The fiberglass front beam along with a front stiffener (STMPO, Lovefab) might make a good combo, although you wouldn't realize quite as much weight savings.
I have been thinking about that too
I have the Lovefab front upper and lower chassis bars on order. This should both stiffen up the chassis AND reinforce the car agains a frontal impact.
It also increase the weight of the car with several kg's.
So, exchange the front bumper beam for a fiberglass might AND mounting a set of rigid chassis bars might have the folloing net effect:
- The chassis bars INCREASE the total weight with about 6 Kg
- The chassis bars stiffen up de front the car (positive)
- The fiberglass bumper beam REDUCES the total weight with about 6 Kg
- The fiberglass bumper beam provides probably LESS crash protection than the steel one
- The center of gravity is moved slightly backwards (the weight of the bars is placed more inwards compared to the weight of the bumper beam)
- The chassis bars increased frontal crass protection becaus of their strenght. However, their protection will only start once an object is already well on its way towards the occupants (that means YOU). However, since the steel bumper beam is in one peace from left to right, it is probably stronger than the welded construction of the chassis bars.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to say what the effect on crash protection is when you exchange the frontal beam with a fiberglass one and mount a set of chassis bars.
Does the NSX-R have a aluminum front bumper beam ??
I thought only the rear bumper beam was made from aluminum (as in all NA2 NSX).