New air splitter - what do you think?
#1
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New air splitter - what do you think?
I was inspired by a previous thread on air aerodynamics and aesthetics of making an air splitter and decided to make one myself. I am not sure if this is the final version or not, but I think it looks pretty good. For ease and simplicity, I made it out of some 1/4" acrylic I had lying around the shop. I might end up taking it off and using it as a form to make a fiberglass part. Anyway, what do you guys think of version 1?
http://img264.imageshack.us/my.php?image=026fa0.jpg
http://img148.imageshack.us/my.php?image=024lp3.jpg
http://img148.imageshack.us/my.php?image=018uw0.jpg
http://img148.imageshack.us/my.php?image=019tx8.jpg
http://img264.imageshack.us/my.php?image=026fa0.jpg
http://img148.imageshack.us/my.php?image=024lp3.jpg
http://img148.imageshack.us/my.php?image=018uw0.jpg
http://img148.imageshack.us/my.php?image=019tx8.jpg
#5
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it is pretty flat as I mounted it to the air dam. It does have a small undertray, but it is probably not continuous. My goal was mainly aesthetic with some aerodynamic benefits if I could get any. Most of the time, I don't drive in a region where I would get any aerodynamic benefit from this anyway. As for making it stick out further, I thought about that, but decided I would go a little smaller on the first attempt and make it bigger if I thought it needed it. I kind of like the understated look.
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As for cutting it, I roughed cut it with my bandsaw but I made a template from 1/4" MDF and then used a flush trim bit in my router to do the final trimming. Slow speeds prevent it from burring. The edge is pretty smooth, but I did sand it a little bit as well.
#11
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the funny thing is that I have never seen this TDR version before. I just thought it looked cool to highlight the air ducts. I think the next version is going to have an integrated air scoop to throw air into the intercooler and radiator. The next version will probably be out of fiberglass as well. I just have to find a decent source for the mat that is larger than 8sq feet per bag...
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Since this was a prototype, mine is actually two pieces split in the middle. I attached them with another piece of acrylic and, once painted, you can hardly see it is there. I might get around to making another one out of some lexan... mmmm lexan... but I have other projects to work on now.