[Thomasio]

For those who are part of the RLS Intercooler group buy: which color would you prefer for the anodized engine bay cover prop rod? They all will be the same color, so please vote.

This is Rev 2 of the aluminum prop rod, owners of the previous version who wish to upgrade please contact me via PM.

The forged prop rod is made of high-strength 6061 aluminum. It is removable, prevents distortion of the engine bay cover caused by the gas-charged OEM strut, and weighs 6/10 pound less.

 

[Thomasio]

Thanks for the input... will be going to anodizer tomorrow... still time to vote.

 

[Thomasio]

Looks like black and gold are the winners. If my anodizer has gold running anytime soon, I'll try to do a batch of each. If not, they will all be black.

 

[qball]

I want black

 

[shay2nak]

black

how does the other end work prop up the engine lid.

 

[Racing Slick]

grey or black. either is ok.

 

[Thomasio]

black

how does the other end work prop up the engine lid.

When you remove the gas-charged strut from the engine bay lid, you are left with two ball joints: one on the engine bay lid, and one on the rear clam.

The Rev 2 rod engages each of these ball joints to hold the engine bay lid open. Takes only a moment to place it or remove it.

 

[Thomasio]

I went ahead and had both black and gold anodizing done. If you have indicated something other than black or gold, please PM me with your preference (black or gold).

 

[EricH]

I voted for gunmetal gray, but black would be my 2nd choice.

 

[Sideoiler]

Black works for me. I voted clear.

Your PM box is full

 

[Thomasio]

Fixed PM

 

[Thomasio]

Black anodized and gold anodized shown below... (ignore the backwards lower ball joint on the detail photo)...

 

[Ryephile]

I love the idea of removing the stock prop rod; this looks like a really light and simple solution

I have a related question: is there an integrated way to store this, like the prop rod holder clips on the Elise?

 

[pete k]

When are they shipping? I took my stock intercooler off last week when the new one arrived, then realized I don't have the mounting brackets. :sad: I would like to put it together soon. The sooner the better! Thanks!

 

[Thomasio]

I love the idea of removing the stock prop rod; this looks like a really light and simple solution

I have a related question: is there an integrated way to store this, like the prop rod holder clips on the Elise?

Good question... I just tuck my behind the carpet, it stays put... clips would be a nice addition...

 

[Stormy320]

What's wrong with the stock strut / rod?

 

[hackzi]

I believe the standard single strut do not exactly clear the RLS intercooler unless you have the twin struts like on certain Euro Exige S or the Cup cars.

 

[Thomasio]

I believe the standard single strut do not exactly clear the RLS intercooler unless you have the twin struts like on certain Euro Exige S or the Cup cars.

That's correct. It will *seem* to clear, but under heavy load the engine flops around in the engine bay like a fish out of water... and the larger intercooler can hit the stock gas-charged strut. (There are plenty of reports of the *stock* intercooler doing the same.)

Stiffer engine mounts may prevent this, but I'm not comfortable recommending that anyone keep the standard gas-charged strut without carefully determining whether it will contact the new intercooler. That's why the new prop rod is included. Plus, it is 6/10ths of a pound lighter. :up: (So go ahead... eat that Big Mac!)