New Project: I saw a re-run of "trick my truck" (a semi-trucker version of "pimp my ride") where the team rigged the exhaust stacks with LEDs to make them look like they were on fire. The Real exhaust dumped out the bottom, but the effect was freaking awesome.

The problem: There isn't a lot of room in the C5 for 2 seperate exhaust systems and non functional rear pipes are just asking for a flaming.

The proposed solution: Using double wall pro-style tips, I plan to build an aluminum heatsync insert and super thin LED strip that can withstand the heat of the exhaust without melting while still projecting light into the pipe itself. All of this without being visible when not "energized"

The Planned effect: The coolness of a flamethrower exhaust without the legal, safety and plumbing problems. I'm also giving thought to wiring the LED circuit to the throttle sensitive contoller so they get brighter with additional throttle.

Here's the proof of concept shots:

Red:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c200/radioflyer1986/2009%20projects/CIMG2535.jpg

Blue:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c200/radioflyer1986/2009%20projects/CIMG2544.jpg

The Blue is actually brighter, but the camera settings were different.

the mounted prototype is in progress and should be completed in about a week.

:lurk:

Cool idea. Keep us posted on your progress.

Sounds like an interesting idea George. The only possible downside I can think of will be the soot/carbon buildup on the leds. Even if they are heat resistant enough to withstand exhaust temps, they will need to be resistant to any cleaning solutions/chemicals that will be necessary to remove soot/crud buildup.

Would they be installed near enough to the end of the pipe that the occasional cleaning could be easily accomplished?

Keep us posted.:thumbsup3:

The design calls for the LED heat sink to be removable for easy cleaning. I find that the silicone-incased LED strips used are tolerant to most household cleaning materials

Update: My new exhaust tips arrived for the first functional prototype. The tips are stainless 8" long, 4" outer diam and 2.5" Inner diam. The joy of them was the price at ~$40 a piece from an ebay website (compare this to the cost of $125 each for custom designed tips)

I fabricated a unique aluminum heat sync for the tips that would be easily removable and keep the LED strip cool. I drilled 5/16" holes through the walls for the LEDs to shine through and the outside holes allow air to pass over the aluminum mount further aiding in cooling.

Initial test shots. (I'm having touble getting my camera to pick up deep red so I adjusted the color levels in photoshop to reflect the actual colors)

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt142/RadioflyerCustoms/IMG_0422a-1.jpg

http://i606.photobucket.com/albums/tt142/RadioflyerCustoms/IMG_0425a-1.jpg

Those are sweet

I can't wait to see your finished product!