custom (functional) side vent in progress

[boredom.is.me]

So are you planning on cutting into the car?

[mokinbird87]

Originally Posted by boredom.is.me

So are you planning on cutting into the car?

i may have to but i think it`s considered "functional enough" if it lets any sort of heat out or just not have that ugly piece of black plastic that looks like a vent.

i would really rather not cut anything.

[IgnitionGundam]

Originally Posted by mokinbird87

I am going to 3D print a silicon tube that sits flush with the vent on the inside and duct it into the engine bay.

I dont think it totally solves the issue though.. wonder how BMW M3s and M5s do it...

I dont know how "functional" these side vents can be without cutting into your fender/body. But I do like this look alot over the cheap plastic. Its simple and looks great. I think you should keep it cosmetic. Keep the metal vents. Back it up with some plastic from the inside (maybe covered in carbon fiber) to keep it sealed and prevent any water from seeping in. And finally flush the inside portion to the outside to make it only one piece. Now that would look sweet. I think.

Also you should have an option to put a variety of trimmings over the bar (sort of like the chrome trimming to the BRZ) These trimmings can be anything suited to the buyer; chrome, carbon fiber, led, engraved lettering whatever. I'm just picturing it in my head. lol

[FR-Slide]

Originally Posted by mokinbird87

i may have to but i think it`s considered "functional enough" if it lets any sort of heat out or just not have that ugly piece of black plastic that looks like a vent.

i would really rather not cut anything.

How would you actually vent anything without cutting?

You wouldn't have to remove the entire area behind the piece; you could simply use a hole-saw about 2-3" in diameter and then run some ducting into the bay and out to the fender. The negative pressure SHOULD pull air out of the bay at speed (although keep in mind that the front of the bay is pretty well sealed, so this effect would likely be minimal), and minimally while stationary.

If you're just going for aesthetics, you could still use the same piece and just stick it on, of course. But I was thinking you'd use some sort of semi-open mesh to let the heat out if people were inclined to rig that up.

FWIW, I've done this on previous vehicles (mostly 4x4/offroad designs) and have no qualms about taking a sawzall to my fenders/hood...wouldn't be the first time. Plus, the more you cut off, the more weight you save! I didn't have any issues with water coming in, even when using open-bottom hood vents on my Jeep. I'd imagine that a vertical mount, in combination with the use of a duct to get to the actual engine bay, would pose little issue to actual water entry. Just be mindful when washing.

[mokinbird87]

more updates coming guys! ANY feedback is appreciated.

[mokinbird87]

this is more or less what I am going for, except mine will be an added piece instead of being molded on the fender of course

[White0utFrs]

I like... Subs

[troek]

subbd

[mokinbird87]

update of quick sketching today. please leave me feedback guys. thanks.

[FR-Slide]

Oh wow, that's a lot more cutting/ducting than I was envisioning. Have you mapped the path on the inner fenders? Having just spent some time there, they have a fair amount of conduit routed around there, so just need to make sure it's a clear shot.

Still, I'm liking it from the outside. Would have to see how tricky the install would be; compound angle cutting for those ducts may prove....tricky for the home DIY'er.

Assuming the main exterior overlay is going to be body color, with some black/grey mesh?

[mokinbird87]

Originally Posted by FR-Slide

Oh wow, that's a lot more cutting/ducting than I was envisioning. Have you mapped the path on the inner fenders? Having just spent some time there, they have a fair amount of conduit routed around there, so just need to make sure it's a clear shot.

Still, I'm liking it from the outside. Would have to see how tricky the install would be; compound angle cutting for those ducts may prove....tricky for the home DIY'er.

Assuming the main exterior overlay is going to be body color, with some black/grey mesh?

So yea... The ducting thing.. I'm gonna have to find the optimal size and the route. I'm imagining the main part to be body colored and then the rod part be either carbon fiber or aluminum.

[z3ro]

So what is actually functional about this? What is the intended purpose?

[mokinbird87]

Originally Posted by z3ro

So what is actually functional about this? What is the intended purpose?

It would be for letting heat out from the engine bay. But the biggest reason for me is I just don't like the idea of a faux piece on my car.

[z3ro]

Originally Posted by mokinbird87

It would be for letting heat out from the engine bay. But the biggest reason for me is I just don't like the idea of a faux piece on my car.

i'll accept the 2nd part as a good answer but the first i'm still skeptical.

it seems like this would just push air towards the firewall which wouldn't seem to do much.