FT-86 SpeedFactory Front Splitter - Pics + Data

[eric6]

Originally Posted by kster1

@eric6

Eric, any update on the support rods that you can share? I enjoy seeing the pictures of this product coming together.

Sure thing! Here are some photo updates. They look even better in person! I'll get some better ones when the sun is shining.





Unfortunately when testing, the front part of the splitter was not as sturdy as we wanted it to be. At higher speeds this splitter will see in excess of 200 pounds of downforce! We have made a simple revision to the kit and I've already ordered the new parts. I apologize for the additional wait but we need the parts to be right so you guys can properly abuse them! Below you can see where we beefed up the bottom mounting. I have already tested this piece and it handles 200 pounds with less than a 1/16th" of deflection without even being bolted to the bottom of the splitter.



Meanwhile, we will be creating the install instructions, the informative packet, and finalizing the build kits.

Again, we are very sorry for a delayed arrival. I hope you guys like the look; I can't get enough of it! I'm someone who never thought he would have splitter rods on my personal car but I love them.

[glamcem]

Originally Posted by eric6

Sure thing! Here are some photo updates. They look even better in person! I'll get some better ones when the sun is shining.





Unfortunately when testing, the front part of the splitter was not as sturdy as we wanted it to be. At higher speeds this splitter will see in excess of 200 pounds of downforce! We have made a simple revision to the kit and I've already ordered the new parts. I apologize for the additional wait but we need the parts to be right so you guys can properly abuse them! Below you can see where we beefed up the bottom mounting. I have already tested this piece and it handles 200 pounds with less than a 1/16th" of deflection without even being bolted to the bottom of the splitter.



Meanwhile, we will be creating the install instructions, the informative packet, and finalizing the build kits.

Again, we are very sorry for a delayed arrival. I hope you guys like the look; I can't get enough of it! I'm someone who never thought he would have splitter rods on my personal car but I love them.

Eric, would you do me a favor and weigh the additional parts for the race version including the new bracket that you pictured above, all the metal hardware and fins?

Thanks in advance

[ATL BRZ]

Originally Posted by eric6

At higher speeds this splitter will see in excess of 200 pounds of downforce!

Originally Posted by eric6

We have made a simple revision to the kit and I've already ordered the new parts. I apologize for the additional wait but we need the parts to be right so you guys can properly abuse them! Below you can see where we beefed up the bottom mounting. I have already tested this piece and it handles 200 pounds with less than a 1/16th" of deflection without even being bolted to the bottom of the splitter.

Anxiously awaiting more updates

[eric6]

Originally Posted by glamcem

Eric, would you do me a favor and weigh the additional parts for the race version including the new bracket that you pictured above, all the metal hardware and fins?

Thanks in advance

Glamcem,

Hardware, rods, brackets, and the 8 strakes that are attached to the bottom all will weigh in very close to 3 pounds. I cannot get anymore accurate as the bracket I made this weekend was a prototype and not accurate of the model (had quite a bit of welding on it and is not the correct sizing).

[eric6]

Originally Posted by ATL BRZ

Anxiously awaiting more updates

When we stated that the splitter produces 43 pounds of downforce, that's on the entire car. Not the forces seen on just the splitter. Since the car sees quite a bit of lift from the factory, the front street splitter sees over 100 pounds of force on the component itself (@ 100 MPH) to bring the car back from lift (upward force) to actually producing downforce (downward force). With the race splitter upgrades and speeds higher than 100, the splitter could easily see 200 pounds of downforce.

[Jonsey]

With all the upgrades in strength, has there been a designed failure point in the case where a car goes off track and the splitter catches on something and comes off?

Everything is looking really great so far, looking forward to purchasing one once they are ready.

[Wonderbar]

Originally Posted by Jonsey

With all the upgrades in strength, has there been a designed failure point in the case where a car goes off track and the splitter catches on something and comes off?

Everything is looking really great so far, looking forward to purchasing one once they are ready.

The splitter material itself will be the point of failure at the absolute limit.

I have been completely torture testing this part since I got it. When the material needs to break, it breaks. I have slammed it on curbs and driveways and speedbumps, etc. the material is strong until it needs to tear or grind or break.

I have no damage to my bumper cover even though I've heavily damaged the splitter.

[eric6]

Originally Posted by Jonsey

With all the upgrades in strength, has there been a designed failure point in the case where a car goes off track and the splitter catches on something and comes off?

Everything is looking really great so far, looking forward to purchasing one once they are ready.

Not quite sure what you are asking. Yes, the splitter would rip off if struck on something hard enough. Same with body panels.

A few pictures with natural lighting.

[Gunman]

Originally Posted by Jonsey

With all the upgrades in strength, has there been a designed failure point in the case where a car goes off track and the splitter catches on something and comes off?

Everything is looking really great so far, looking forward to purchasing one once they are ready.

Splitter should be strong like bull
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fm_CgLaCQ4"]Grand-Am - Barber John Pew Accident - YouTube[/ame]

I wish the clip was longer, the splitter was intact, and the commentators were commenting on how strong that Riley splitter was.

Use cables instead of rods, if you are planning off track excursions, or use the curbs a lot.

[gramicci101]

Damn, that thing just dug straight in, didn't it.

[Gunman]

Originally Posted by gramicci101

Damn, that thing just dug straight in, didn't it.

Like a lawn dart!! That baby was the talk of the shop for awhile.

[SnapOv3st3r]

Originally Posted by glamcem

added some supporting rods and installed the Driveway Labs V1 rear diffuser

Where did you get your support rods from?

[Jonsey]

Originally Posted by eric6

Not quite sure what you are asking. Yes, the splitter would rip off if struck on something hard enough. Same with body panels.

A few pictures with natural lighting.

I guess what I am trying to determine is if we know where the point of failure is going to occur. Is the splitter going to break apart near the rods and then pull out of the bottom body panels? Is it going tear itself from the rods and the body panels and separate in a single piece? Is it going to tear out of the body panels but remain connected to the rods and then the rods cause damage to the bumper as the splitter hangs on and is dragged?

If it were possible to plan for the point of failure in most circumstances, I think it would be generally preferable if the splitter hardware (i.e. screws) was to be the point of failure and the splitter was to then come off and remain in a single piece to be reattached with new hardware. Then again, because of the materials used, the best answer may just be that the splitter tears apart in that situation. I am not sure what the best course of action really is, more just trying to educate myself.

This is the first time I have ever really considered a splitter or its uses on a track, which is also relatively new to me, so the answer to these questions may be common knowledge.

[troek]

Originally Posted by eric6

When we stated that the splitter produces 43 pounds of downforce, that's on the entire car. Not the forces seen on just the splitter. Since the car sees quite a bit of lift from the factory, the front street splitter sees over 100 pounds of force on the component itself (@ 100 MPH) to bring the car back from lift (upward force) to actually producing downforce (downward force). With the race splitter upgrades and speeds higher than 100, the splitter could easily see 200 pounds of downforce.

how much lift? ive been looking around and havnt been able to find much info on that other than it seems to be pretty neutral front and rear.