Downforce anyone?

[CanyonDriver]

Anybody try using splitters, diffusers, wings, etc.? Im looking to get some downforce up front to keep the drive wheels glued to the ground.

[Sirbelch]

Are you really going fast enough to use those parts?

[KameraBoy]

well the added downforce will definitely help in the front and it isnt always about speed, the added downforce also keeps the car planted firmly to the ground with slow speed and can help with cornering. i'd recommend maybe a splitter, because the wing in the back will do the opposite of what you want. and if i were you i might even try canards.

[Sirbelch]

If you are going to add down force to the front, you need to add it to the rear to keep the car balanced. FWD cars can spin. Rear down force does help on FWD cars. If you don't agree with that statement, watch any Speed Tourning or Grand Am Cup race and look at all the FWD cars with wings on the back.


Canyon, what kind of suspension set up are you running. If you are still stock, you will gain much more by getting stickier wider tires on lighter wheels. Then, get a good suspension (there isn't anything race worthy out there right now, unless you call Redshift). With those mods, you will be going fast enough to take advantage of the grip more downforce has to offer.

[skandal57]

"isnt always about speed".. uhh.. really? Thats actually a mathematical factor in drag coefficients and downforce ratings..

[CanyonDriver]

Originally Posted by Sirbelch

If you are going to add down force to the front, you need to add it to the rear to keep the car balanced. FWD cars can spin. Rear down force does help on FWD cars. If you don't agree with that statement, watch any Speed Tourning or Grand Am Cup race and look at all the FWD cars with wings on the back.


Canyon, what kind of suspension set up are you running. If you are still stock, you will gain much more by getting stickier wider tires on lighter wheels. Then, get a good suspension (there isn't anything race worthy out there right now, unless you call Redshift). With those mods, you will be going fast enough to take advantage of the grip more downforce has to offer.

Im running stock sized Dunlop Direzza 101's, progress rear bar, carbing strut bar, SPC camber F/R, and HFP suspension(until Koni's are readily available). I dont need it badly now, but from time to time I do feel a good amount of lift through curves at 90mph+. Anyone make splitters for the FG2 or would I have to get something custom?

[Sirbelch]

Check out the "Inside and Out" Section

[Fixer]

What Sirbelch is trying to say is that our beloved Civics, unless blown or race prepped, are not going to travel fast enough to generate any noticable downforce beyond what the car already produces. Typically, when you start traveling beyond 120 to 130 mph, you can start working aero figures into your downforce requirements. Facts and figures are available online and in books. Check it out. Most of the tack on items we apply to the cars are solely for appearance. Sorry.

[atruhondagrl]

I have a car that has about a whole 200hp at the wheels $3,000 in mods later. All the downforce I need is listed on the sexy sticker on my driver's side door trim.


Total weight? 2776 lbs.

[Solo2EG]

Originally Posted by CanyonDriver

I do feel a good amount of lift through curves at 90mph+.

So let me get this straight... (I really shouldn't pick on your age but here I go) you're 19 and with all these years of driving experience you're bombing through curves at over 90 mph?!? I'm just assuming that you're not talking about actual (legal) official racing or lapping on a track where such things would be safe(r). And belch is right, if you were to add a splitter to the front (which would have to be custom to be of any use, we have built 2 pretty cool ones for our 8th gen touring cars) you'd need to add an actual functional wing in the rear to achieve aero balance or else at those speeds the rear would become too light and you'd just spin right off the road.

["Ridge"Racer]

Originally Posted by skandal57

"isnt always about speed".. uhh.. really? Thats actually a mathematical factor in drag coefficients and downforce ratings..

it would be otherwise useless to add downforce to your car, are you racing on a proffesional level? Or is this for your commute to work and back?

[galaxygrey13]

If this is on your commute you are wrong.

[MikeColangelo]

Originally Posted by Solo2EG

you'd need to add an actual functional wing in the rear to achieve aero balance or else at those speeds the rear would become too light and you'd just spin right off the road.

Agreed. And by no means is the Civic "wing" a real, functional wing. It's only functions are aesthetics, drag, and weight.

[mrbill]

Originally Posted by Solo2EG

I'm just assuming that you're not talking about actual (legal) official racing or lapping on a track where such things would be safe(r).

Why would you assume that? (I might be able to post the lat/long of the 90 mph canyon sweeper in one guess.)

Go to iTunes, search for Simon & Garfunkel. I bet you can name that tune in one note.

-mr. bill

[Solo2EG]

Originally Posted by MikeColangelo

Agreed. And by no means is the Civic "wing" a real, functional wing. It's only functions are aesthetics, drag, and weight.

actually, that's not true, the Si wing (and even the little lip spoiler on the lower coupes) were designed to reduce lift... doesn't create any downforce whatsoever, but much like the TT, which quickly had the little lip added because it was way too squirrelly, it does help!

[atruhondagrl]

My bad. OUr cars are 2876. I think I was stuck on the RSX's stats. Still doesn't need anything for the speed most of us are going.

[MikeColangelo]

Originally Posted by Solo2EG

actually, that's not true, the Si wing (and even the little lip spoiler on the lower coupes) were designed to reduce lift... doesn't create any downforce whatsoever, but much like the TT, which quickly had the little lip added because it was way too squirrelly, it does help!

True. But wouldn't it make more sense to use a Gurney Flap? You can tune it as desired and it weighs less and creates less drag.

[Solo2EG]

Originally Posted by MikeColangelo

True. But wouldn't it make more sense to use a Gurney Flap? You can tune it as desired and it weighs less and creates less drag.

Yup, but that's where the appearance comes in...

[Sirbelch]

Originally Posted by atruhondagrl

My bad. OUr cars are 2876. I think I was stuck on the RSX's stats. Still doesn't need anything for the speed most of us are going.

I thought it was 2877 but thats just me.

[atruhondagrl]

Originally Posted by Sirbelch

I thought it was 2877 but thats just me.

I reduced the weight in my car by taking the Si and Civic badge off. -1lb. and +1hp.