Aerodynamic Mods
03-27-2012, 10:56 PM
#82
takin care of Business in
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Kansas City, MO
Age: 40
Posts: 30,994
Received 4,732 Likes
on
4,064 Posts
^^^ turbo and rods and front splitter.....what you upto bro ??? 
04-23-2012, 02:02 AM
#84
So I had a little free time today and I felt like taking a break from my suspension and came back to my aerodynamic modifications. Decided to do a little "tweak" to the stock "rear diffuser." Here it is:
Before:
After:
I don't even know if I can call it a prototype at this stage lol. It looks ghetto I know, I know, but hey, it gets the job done... I hope. It's not a visible mod anyway, unless the car is on a lift. I bet people are gonna laugh when they see the car lifted though haha
The idea behind this is to transition the high velocity air from underneath the car to the low velocity air behind the car more smoothly; thus reducing the coefficient of drag and reducing downforce. It's more of a belly pan in the rear, but i'll call it the stock "rear diffuser" in this thread. The stock "rear diffuser" has a large gap in the diffuser for the rear tow hook. The problem is, the large gap goes all the way to the bumper, creating a parachute effect. I suspect that a lot of air catches at the rear bumper because of this large gap (depicted in the second photo) and that this air may be sacrificing ~0.XX MPG.
My prototype is currently made of a thick poster-paper material wrapped in seran wrap and duct tape. I got the inspiration from all of the cheap/free mods on the ecomodder forum. If I feel that this little tweak to the underside of the vehicle is worth it, I just may make a permanant version of it out of a black cloth and hard epoxy resin.
Also for anyone who asks, yes that's blue painter's tape. I used the tape to tape up the holes in the "rear diffuser" so that the air will pass through the plastic more smoothly. The tape is covering the large cutouts in the plastic that are necessary to mount the piece up. If you actually take a look under the car, those holes are big (with the biggest about 2 inches in diameter). The large section I covered with the poster paper and duct tape is rather large as well (bigger than a 8.5x11 piece of paper).
Here's a wiki article on diffusers:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diffuser_(automotive)
Before:
After:
I don't even know if I can call it a prototype at this stage lol. It looks ghetto I know, I know, but hey, it gets the job done... I hope. It's not a visible mod anyway, unless the car is on a lift. I bet people are gonna laugh when they see the car lifted though haha
The idea behind this is to transition the high velocity air from underneath the car to the low velocity air behind the car more smoothly; thus reducing the coefficient of drag and reducing downforce. It's more of a belly pan in the rear, but i'll call it the stock "rear diffuser" in this thread. The stock "rear diffuser" has a large gap in the diffuser for the rear tow hook. The problem is, the large gap goes all the way to the bumper, creating a parachute effect. I suspect that a lot of air catches at the rear bumper because of this large gap (depicted in the second photo) and that this air may be sacrificing ~0.XX MPG.
My prototype is currently made of a thick poster-paper material wrapped in seran wrap and duct tape. I got the inspiration from all of the cheap/free mods on the ecomodder forum. If I feel that this little tweak to the underside of the vehicle is worth it, I just may make a permanant version of it out of a black cloth and hard epoxy resin.
Also for anyone who asks, yes that's blue painter's tape. I used the tape to tape up the holes in the "rear diffuser" so that the air will pass through the plastic more smoothly. The tape is covering the large cutouts in the plastic that are necessary to mount the piece up. If you actually take a look under the car, those holes are big (with the biggest about 2 inches in diameter). The large section I covered with the poster paper and duct tape is rather large as well (bigger than a 8.5x11 piece of paper).
Here's a wiki article on diffusers:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diffuser_(automotive)
Last edited by lumyeinjun; 04-23-2012 at 02:16 AM.
The following users liked this post:
jonmizu (08-24-2012)
I know it's not a big mod but I just thought it would be good to share with the forum! haha
04-23-2012, 08:51 AM
#87
takin care of Business in
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Kansas City, MO
Age: 40
Posts: 30,994
Received 4,732 Likes
on
4,064 Posts
Randy i expected something a little more stylish LOL....
04-23-2012, 01:09 PM
#90
What are you talking about, Anil, it's one-of-a-kind. FULLY CUSTOM!
Thanks for the "E" grade though, my letter grades in school look pretty similar, but I don't usually have that extra horizontal line at the bottom of the letter though
haha I kid
btw what ever happened to the guy on this thread that said he was making us some aero parts! i'm probably not one to purchase any, but update for the others please!
Last edited by lumyeinjun; 04-23-2012 at 01:11 PM.
