S Bend Tub

[allof6]

I see some cars advertised with an S bend tub update. What was the issue that this was done and what is involved in this update?

Thanks

[SEComposites]

Original tub had a square raised nose which was prone to cracking particularly after impact with, for example a curb. The 'S' raised nose removed this 'stress riser' so to speak. The old square section is cut out and an S section bonded in. Note: Nothing to do our company - Elan Composites do the mod.

[allof6]

Thank you. Whats this upgrade run? Any idea?

[SEComposites]

Edit: See Below!

[Fred Michael]

Crawford does the update and it has to be arranged through Star Race Cars. Contact Star Race Cars in Arizona.
It involves a new dash bulkhead as well.

[allof6]

Thank you!

[mousecatcher]

$10k IIRC

(cf $23k for an all new tub)

[AutoSpa]

We just did one , Elan does it for around $6500

[petawawarace]

Can anyone post a picture of where the older tubs crack? Or explain it in detail. I'm looking at buying a used tub to make a track car out of (bike engined) and want to know what to look for. Is there anything else tub wise to be careful with these cars?

Thanks,
Jeff

[Fred Michael]

They tended to crack in the square corner where the splitter butted up against the tub. Unless it has been painted over it is fairly easy to see.
Can't think of any other tub issues off the top of my head.
The tub that Mathew Brabham dominated the Pro Mazda Championship with last year is one of the oldest tubs in the series, so any age tub can be fast.

[DFR Dave Freitas]

Just be careful. Ours hit a curb, cracked, and when we checked it out discovered it had been drilled and filled with epoxy at some point.

[Fred Michael]

Should have made clear that the Brabham tub is a conversion but a very early one.
Personally, I would not run one that has not been updated for the reason that Dave Freitas stated.
Just don't shy away from an older converted tub.

[petawawarace]

Have there been any issues with these things coming apart in a crash or anything? I ask just simply because if its been drilled and epoxied and painted over, it would be very hard to tell.
I'd rather not get the conversion simply because it will cost me more than what I'm getting the front suspension, tub and motor for. This is going to be a lapping and libre racer only.

[Fred Michael]

The cracks are generally speaking not that big and I doubt their have been any catastrophic failures but anything is possible.
Any crack in a tub should be evaluated by a qualified repair facility. That goes for any carbon tub, not just the Mazda tub.