FT-86 SpeedFactory Front Splitter - Pics + Data

[tech86]

That is all good info, you guys sound like you're at the track regularly. I understand all too well all the variables. ie a poor alignment settings can make the car real hairy to drive but you can still match previous times, just takes a lot more work and risk (if that is the right word) to achieve.

Something I quantified and should have made the answer to my question obvious was the switch from street to R comp's. Looking at GPS data, I found that my lowest speed through various corners were at least 3mph better and in some cases up to 6mph which IMO is a massive gain. But as mentioned, the extra confidence took a while to get comfortable with (and still finding more time every session) before I could exploit the gains.

My issue with the earlier comments echo's much of this forum where so many people do a mod and claim it feels faster but have zero experience or factual data to back it up. We aren't born cynical so carry on people

[zdr93523]

Originally Posted by tech86

That is all good info, you guys sound like you're at the track regularly. I understand all too well all the variables. ie a poor alignment settings can make the car real hairy to drive but you can still match previous times, just takes a lot more work and risk (if that is the right word) to achieve.

Something I quantified and should have made the answer to my question obvious was the switch from street to R comp's. Looking at GPS data, I found that my lowest speed through various corners were at least 3mph better and in some cases up to 6mph which IMO is a massive gain. But as mentioned, the extra confidence took a while to get comfortable with (and still finding more time every session) before I could exploit the gains.

My issue with the earlier comments echo's much of this forum where so many people do a mod and claim it feels faster but have zero experience or factual data to back it up. We aren't born cynical so carry on people

Track times can be like dyno numbers. There are too many variables unless you're competing in Time Trials (Time Attack) or making dramatic upgrades such as FI, stock suspension to a corner balanced car, stock brakes to upgraded pads, etc... Even then, temps, traffic on track, weather, etc... are always going to be different.

I agree that there is a lot of misinformation on forums in general. However, I think the track/HPDE area of the forum probably has the best and most accurate information since the members who contribute to this area actually know what they're talking about. When bad info is introduced, it is quickly corrected. I'm not here to promote anything, just share my experiences to educate the community. In my 20 years of experience in the import community, from being a business owner and mechanic to daily driving to drag racing to tracking, I have never been a proponent of non-functional "upgrades." I do all of my own work on my cars and I will tell people how it is and not sugar coat it. I like my whiskey on the rocks. Haha.

With that said, even after 20 years, I'm still learning.

[eric6]

@tech86, got some further information for you. @DaiTT500 just took his car around MSR Houston. The only changes were underbody aero (including the race front splitter) and he was able to reduce his best time by over 2.5 seconds. Not bad for the first time out .

Thanks for sharing Dai!

[DaiTT500]

Yes. The car planted down when I was doing a 85-90 mph carousel type turn. I was able to carry more speed around each turn and I was able to keep up with cars that would leave me away before.

Old personal best:

Latest personal best today:

[Kwaziekeller]

Originally Posted by tech86

My issue with the earlier comments echo's much of this forum where so many people do a mod and claim it feels faster but have zero experience or factual data to back it up. We aren't born cynical so carry on people

Admittingly, I have no HPDE/AutoX experience. I do have over 500k miles behind the wheel, in of a wide variety of vehicles. I have never claimed to be an expert, or even a good driver. The claims I have made are things your typical person will notice. Hydroplane resistance, tram lining resistance, stability through a big rig's wake/wash, and more stability overall (feeling of being planted). I also have hours and hours of wrench time, but do not claim to be a mechanic. Did you read my review of my header-back exhaust, drop in filter and tune? Nope...because, it doesn't exist. The mods made a difference, but with no way to quantify the small difference, it is irrelevant (my butt dyno doesn't read such low hp to begin with). I was one of the first to install the splitter, and later to add the race upgrade. The purpose of my review was to inform the average Joe, that another Joe, installed this and it works. Well, more than 90% of the purely cosmetic lips/"splitters" people are buying up like hotcakes.

[zdr93523]

Originally Posted by DaiTT500

Yes. The car planted down when I was doing a 85-90 mph carousel type turn. I was able to carry more speed around each turn and I was able to keep up with cars that would leave me away before.
Attachment 92562
Old personal best:
Attachment 92563
Latest personal best today:
Attachment 92564

Which side skirts do you have?

[DaiTT500]

Its a Jon Motoring sides. I don't know if its functional but I put it on so something doesnt look missing around the car. I am waiting for driveway labs side splitters to release and I want to get those.

[Model Citizen]

Originally Posted by DaiTT500

Its a Jon Motoring sides. I don't know if its functional but I put it on so something doesnt look missing around the car. I am waiting for driveway labs side splitters to release and I want to get those.

they've been out for awhile



have done one autox, no track days since the "race upgrade", results were improved signifigantly, but i'm going to tie that primarily to the new tires (265/35/18 z2 ss), alignment, and finally being able to put my rear bar on soft.

[eric6]

Originally Posted by Model Citizen

they've been out for awhile



have done one autox, no track days since the "race upgrade", results were improved signifigantly, but i'm going to tie that primarily to the new tires (265/35/18 z2 ss), alignment, and finally being able to put my rear bar on soft.

Car looks great! Do you mind if I save it and use it on facebook?

[DaiTT500]

More Track pictures. Love this product!!

[Pete156]

DaiTT500,
Have you installed the full underbody panels along with your splitter and diffuser? Do you think this combination is creating the benefits you are seeing?
I am using all three along with a STI gurney flap and definitely feel the increased stability at higher speeds.
Pete

[DaiTT500]

Originally Posted by Pete156

DaiTT500,
Have you installed the full underbody panels along with your splitter and diffuser? Do you think this combination is creating the benefits you are seeing?
I am using all three along with a STI gurney flap and definitely feel the increased stability at higher speeds.
Pete

I do not have the full underbody panels. I dont know how much of a difference it will be. Does it cover the driveshaft tunnel area also?

[Pete156]

Originally Posted by DaiTT500

I do not have the full underbody panels. I dont know how much of a difference it will be. Does it cover the driveshaft tunnel area also?

No, but the 4 of them cover everything else from the existing front panels to the differential. I would like to see an engineer test the combo with all the other bits.

[Mersd]

Does the splitter have to be soo square? Maybe round off the edges with a router.