Ive worked with graphite composites most of my working life (with
Hercules/ATK/Thiokol) mostly involving high performance aircraft parts
for DoD, and rocket motor cases/nozzles and various parts for NASA.  I
have never heard of graphite fiber burning, in fact, we make rocket
nozzles out of it that see at far higher temps than anything in the
engine compartment.  People forget that diamonds are nearly pure carbon.

A quick observation on the composite bell housing- probably overkill
with 100% carbon fiber given the housings' size and shape, and likely
quite expensive if much machining is needed.  It would likely be easier
to use an OEM bell housing to form a 1., aluminum skeleton, covered with
composite/glass or 2. as  a mold, either male or female so long as a
good release agent is used.  Vacuum bags are very good at forming great
parts and easy to make with thick polyethylene sheeting and duct tape.
Id guess a woven cloth would be preferred in a female mold, and probably
a prepreg tape or fiber placement would work best around a male mold-
easier to build up/stiffen critical areas.

To be honest, I like the idea of using an aluminum skeleton
covered/reinforced with composite best- graphite is very light and
stiff, but it is no stronger than the resin used when crushed and is not
a particularly good idea for supporting tapped threads in vibration rich
environments.  Graphite composite would be ideal for intake manifolds,
oil pan, schertz beam, and possibly for the motor mount.

Mike Parker

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