Underbody aero kit prototype idea
09-21-2011, 12:41 AM
#1
Underbody aero kit prototype idea
I had an idea the other day about what an underbody aero kit for the 4th gen would look like. I know they serve multiple purposes such as reduce drag, create down force and even help fuel economy a bit. I did some research and couldn't find many examples of people constructing any front and rear defusers as well as mid sections underneath the car to help draft air from front to back.
I've seen tons of these on STi's, Evo's and other cars but was curious to see how well a set up like this would work and look on a Maxima. So over the next few weeks I'll be constructing a prototype from cardboard and installing it to see what it looks like. I'll post pics of the finished product and if I like it I'll be building a permanent one from a durable material.
If anyone would be interested in adding one to their Maxima and all goes well with the prototype it's possible I could put a kit into production. We'll see how it goes. If anyone has any suggestions on final building materials or if they have examples I'd love to see them.
I've seen tons of these on STi's, Evo's and other cars but was curious to see how well a set up like this would work and look on a Maxima. So over the next few weeks I'll be constructing a prototype from cardboard and installing it to see what it looks like. I'll post pics of the finished product and if I like it I'll be building a permanent one from a durable material.
If anyone would be interested in adding one to their Maxima and all goes well with the prototype it's possible I could put a kit into production. We'll see how it goes. If anyone has any suggestions on final building materials or if they have examples I'd love to see them.
09-21-2011, 06:54 AM
#3
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 25
lemme help
Hey, bro. Sounds like a good idea. The concept is definitely valid, however I'm curious about how low this would be when installed. Clearance seems like the only issue.
Either way, I'm studying mechanical engineering at N.C. State and have some Solidworks (similar to AutoCAD) experience. I'd be willing to help you with this and do some computer design concepts of your final design.
Also, we have a wind tunnel where it's possible to do drag tests of your design but on a smaller scale. We actually tested a modded 2009 Dodge Ram, slammed with a full body kit and a stock 2009 Corvette, both scaled to 1:18. The drag coefficients were almost identical which suggests a major improvement in aerodynamics to the Dodge. I don't have a scaled maxima butwe could work around that. Cool idea tho. Keep us posted.
Either way, I'm studying mechanical engineering at N.C. State and have some Solidworks (similar to AutoCAD) experience. I'd be willing to help you with this and do some computer design concepts of your final design.
Also, we have a wind tunnel where it's possible to do drag tests of your design but on a smaller scale. We actually tested a modded 2009 Dodge Ram, slammed with a full body kit and a stock 2009 Corvette, both scaled to 1:18. The drag coefficients were almost identical which suggests a major improvement in aerodynamics to the Dodge. I don't have a scaled maxima butwe could work around that. Cool idea tho. Keep us posted.
09-21-2011, 07:10 AM
#4
There was a 5th gen owner who made a rear diffuser.
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...er-making.html
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...er-making.html
09-21-2011, 07:22 AM
#5
09-21-2011, 01:02 PM
#6
There was a 5th gen owner who made a rear diffuser.
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...er-making.html
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...er-making.html
09-21-2011, 01:47 PM
#8
In to see results... would this cover under the entire engine and rear of the car?? Maybe interested pending final outcome and product design....also for durability....i know as far as weight something non metal but to withstand rock and road debris....idk maybe something similiar to the lip kit material ?
09-22-2011, 05:31 AM
#9
I was actually going to make one of these over summer but ended up not having enough time to fab on and test it. I was going to use plastic cardboard for a template and then make a fiberglass mold of it
09-22-2011, 03:22 PM
#14
In to see results... would this cover under the entire engine and rear of the car?? Maybe interested pending final outcome and product design....also for durability....i know as far as weight something non metal but to withstand rock and road debris....idk maybe something similiar to the lip kit material ?
09-22-2011, 04:15 PM
#16
You own a 4th gen Maxima?
