FT-86 SpeedFactory Front Splitter - Pics + Data

[dem00n]

Need to see it on a FRS too!

Everyone knows those are the only ones you see on the track ripping it anyways...

[eric6]

Originally Posted by JohnJuan

If I were to buy one, would there be a way for me to contribute real-world data for the downforce measurements on the splitter? I like your analysis, but I think it would be cooler to get data that takes all of the car's shapes into account.

The time and money in order to do this would not make it possible for most. You would either need access to a wind tunnel, or very sensitive load sensors with a data logging system.

[plucas]

Originally Posted by JDKane527

Looks sweet! On the website, it is named the "Street Performance". Will there be a race version?

I saw this and forgot to comment. If there is a race version, the street version will be able to be converted to race version. So there won't be a worry of buying the street version and regretting waiting for the race version.

[Grip Ronin]

i definitely appreciate the data. i was kinda hoping it would be around $170~ being plastic. heavy ass plastic lol

[eric6]

Originally Posted by Grip Ronin

i definitely appreciate the data. i was kinda hoping it would be around $170~ being plastic. heavy ass plastic lol

The material isn't plastic though. Plastic would deform significantly at 40 lbs of down force. We looked into various materials and this was the only cost effective material that we thought most customers would be willing to buy. $170 wouldn't even cover the cost for a single splitter. We keep all materials and manufacturing in the United States. This makes it harder to compete with manufacturers that farm it out to other countries.

This material is strong enough to hold up 150 pounds or more, and in fact I stood on the front of my car to prove it. The issue is it attaches to the bumper, which is plastic and bows down. We will remedy this issue with the race version using additional reinforcement that attaches to a more rigid part of the car structure. This reinforcement will then carry the bulk of the load generated by the down force. The street splitter is perfect for auto crosses and people who want an aesthetic upgrade that actually works.

I realize this is not the most appealing splitter on the market but I can assure you that no other splitter produces down force similar to this one. If you look at the designs out there and understand the fundamentals behind a splitter, it is fairly easy to tell that most of the other splitters on the market are either purely cosmetic, or mostly cosmetic with a splash of performance.

[gramicci101]

Originally Posted by eric6

This material is strong enough to hold up 150 pounds or more, and in fact I stood on the front of my car to prove it. The issue is it attaches to the bumper, which is plastic and bows down. We will remedy this issue with the race version using additional reinforcement that attaches to a more rigid part of the car structure. This reinforcement will then carry the bulk of the load generated by the down force.

You could keep the same mounting point, just put a brace on the inside of the bumper that would tie in to something sturdy. Then bolt straight through the splitter, bumper, and brace. It would be helpful if the brace had a captive nut on it.

[8686]

I am now more interested in the race version


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[Nevermore]

Does it have the extra bumper mounts like the APR one? I can never remember what they're called. The little piston looking things.

[JDKane527]

Has this been tested at speed? I've already ordered it but I'm questioning if I should bother installing it before next track day or if it will just end up ripping off

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[eric6]

Originally Posted by JDKane527

Has this been tested at speed? I've already ordered it but I'm questioning if I should bother installing it before next track day or if it will just end up ripping off

I have had it into the triple digits multiple times, the splitter is held in very firmly. If it's coming off, your bumper is coming off. It has been curbed, bumped, stood on, and driven at high rates of speed. Here is a video of the splitter in action at 100 MPH.
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLwSrouI71U&list=UUpVmSjcwyzze1YGEsCuVfXA"]Splitter R&D - YouTube[/ame]

Originally Posted by Nevermore

Does it have the extra bumper mounts like the APR one? I can never remember what they're called. The little piston looking things.

We are working on a cost effective solution for the race version to ensure that the splitter remains parallel with the ground at high rates of speed associated with racing.

Originally Posted by 8686

I am now more interested in the race version

The race version will be an add on to the street splitter. It is currently in the works.

[JDKane527]

Received the splitter yesterday, and got around to installing it today. Install is pretty straight forward, the only difficulty I found was getting the 25mm bolts with spacers to thread, a longer bolt would make this easier.

This generates downforce. I removed the foam behind the front bumper some time ago. Took the car out for a drive, got up to 90mph, didn't hit triple digits though, and the top clips on the passenger side next to the headlight started popping out. I'll have to try installing the foam this weekend and see if that helps support the bumper. Tie rods or some other support to the chassis would help.

Update: I believe that last time I installed the bumper, I didn't bank the bumper towards the car when tightening the top mounting bolts. I loosened those bolts slightly and lightly pushed the bumper in and retightened. End result is success, hit triple digits and securely mounted.

FT86SF Splitter by jdkane527, on Flickr

FT86SF Splitter by jdkane527, on Flickr

FT86SF Splitter by jdkane527, on Flickr

FT86SF Splitter by jdkane527, on Flickr

FT86SF Splitter by jdkane527, on Flickr

FT86SF Splitter by jdkane527, on Flickr

FT86SF Splitter by jdkane527, on Flickr

FT86SF Splitter by jdkane527, on Flickr

[calibrz]

the lip looks so BIG

[8686]

Originally Posted by calibrz

the lip looks so BIG

It is a positive for me


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[gramicci101]

It looks to be about an inch thick? Is that right?