium panels including new bodywork, paint etc. The least of your worries will be the cost of repairing/replacing the chassis. I suspect the overall cost difference is not that great.
2. The owner of RCR has a background in racing, combined with latest CAD design techniques, and has over engineered the chassis with an emphasis on long life.
3. The space frame guys were quick to point out that stress hardening of aluminium is a problem. This is a complete red herring. There are thousands of different Aluminium alloys available each with different properties. Lotus has an aluminium chassis, Audi A8, Jaguar XK and XJ Ferrari 430 etc. I recently saw a 1940 supermarine spitfire pulling over 4g in a display; guess what it’s made from?
4. With the proviso that the design is good in both cases, you can make a stiffer monocoque structure with aluminium than stainless steel for a given weight. Also a monocoque chassis for a given weight, again with the proviso that the design is good in both cases, will be stiffer and stronger than a space frame.
5. Quality of detailed engineering e.g. suspension pick up points, design and fabrication of wishbones, quality of welding etc were also areas I looked at critically. RCR is up there with the best in these regards (especially the front wishbones and suspension pick up points).
6. From my research the RCR is as close to the original shape as you will get. (This is probably true of the other quality suppliers also).
7. The one weakness of the RCR kit is that there are not many around but I suspect that they are currently one of the fastest selling replicas (difficult to prove but that’s my impression). If you look in the builder’s forum there are a number of finished cars with very happy owners. At least one of them is running big HP (600+BHP) and has track day’d his car.

Finally, although I am an engineer by training and profession, these are my own views based on my own research (I just love the elegance of RCR engineering). I feel sure you will find many with opposing thoughts! Certainly I would agree with others, research your purchase in a lot of detail before making a choice.

Your GT40 should reflect what is important to you, happy hunting!

John

09-10-07, 07:34 AM	#12 (permalink)
John Lowe John Lowe Bronze Supporter Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Lindfield, UK GT40: RCR MK1 Posts: 235 Rep Power: 5	Re: New Kid on the block!! Hi Here are some of the reasons I ordered RCR. Sorry if this rambles a bit but these were some of my thought processes in making my selection. 1. Accident damage, all the space frame guys raise this one. Think about it. If you have a shunt heavy enough to damage the chassis then it is likely that the whole car will have to be stripped and rebuilt anyway, this includes removal and replacement of riveted aluminium panels including new bodywork, paint etc. The least of your worries will be the cost of repairing/replacing the chassis. I suspect the overall cost difference is not that great. 2. The owner of RCR has a background in racing, combined with latest CAD design techniques, and has over engineered the chassis with an emphasis on long life. 3. The space frame guys were quick to point out that stress hardening of aluminium is a problem. This is a complete red herring. There are thousands of different Aluminium alloys available each with different properties. Lotus has an aluminium chassis, Audi A8, Jaguar XK and XJ Ferrari 430 etc. I recently saw a 1940 supermarine spitfire pulling over 4g in a display; guess what it’s made from? 4. With the proviso that the design is good in both cases, you can make a stiffer monocoque structure with aluminium than stainless steel for a given weight. Also a monocoque chassis for a given weight, again with the proviso that the design is good in both cases, will be stiffer and stronger than a space frame. 5. Quality of detailed engineering e.g. suspension pick up points, design and fabrication of wishbones, quality of welding etc were also areas I looked at critically. RCR is up there with the best in these regards (especially the front wishbones and suspension pick up points). 6. From my research the RCR is as close to the original shape as you will get. (This is probably true of the other quality suppliers also). 7. The one weakness of the RCR kit is that there are not many around but I suspect that they are currently one of the fastest selling replicas (difficult to prove but that’s my impression). If you look in the builder’s forum there are a number of finished cars with very happy owners. At least one of them is running big HP (600+BHP) and has track day’d his car. Finally, although I am an engineer by training and profession, these are my own views based on my own research (I just love the elegance of RCR engineering). I feel sure you will find many with opposing thoughts! Certainly I would agree with others, research your purchase in a lot of detail before making a choice. Your GT40 should reflect what is important to you, happy hunting! John