04-23-2012, 04:29 PM
#91
I promise I'm not trying to be a douche by saying this.....And I promise it is directed at nobody in particular. Just be aware that aero mods like rear diffusers and dive planes (canards) and even wings mean NOTHING If they have not been wind-tunnel designed & tested. I know a lot of people think they look cool, but they are really only impressing folks that have no idea what they actually do. Anybody that knows about race cars will definitely have a good laugh seeing these parts on a street car because they understand the incredible amount of R&D that actually goes into such parts.
It's part of the reason the Mugen S2000 hard-top costs $3500 just for the "cheaper" fiberglass version. It was actually CFD designed & wind-tunnel tested.
Of course things like seams taping & smoothing flow over holes really do make a difference, and definitely can't hurt. Even adding a front splitter can't go bad provided you've properly controlled/directed airflow over it's top.
It's part of the reason the Mugen S2000 hard-top costs $3500 just for the "cheaper" fiberglass version. It was actually CFD designed & wind-tunnel tested.
Of course things like seams taping & smoothing flow over holes really do make a difference, and definitely can't hurt. Even adding a front splitter can't go bad provided you've properly controlled/directed airflow over it's top.
The following users liked this post:
lumyeinjun (04-23-2012)
04-23-2012, 07:19 PM
#92
I promise I'm not trying to be a douche by saying this.....And I promise it is directed at nobody in particular. Just be aware that aero mods like rear diffusers and dive planes (canards) and even wings mean NOTHING If they have not been wind-tunnel designed & tested. I know a lot of people think they look cool, but they are really only impressing folks that have no idea what they actually do. Anybody that knows about race cars will definitely have a good laugh seeing these parts on a street car because they understand the incredible amount of R&D that actually goes into such parts.
It's part of the reason the Mugen S2000 hard-top costs $3500 just for the "cheaper" fiberglass version. It was actually CFD designed & wind-tunnel tested.
Of course things like seams taping & smoothing flow over holes really do make a difference, and definitely can't hurt. Even adding a front splitter can't go bad provided you've properly controlled/directed airflow over it's top.
It's part of the reason the Mugen S2000 hard-top costs $3500 just for the "cheaper" fiberglass version. It was actually CFD designed & wind-tunnel tested.
Of course things like seams taping & smoothing flow over holes really do make a difference, and definitely can't hurt. Even adding a front splitter can't go bad provided you've properly controlled/directed airflow over it's top.
Your post was very insightful and I completely agree with everything you stated. Functional aftermarket aerodynamic are amongst some of the most costly mods you can do to a vehicle, and it should be that way because of all the research and development that goes into engineering the part. A poorly designed "aero" part can easily reduce downforce or increase the drag coefficient, so it's important that everyone looking to buy these aero parts knows how the part is supposed to function and has the part installed correctly.
Some aero mods have higher risk than others at failing to achieve the desired improvement in aerodynamics. An improperly positioned diffuser can effectively increase lift. Improperly designed or improperly installed rear wings may increase downforce at the cost of a higher drag coefficient, so it's important to do some serious homework before attempting these mods.
Lower risk "aero tweeks," however, have a lower risk at hurting aerodynamics. The beginner mods i'm planning to do to my car fall in this category as previously stated by 94eg, such as covering inconsistencies in the bodywork and smoothing out rough areas around the car. I don't see myself doing any high-risk aero mods anytime soon lol
Thanks for the post, 94eg, perfect time for a reality check!
04-23-2012, 07:26 PM
#93
Instructor
So I had a little free time today and I felt like taking a break from my suspension and came back to my aerodynamic modifications. Decided to do a little "tweak" to the stock "rear diffuser." Here it is:
Before:
After:
I don't even know if I can call it a prototype at this stage lol. It looks ghetto I know, I know, but hey, it gets the job done... I hope. It's not a visible mod anyway, unless the car is on a lift. I bet people are gonna laugh when they see the car lifted though haha
The idea behind this is to transition the high velocity air from underneath the car to the low velocity air behind the car more smoothly; thus reducing the coefficient of drag and reducing downforce. It's more of a belly pan in the rear, but i'll call it the stock "rear diffuser" in this thread. The stock "rear diffuser" has a large gap in the diffuser for the rear tow hook. The problem is, the large gap goes all the way to the bumper, creating a parachute effect. I suspect that a lot of air catches at the rear bumper because of this large gap (depicted in the second photo) and that this air may be sacrificing ~0.XX MPG.
My prototype is currently made of a thick poster-paper material wrapped in seran wrap and duct tape. I got the inspiration from all of the cheap/free mods on the ecomodder forum. If I feel that this little tweak to the underside of the vehicle is worth it, I just may make a permanant version of it out of a black cloth and hard epoxy resin.
Also for anyone who asks, yes that's blue painter's tape. I used the tape to tape up the holes in the "rear diffuser" so that the air will pass through the plastic more smoothly. The tape is covering the large cutouts in the plastic that are necessary to mount the piece up. If you actually take a look under the car, those holes are big (with the biggest about 2 inches in diameter). The large section I covered with the poster paper and duct tape is rather large as well (bigger than a 8.5x11 piece of paper).
