Can we make carbon fiber engines?

As Alistair Storer mentioned, most carbon fiber composites are held together with epoxy resin matrix material, so do not have high temperature capability. read more

I believe that there were some carbon fiber-reinforced components in that engine, and that they were likely discontinuous short fibers. These were in a so-called “engineering thermoplastic”, I believe, which is a high-performance (strength at temperature) material. read more

Connecting rods are what connect the pistons to the engine’s crankshaft. As CNET explains, these parts move at incredibly high speeds and operate at high temperatures. The lighter they are, the quicker the engine can rev up. That’s why carbon fiber is a good choice for connecting rod material – it is light and strong. According to Maurizio Reggiani, Lamborghini board member and R&D chief, Lamborghini’s goal is to have the world’s first production car with carbon fiber connectors. read more

The carbon fiber composite block weighs 20 lb/9.1 kg less than the stock alloy block. Looking further forward, an entire range of four- and eight-cylinder engine blocks is planned for motor sports and OEM automotive, truck and marine applications. read more