Due to their high strength and low density, combined with virtual immunity to corrosion in an automotive environment, titanium auto parts offers many attractions for use in custom car applications.
Automotive use of titanium has mainly been in the sporting arena where the higher price of titanium is not a major barrier. However, many custom car owners do not have a bankroll equal to that of most NASCAR teams. Allied Titanium is making it affordable for custom car enthusiasts to modify their ride without emptying their wallets!
One of the first uses of titanium in any production automobile was for connecting rods used in the Acura NSX V-6. Other notable applications include titanium valves in the 1998 Japanese car of the Year, the Toyota Altezza, titanium gear shift knobs in Honda's S2000 Roadster and Acura's Integra Type R's. In Europe, Ferrari and Porsche have adopted titanium connecting rods in series production models. Custom car components which could benefit from use of titanium include engine valves, connecting rods, valve spring retainers and valve springs, to name a few.
The Corvette Z06 titanium exhaust reduced mass and improved performance. Titanium provided a 26 Lbs dual muffler assembly with a 41% weight reduction, contributing to the best performing Corvette ever with a virtually unlimited exhaust life.
Titanium’s most well known characteristics, such as its high strength, low density, and excellent corrosion resistance, offer many potential applications in custom cars and specialty vehicles. In both the engine/drive-train and in the body/chassis, titanium offers the potential for both weight saving and performance improvements.
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