Here's a wiki article on diffusers:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diffuser_(automotive)
Before:
After:
I don't even know if I can call it a prototype at this stage lol. It looks ghetto I know, I know, but hey, it gets the job done... I hope. It's not a visible mod anyway, unless the car is on a lift. I bet people are gonna laugh when they see the car lifted though haha
The idea behind this is to transition the high velocity air from underneath the car to the low velocity air behind the car more smoothly; thus reducing the coefficient of drag and reducing downforce. It's more of a belly pan in the rear, but i'll call it the stock "rear diffuser" in this thread. The stock "rear diffuser" has a large gap in the diffuser for the rear tow hook. The problem is, the large gap goes all the way to the bumper, creating a parachute effect. I suspect that a lot of air catches at the rear bumper because of this large gap (depicted in the second photo) and that this air may be sacrificing ~0.XX MPG.
My prototype is currently made of a thick poster-paper material wrapped in seran wrap and duct tape. I got the inspiration from all of the cheap/free mods on the ecomodder forum. If I feel that this little tweak to the underside of the vehicle is worth it, I just may make a permanant version of it out of a black cloth and hard epoxy resin.
Also for anyone who asks, yes that's blue painter's tape. I used the tape to tape up the holes in the "rear diffuser" so that the air will pass through the plastic more smoothly. The tape is covering the large cutouts in the plastic that are necessary to mount the piece up. If you actually take a look under the car, those holes are big (with the biggest about 2 inches in diameter). The large section I covered with the poster paper and duct tape is rather large as well (bigger than a 8.5x11 piece of paper).
Here's a wiki article on diffusers:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diffuser_(automotive)
Seriously I busted up laughing when I saw this.
04-23-2012, 10:15 PM
#95
Instructor
One thing the TL did I noticed that was nice of them to take care of for us was the radio antenna. It kind of surpised me to see this actually on alot of cars today they are still using traditional style antennas which I find kind of odd. One example in particular I can think of is the gt500 mustangs the antenna on them is still the traditional style with a rod just sticking out. I was looking around the parking lot at work today and was surprised how many newer cars still use this. It cannot be good for aerodynamics although definitely not as bad as say my old neon where the antenna is tall enough to go above the roof. The one of the TL is just a small hump on the roof that flows with the car(atleast I think thats the antenna..). I'm just surprised any sort of performance vehicle would have anything like that.
Last edited by TheBumbino; 04-23-2012 at 10:17 PM.
04-24-2012, 08:22 AM
#97
I promise I'm not trying to be a douche by saying this.....And I promise it is directed at nobody in particular. Just be aware that aero mods like rear diffusers and dive planes (canards) and even wings mean NOTHING If they have not been wind-tunnel designed & tested. I know a lot of people think they look cool, but they are really only impressing folks that have no idea what they actually do. Anybody that knows about race cars will definitely have a good laugh seeing these parts on a street car because they understand the incredible amount of R&D that actually goes into such parts.
It's part of the reason the Mugen S2000 hard-top costs $3500 just for the "cheaper" fiberglass version. It was actually CFD designed & wind-tunnel tested.
Of course things like seams taping & smoothing flow over holes really do make a difference, and definitely can't hurt. Even adding a front splitter can't go bad provided you've properly controlled/directed airflow over it's top.
It's part of the reason the Mugen S2000 hard-top costs $3500 just for the "cheaper" fiberglass version. It was actually CFD designed & wind-tunnel tested.
Of course things like seams taping & smoothing flow over holes really do make a difference, and definitely can't hurt. Even adding a front splitter can't go bad provided you've properly controlled/directed airflow over it's top.
I have no issues with aero mods or wings on street cars if they see a track atleast once in awhile. It is also ok for show cars. They help you win awards.
Everything mugen sells is way overpriced. It is because they can get away with it and its mad jdm yo.
Last edited by brian6speed; 04-24-2012 at 08:26 AM.
