Jdm under panels

[Wasabi]

is it too late to get in on this??

[2forme]

Anyone have any pictures? I'd definitely be interested if they provide salt protection.

[Beyer Subaru]

Pics of what? The under panels?

Originally Posted by ayau

JDM models have 4 panels, 2 in the front, 2 in the back.


USDM models have 1 small panel to cover the brake lines.

[industrial]

There is a pretty big thread about these. I think $250~350 is cheap for OEM windtunnel tested aero that improves MPG, reduces road noise, offers underbody protection and decreases lift. They aren't too heavy either, I think around 5 pounds or so. I mean, this is knock off front lip money here for OEM aero! Bargain if you ask me.

I got notification from japanparts that the parts are on their way...Estimated time of arrival (around) 2013/02/12. I'm just going to PM people in the order they posted here when they arrive.

[Beyer Subaru]

Just be very careful at install not to over torque the nuts. You only want to pull them in snug or just past hand tight.

[schtebie]

Originally Posted by 2forme

I'd definitely be interested if they provide salt protection.

Same here.

[2forme]

I'm interested, @industrial.

[jmaryt]

Originally Posted by ayau

Realistically, your benefit per dollar spent is better on tires and wheels.

In theory, the panels will reduce drag coefficient to 0.27cd vs 0.28cd (if you have the wing) and better gas mileage.

There's also the benefit of protecting the undercarriage from road salt. Although, it will probably still seep in, but the amount will be reduced.

one wonders if the salt is able to "seep" in,so to speak,won't it be trapped,and be difficult to wash off the car?

[ayau]

Originally Posted by jmaryt

one wonders if the salt is able to "seep" in,so to speak,won't it be trapped,and be difficult to wash off the car?

Theoretically, yeah. I'm almost 100% sure particles will get in between the panels and the underbody because it's not a vacuum sealed system.

[jmaryt]

yup! this is what i think too! if salt gets trapped under there,it will still be exposed to air and moisture,a deadly combo. as mentioned, these panels are NOT air,and moisture tight.
i would think that keeping the under body open will allow for a thorough cleansing and drive all the salt from the car!..just sayin'

[Sony]

Originally Posted by jmaryt

one wonders if the salt is able to "seep" in,so to speak,won't it be trapped,and be difficult to wash off the car?

If you look at the front two panels it looks like they seal pretty tightly up against the body so they would definitely probably help with salt. If you're really worried about it you could run a bead of RTV silicone around the edge of the panel. The rear panels are in an area that doesn't get much salt anyways so it probably just helps with aero.

[MannyO]

Originally Posted by Sony

If you're really worried about it you could run a bead of RTV silicone around the edge of the panel.

I was thinking about this on my commute this morning. Only difference is that I would use an adhesive foam seal.

[Sony]

Originally Posted by MannyO

I was thinking about this on my commute this morning. Only difference is that I would use an adhesive foam seal.

That would work too, probably a better option as well. I was just throwing RTV Silicone out off the top of my head.

[industrial]

Originally Posted by Sony

If you look at the front two panels it looks like they seal pretty tightly up against the body so they would definitely probably help with salt. If you're really worried about it you could run a bead of RTV silicone around the edge of the panel. The rear panels are in an area that doesn't get much salt anyways so it probably just helps with aero.

I plan to just use rubber foam weather seal around all the edges and around all the fasteners. That stuff is pretty amazing at compressing down and keeping stuff rattle-free and weather proof. I'll probably put a dab of outdoor silicone caulking with every fastener. That stuff is pretty durable and stays pliable. My panels will be sealed up pretty tight. I don't think it'll really take that much effort unless there are some huge gaps to deal with.