How about allowing lexan for windshields? I am not sure if it has been debated before (I am sure it has since I am new) but other than weight savings up high, I am not sure it would be an unfair advantage to those that do not have one.
It's just that replacements are becoming expensive. Yes, the thick lexan is not cheap either BUT once you do change it, it won't crack again.

There was a long discussion on lexan in the NASA forums a few years back covering multple posts. At the time we said no, but it is fair to revisit.

I have tired to capture the discussions about lexan.
Also note there are alot of discussions about chips/headers etc and our 2007-2009 Rules freeze. Many of these discussions are old and lets not rehash them all. I have no issue revisiting the windshield stuff as things can change in 3 years. I think some of the other points have been proven out over these years. Anyway I need to read through these too since I don't remember what is in them exactly.

Also Please don't reply to the NASA forums threads. They are old and we can have the debate on this thread rather than bringing up really old ones that forum. If I see it I will lock them on NASA forums. I just don't feel like doing that now.

Lexan Windshield
http://nasaforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=10826&hilit=lexan


Lexan Poll - Post only if WANT to run Lexan Windshields
http://nasaforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=10826&hilit=lexan

Again with the windshields
http://nasaforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=11585&hilit=lexan

2007 944 spec rules are out!
http://nasaforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=12768&hilit=lexan

Reasons for Rules Changes (2007)
http://nasaforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=12783&hilit=lexan

I agree with Joe. Lets keep all the discussion here. Create a thread for any proposed rule you wish to diacuss and put your thoughts into the correct thread. Please don't put all of them into one thread.

Back to Lexan.

What is the weight of various lexan windshields (for our cars, of course) based on thickness?

What is the cost of various lexan windshields by thickness?

What does shipping cost?

What is involved in installing a lexan one?

How long should one last if it is taken care of?

What is the weight of glass windshields? This one is more comples as the original ones are reputed to be heavier than some (?) aftermarket ones. I have been told, but have no real data, that some aftermarket glass windshields are thinner and, therefore, lighter than the original ones.

These are the kinds of questions we need to get answers to in order to have a good discussion.

Big Dog

No New Rules!!!!!!

Until they are no longer available we should stay with the stock glass. Installers have access to a national inventory of auto glass. Over 100K of these cars were built. Windsheilds will be available for some time to come.
They may be expensive but available.

There are some tear offs that can be installed to cushion the blow from rocks thay may help.

Find those here.

shop.protint.com/product.sc?categoryId=12&productId=63

Charlie Buzzetti

OK, no body did the research for me so I guess I will do it.

Does anyone have any sources for lexan windshields? I will get some costs and weights and report back.

Does anyone have the weight for a glass windshield? If not, I will weigh mine as I am going to be taking it out in the next several weeks to replace yet again.

While I hear Charlie's "No new rules", my thinking is that if a rule change is for equal performance but, potentially lower cost, why would we not want to have options that allow us more choice. Even with windshields at $250 each, two of them might be more than one lexan so it comes down to performance, to me.

Big Dog

Here is what I found last year when I went looking. If you go with Lexan you need to have the tear off strip to protect the lexan or buy the coated lexan both at a higher price.

Lexan is the trade name for Polycarbonate.

The cheap stuff you buy at Home Depot will not last long with out the protective tear off layer.

Lexan is lighter than Glass but not as scratch resistant.

www.apexperformance.net/cartgenie/prod-1435.htm

www.lindseyracing.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?

www.moto-delta.com/store/index.php?main_...kaq6g6mc4ss6mvomnvl6

www.hrpworld.com/index.cfm?tpc=Porsche_9...4&action=product

Looks like most of the good Lexan windsheilds are in the $400 + range. Then add tear offs at $80 each.

Not cheaper than glass and creates the "got to have it to win" problem.

Here is a quick online comparison for 944 stock windshield.

www.glass.net/main/quotes

All less than $325 installed.

Availability may be worse in some areas. Call your local guy and see what is available.

Charlie Buzzetti
#999


NO NEW Rules!!!!!!