I have finally got around to working on my carbon fiber intake manifold design. I got some 2” carbon fiber sleeve. Not having any bulk epoxy on hand I went to the hardware store and got some EnviroTex Lite Pour-On (the only bulk epoxy they had). Pour-On is sold as a heavy duty wood finish but it is clear epoxy 2 part epoxy. Unfortunately the stuff takes a long time to dry. I used 2” foam pipe insulation as a form for the carbon fiber. The test sample was 1 ply of CF. After it was fully dry (it took 2 days) I tried to melt out foam pipe insulation with acetone. However, acetone did not have any effect on the insulation and I was forced to cut it out with a big knife. While not unexpected the CF tube was not as rigid as I had hoped. My calculations say that it would have plenty of strength to withstand a backfire but I think a more rigid manifold would be ideal.  I will try making a sample with 2 layers today. A second layer will also greatly reduce the likelihood of pin whole leeks (something I have not tested for yet).   Attached are some pics of the CF tube.

I will be sending out pics of my design work later today.

Alex Madsen