09-22-2011, 04:52 PM
#18
Yeah, own a 99 Pearl white Maxima. should be in my sig
09-22-2011, 09:29 PM
#19
I was the one who had 2J Racing install the front splitter/under tray. The front splitter works well, makes the car more stable at highway speeds and helps the fuel economy a little bit. Weight of the whole thing is around 10 pounds with the brackets and panels. The material is alumilite, as it can survive the abuse but its fairly light. Fiberglass and CF won't work as they would crack on the first sharp bump the splitter hits. Also if you cover the underside (or box up, as they say) of the engine bay make sure to create some way for the air to get out. 2JR boxed in the transmission and the airflow was stagnant on the driver's side and the engine bay got a bit to hot, so I ended up cutting off some more of the panel to let air out. I could of also had air vents installed into the hood but I did not want to go that route.
Sometime in the future I will work on a rear diffuser with the stakes and what not. Since it sits higher and won't get impacted as easily fiberglass or HDPE panels will be used to construct the diffuser.
I use it for the track and not much else, its so low that it can't be used on the street to easily but highway driving is fine.
Sometime in the future I will work on a rear diffuser with the stakes and what not. Since it sits higher and won't get impacted as easily fiberglass or HDPE panels will be used to construct the diffuser.
I use it for the track and not much else, its so low that it can't be used on the street to easily but highway driving is fine.
Last edited by 98SEBlackMax; 09-22-2011 at 09:39 PM.
09-22-2011, 09:37 PM
#20
shoot me a text sometime 801-856-5287.I was the one who had 2J Racing install the front splitter/under tray. The front splitter works well, makes the car more stable at highway speeds and helps the fuel economy a little bit. Weight of the whole thing is around 10 pounds with the brackets and panels. The material is alumilite, as it can survive the abuse but its fairly light. Fiberglass and CF won't work as they would crack on the first sharp bump the splitter hits.
Sometime in the future I will work on a rear diffuser with the stakes and what not. Since it sits higher and won't get impacted as easily fiberglass or HDPE panels will be used to construct the diffuser.
I use it for the track and not much else, its so low that it can't be used on the streets.
Sometime in the future I will work on a rear diffuser with the stakes and what not. Since it sits higher and won't get impacted as easily fiberglass or HDPE panels will be used to construct the diffuser.
I use it for the track and not much else, its so low that it can't be used on the streets.
I'm starting construction next Tuesday and will be working throughout the week. I'm starting from the back rear diffuser and working my way to the front. I'll post pics of my cardboard mop up when I get done. Keep in mind it won't be a final product, just a prototype to build a more permanent solution.
09-23-2011, 02:40 AM
#22
Down the road you can always use the cheap alternative until you have the funds to dump into a carbon fiber upgrade and use the old one as a mold to weave a new one out of carbon fiber.
09-23-2011, 07:15 AM
#25
susbscribe very interested in this any idea how much this kit would cost total i mean i understand it's bthe begining stages but ruff idea <$500>$1000 for you non mathematical peoples that under 500 or greater than 500 but under a 1000
09-23-2011, 08:00 AM
#26
Carbon fiber is not the only thing they can be made from. Sure it's durable, light weight and looks awesome but there is other materials that can easily get the job done without spending hundreds of dollars.
Down the road you can always use the cheap alternative until you have the funds to dump into a carbon fiber upgrade and use the old one as a mold to weave a new one out of carbon fiber.
Down the road you can always use the cheap alternative until you have the funds to dump into a carbon fiber upgrade and use the old one as a mold to weave a new one out of carbon fiber.
09-23-2011, 09:53 AM
#28
Extreme Dimensions
http://www.extremedimensions.com/3390.html
i was planning on buying one myself since i never seen a maxima with it until now^ lol im still going to buy it tho
09-23-2011, 12:45 PM
#30
09-23-2011, 01:22 PM
#32
Like I said a few posts back: I won't be able to do a mock up until Sunday or Tuesday. I work 50+ hours a week so it's difficult for me to find time to do anything. Be patient and I will post something.
09-24-2011, 02:36 AM
#34
I got all my prototype materials ready and have a simple draw up of what I have in mind. I should get some pics up Sunday when I get the time to start this project. Sorry for the delays everyone. Patience and I will deliver. 
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