DIY front splitter.
#141
Elite Member
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Anacortes, WA
Posts: 2,478
Total Cats: 144
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Thread resurrection
So Bob did you get a before-after idea on how much stiffness the fiberglass layup added to your splitter? My 1/2" plywood splitter is mostly complete and I am debating whether to bother glassing it or not. Right now it is not stiff enough without adding the usual tie rods to brace it to the chassis. I am also considering a dual-purpose stiffening/air-dam structure which should work but I have to be careful with this approach; it needs to self-destruct without taking the nose with it.
So Bob did you get a before-after idea on how much stiffness the fiberglass layup added to your splitter? My 1/2" plywood splitter is mostly complete and I am debating whether to bother glassing it or not. Right now it is not stiff enough without adding the usual tie rods to brace it to the chassis. I am also considering a dual-purpose stiffening/air-dam structure which should work but I have to be careful with this approach; it needs to self-destruct without taking the nose with it.
I tested it’s off track bushwhacking capabilities yesterday. The splitter came through with flying colors. Pretty much no damage after plowing a bit of dirt and chopping off some Scotch Broom bushes. A sudden appearing cone out from under a car in front of me however shattered one of my DIY Canards made from 1/8” ABS. I also think the corrugated plastic wouldn’t fare so well against Scotch Broom bushes or dirt.
It was my first real track time with the latest aero setup. I had the GTC200 wing with a Gurney flap at a pretty high angle of attack, sort of my autocross setting. The car definitely tended to push more at higher speeds while at lower speeds not so much. The rear wing seems to do more than my splitter as speeds increase.
Bob
#142
Elite Member
iTrader: (15)
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 4,847
Total Cats: 27
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
All excellent info Bob. Sorry to hear you had to 'test it' but also glad it all came out relatively OK.
The next track I am running at (TWS) has a very fast straight followed by a fast turn 1 and turn 2 combo. So if I get this whole aero package in place before then I should have some interesting high-speed test data to come back with, good or bad, hopefully good. I'll post pictures and what-not to this thread.
The next track I am running at (TWS) has a very fast straight followed by a fast turn 1 and turn 2 combo. So if I get this whole aero package in place before then I should have some interesting high-speed test data to come back with, good or bad, hopefully good. I'll post pictures and what-not to this thread.
#143
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
i don't have time to check the rest of the thread but i do have some suggestions just in case no one has mentioned them yet. first, alum sign blank ( .040"). it's cheap and will be more abrasion resistant than the ply alone. laminate it to the bottom of the splitter. you could bend it up around the lip if you're feelin frisky. i know on the first page firberglass was mentioned as a boat construction method but a large part of what makes it so effective structurally is using quality epoxy resin. the cheaper more common stuff will help but it's not the same. really, if you think it might see rain/moisture, that will be one of the biggest benefits to prevent the ply softening.
#144
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Is a splitter even worth considering for a guy who just wants to drive on the streets? I'm not interested in massive down force. I just think if I can decrease the amount of air going under it might lower the cd and improve performance and mileage. I don't want to put on a rear wing so will a splitter be of any use for just spirited street driving?
PS I enjoyed the thread even if most of it didn't pertain to my plans for the car.
PS I enjoyed the thread even if most of it didn't pertain to my plans for the car.
Last edited by 1drum; 03-22-2010 at 09:26 PM. Reason: additional thoughts
#145
Elite Member
![](/mt2011/images_td/ranks/supporter1.gif)
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Anacortes, WA
Posts: 2,478
Total Cats: 144
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
i don't have time to check the rest of the thread but i do have some suggestions just in case no one has mentioned them yet. first, alum sign blank ( .040"). it's cheap and will be more abrasion resistant than the ply alone. laminate it to the bottom of the splitter. you could bend it up around the lip if you're feelin frisky. i know on the first page firberglass was mentioned as a boat construction method but a large part of what makes it so effective structurally is using quality epoxy resin. the cheaper more common stuff will help but it's not the same. really, if you think it might see rain/moisture, that will be one of the biggest benefits to prevent the ply softening.
Bob
#147
![Default](https://www.miataturbo.net/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I used Epoxy resin. Lots of boat building goes on around here. This years Americas Cup winning BMW Oracle was built here in Anacortes as well not far from my house, Freaking amazing boat. Trimaran hull 90’X90’ mostly carbon fiber I watched it sail on some of its maiden testing.
Bob
Bob
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Zaphod
MEGAsquirt
47
10-26-2018 11:00 PM