355 bumper OEM vs. Challenge vs REP | FerrariChat

355 bumper OEM vs. Challenge vs REP

Discussion in '348/355' started by Buckets, May 7, 2020.

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  1. Buckets

    Buckets Karting

    Sep 9, 2019
    86
    Seattle, United States
    Full Name:
    Nick Papagiorgio
    Any feelings on running a lightweight rep front bumper? It doesn't seem the Challenge version has holes for US reflectors but maybe that can be rectified. Oh, and does anyone have any spares lying around? :)
     
  2. SoCal1

    SoCal1 F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Jun 14, 2011
    8,562
    SoCal LA/OC/New Mexico
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    Tim Dee
    I use the aftermarket ones nothing wrong with them, mainly because I destroy them, I actually drive the snot out of my car, looks and cleanliness are second to performance for me :)
    Go for it
     
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  3. ShineKen

    ShineKen F1 World Champ
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    Aug 3, 2007
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    Nostradamus
    Real ones are hard to find. Get the replicas... from the right source.
     
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  4. 348 TB

    348 TB Karting

    Nov 9, 2003
    120
    Mich
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    Mike V
    If it the case I have 348 challenge spare one if you you want it let me know,very light.
     
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  5. 308 GTB

    308 GTB F1 World Champ
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  6. Buckets

    Buckets Karting

    Sep 9, 2019
    86
    Seattle, United States
    Full Name:
    Nick Papagiorgio
    Thanks all!
     
  7. ShineKen

    ShineKen F1 World Champ
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    The OEM challenge bumpers weigh about 20 lbs each. They have built in re-enforcement, which is significantly smaller than the ones found on standard bumpers, which helps reduce weight significantly. They are hand-laid fiberglass reinforced with carbon-kevlar for added strength.

    I believe the Safetech bumpers are made using a vacuum infusion process yield higher strength and lower weight parts than conventional hand lay-up. It also does not have any re-enforcement (rebar) for further weight reduction. Construction looks to be fiberglass reinforced with carbon fiber.
     
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  8. Buckets

    Buckets Karting

    Sep 9, 2019
    86
    Seattle, United States
    Full Name:
    Nick Papagiorgio
    Still in need of a used US, Euro, or Challenge bumper. Also open minded to a quality rep that a supplier has in stock.

    Does anyone have any leads?
     
  9. 348 TB

    348 TB Karting

    Nov 9, 2003
    120
    Mich
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    Mike V
    sent me your email and I will sent you pics.
     
  10. The Outcast

    The Outcast Formula 3

    Apr 19, 2011
    1,561
    Royal Oak Michigan
    I have one. Fresh and unused. Later today, I will post pictures and labels so you can see the details of the attachment hardware, construction, etc.
     
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  11. Buckets

    Buckets Karting

    Sep 9, 2019
    86
    Seattle, United States
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    Nick Papagiorgio
    That's the one! Looks like a Procar rep.
     
  12. 308 GTB

    308 GTB F1 World Champ
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  13. Buckets

    Buckets Karting

    Sep 9, 2019
    86
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    Nick Papagiorgio
    And it also has the bracketry unlike some reps. As well as the center piece behind the grille.
     
  14. ShineKen

    ShineKen F1 World Champ
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    Doesn’t look like a challenge bumper or a challenge rep to me. Perhaps just a replica of an OEM bumper made lighter weight? Reinforcement area looks huge. Exotic car recycling doesn’t sell challenge bumper reps.
     
  15. ShineKen

    ShineKen F1 World Champ
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    Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Here’s my challenge bumper for reference. It was new and has been primered. I need to primer it again before painting. It is fiberglass reinforced with carbon-kevlar.

    2 major differences between standard and challenge bumper:

    1. brake duct inlets. Will require you to get challenge duct extensions

    2. smaller reinforcement section. This is probably where most of the weight savings are.


    Safetech makes the best replica as far as I can tell. Better than genuine version imho. You want the good stuff? Order and wait :).
     
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  16. ShineKen

    ShineKen F1 World Champ
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    If you just want an OEM bumper, shoot I’m willing to take mine off and sell if the price is right :). It’s black if that matters.


    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
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  17. Buckets

    Buckets Karting

    Sep 9, 2019
    86
    Seattle, United States
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    Nick Papagiorgio
    Correct, it's a replica of a US market bumper, not challenge.

    Well, it would match my car well!

    I prefer OEM in the US style as I don't necessarily want to replace my good rear US bumper or add turn signal repeaters to my fenders. Though, the US bumpers are quite heavy so challenge bumpers would be appealing if I could find a set for a reasonable price. I might be wrong but I think the challenge cars just used a normal Euro rear bumper....
     
  18. Buckets

    Buckets Karting

    Sep 9, 2019
    86
    Seattle, United States
    Full Name:
    Nick Papagiorgio
  19. The Outcast

    The Outcast Formula 3

    Apr 19, 2011
    1,561
    Royal Oak Michigan
    Yep...I never claimed it was a challenge bumper. It is a very high-quality repro.
     
  20. The Outcast

    The Outcast Formula 3

    Apr 19, 2011
    1,561
    Royal Oak Michigan
  21. ShineKen

    ShineKen F1 World Champ
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    my mistake. I was under the impression OP was looking for a challenge bumper or a challenge rep.
     
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  22. ShineKen

    ShineKen F1 World Champ
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    I manufacture the lip. It is vacuum infused carbon fiber lip.

    *on a side note. Challenge cars have lighter weight challenge rear bumpers. I have that too.
     
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