SIDE PIPE BODY CUTOUTS: How much clearance?

[Scott Zackowski]

How much space/clearance should there be between the side pipes and fiberglass body to prevent heat damage to the fiberglass and or paint?

[rich grsc]

An 1/8" is sufficient.
That's a minimum for the inside corners, true more is need for engine movement

[scottiec]

Keep in mind the drivers side needs a little more because the way the motor rocks when you're givin it the beans

[frankb]

I (FFR 8317) have about 1/8" above the pipes on both sides. OK on the passenger side, but not enough on the driver side. 1/4" to 3/8" would be better. Right now, the pipes rattle against the body if the clutch chatters at all, and when...uhhh...pushing it a bit. I like the tight gaps, so I will live with the rattle!

[Scott Zackowski]

I (FFR 8317) have about 1/8" above the pipes on both sides. OK on the passenger side, but not enough on the driver side. 1/4" to 3/8" would be better. Right now, the pipes rattle against the body if the clutch chatters at all, and when...uhhh...pushing it a bit. I like the tight gaps, so I will live with the rattle!

I think I will start with 1/4" and adjust based on engine dynamics.

[GoDadGo]

For what it is worth, I'm 1/2" inch all the way around.
Not a fan of burning car bodies or blistering fancy paint.

https://youtu.be/NhRHwAbtrt0

I used one of Ron Everett's builds as my starting point for my pipe fitting process.
He's a master builder and from what I understand a darn good one!

https://www.factoryfive.com/gallerie...-mk4-roadster/

[Jeff Kleiner]

I generally set them about 1/2".

Jeff

[Jeff Kleiner]

I used one of Ron Everett's builds as my starting point for my pipe fitting process.
He's a master builder and from what I understand a darn good one!

Precisely.

Jeff

[Scott Zackowski]

I generally set them about 1/2".

Jeff

After looking at it seems like 1/2" will make things more symmetrical all around the cut out.

Plus, I am not one to argue with Jeff.

[GFX2043mtu]

Front and back side I used 1/2” and the top side of the pipes have 1/2”. With 650 hp and 650 ft-lb I don’t rub the body. Just remember the back side of the cutouts are angled so the cut out is wider at the bottom. And the pipes will be tighter then 1/2” at the back due to the design.