08-23-2012, 12:11 AM
#98
Three Wheelin'
OP, my apologies for the insanely late response, I enlisted in the USAF, and have been in training since Feb. All done now, and I'm still trying to catch up with messages, mail etc
As far as the diffuser goes I made it from scratch, I did lots of measuring, trial and error with a cardboard mock-up before I got it right and the look I wanted.. that one you saw was sold, so I'll be making a new one + thread some day
As far as the diffuser goes I made it from scratch, I did lots of measuring, trial and error with a cardboard mock-up before I got it right and the look I wanted.. that one you saw was sold, so I'll be making a new one + thread some day
The following users liked this post:
BostonSilverTypeS (08-24-2012)
08-24-2012, 09:06 PM
#102
Burning Brakes
OP, my apologies for the insanely late response, I enlisted in the USAF, and have been in training since Feb. All done now, and I'm still trying to catch up with messages, mail etc
As far as the diffuser goes I made it from scratch, I did lots of measuring, trial and error with a cardboard mock-up before I got it right and the look I wanted.. that one you saw was sold, so I'll be making a new one + thread some day
As far as the diffuser goes I made it from scratch, I did lots of measuring, trial and error with a cardboard mock-up before I got it right and the look I wanted.. that one you saw was sold, so I'll be making a new one + thread some day
08-25-2012, 08:55 AM
#104
Your Friendly Canadian
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Age: 31
Posts: 17,427
Received 1,484 Likes
on
1,048 Posts
^ I think it depends entirely on how its designed. They can increase Cd because there's just that much more surface area, but I've seen splitters decrease Cds, especially on SUVs and pickups. 
08-26-2012, 08:41 AM
#105
Did a quick search and i'm surprised to find that there are ZERO dedicated threads to aerodynamic modifications for the 3G TL
The TL already has plastic undertrays that help smooth out the airflow underneath the car. I'm glad the engineers at Acura did that for us, but I'm sure it can be improved with aftermarket modifications as well
Keep modding Onto the discussion!
The TL already has plastic undertrays that help smooth out the airflow underneath the car. I'm glad the engineers at Acura did that for us, but I'm sure it can be improved with aftermarket modifications as well
Keep modding
Onto the discussion!I'm more of an auto crosser so I'm not too worried about aerodynamics but I do a lot of highway driving.
08-26-2012, 10:17 PM
#107
this website gives some basics and good diagrams on the underbody wind noise.
http://www.exa.com/underbody-wind-noise.html
it's the same principle with turbulence. the more you can smooth out the less drag you produce.
08-29-2012, 02:41 PM
#109
Suzuka Master
Does anyone know if this is a members car. The diffusers look perfect
Here's the link for more pictures http://www.automotofoto.net/features...ura-tl-type-s/
Here's the link for more pictures http://www.automotofoto.net/features...ura-tl-type-s/
08-29-2012, 02:45 PM
#110
takin care of Business in
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Kansas City, MO
Age: 40
Posts: 30,994
Received 4,732 Likes
on
4,064 Posts
^^^ those are perfect from a "styling" standpoint....from a performance standpoint, i dont see any advantages:
fronts: have a gap between the bumper/diffuser
rear: i dont see exit winglets and too much gap there as well
this kit will increase drag if anything...
fronts: have a gap between the bumper/diffuser
rear: i dont see exit winglets and too much gap there as well
this kit will increase drag if anything...
08-30-2012, 06:22 AM
#111
I have that rear diffuser on order..... 
haha tbh most if these pieces will most likely just add drag. The shape of the frot lip also makes it hard I've seen a guy on here attempting to use an s2000 mugen lip (which has the curves) to make a splitter but even that in the end was too short .
^^ has funny gaps on the side
Se previous setups of my old rear diffuser! I've always been a fan of that look
haha tbh most if these pieces will most likely just add drag. The shape of the frot lip also makes it hard I've seen a guy on here attempting to use an s2000 mugen lip (which has the curves) to make a splitter but even that in the end was too short . ^^ has funny gaps on the side
Se previous setups of my old rear diffuser! I've always been a fan of that look
09-01-2012, 03:49 PM
#112
Suzuka Master
Needs a larger wing!
09-15-2012, 01:03 AM
#114
Rev High; Drive Happy
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Scarborough, Ontario
Age: 34
Posts: 4,074
Received 398 Likes
on
332 Posts
I tried using the Mugen S2000 splitter attached to the 04-06 A-Spec before. I extended the sides and everything... but did a half-assed job and the extended pieces began to break. Also, I didn't like the design as it as too thick looking. I had a new design in mind for a long time now but haven't gotten around to anything.
The design I have for the front A-Spec should be effective as well, at least from what I can imagine and assume.
I can get a hold of two fabrication shops.
One just fabricates what you design... the other is a legit-fabrication shop and will help you with the design. I haven't talked to the latter company before, just have their info.
The design I have for the front A-Spec should be effective as well, at least from what I can imagine and assume.
One just fabricates what you design... the other is a legit-fabrication shop and will help you with the design. I haven't talked to the latter company before, just have their info.
02-07-2013, 12:11 PM
#116
02-08-2013, 01:05 AM
#117
front splitters can split pedestrians' legs when hit. canards too.
but sub'd for cool thread
but sub'd for cool thread
04-22-2013, 10:48 AM
#119
takin care of Business in
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Kansas City, MO
Age: 40
Posts: 30,994
Received 4,732 Likes
on
4,064 Posts
pix?
04-24-2013, 12:31 AM
#120
Instructor
