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Rear Diffuser? How much does it help?

Old 06-26-2006 | 08:14 PM
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Default Rear Diffuser? How much does it help?

Hi guys, I've tried to search for the benefits of a rear underbody diffuser at a track event, but didn't really find anything in the racing/comp threads. Does anyone have any info on this? Thanks!

-stephen
Old 06-27-2006 | 12:43 PM
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I guess no one really uses them hehe
Old 06-27-2006 | 01:00 PM
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Well there's no doubt that aerodynamics help. However, without a wind tunnel, it's hard to quantify how much they help and on what tracks at what speeds. There was a thread in which underbody panels/aero was discussed not too long ago, too.
Old 06-27-2006 | 01:48 PM
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Yeah, a wing is much simpler to analyze. You can just change the angle of attack and check your lap times and mid-corner and braking zone speeds.
Old 06-28-2006 | 10:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Nobody,Jun 27 2006, 01:00 PM
Well there's no doubt that aerodynamics help. However, without a wind tunnel, it's hard to quantify how much they help and on what tracks at what speeds. There was a thread in which underbody panels/aero was discussed not too long ago, too.
Yeah both of your replies make perfect sense, I'll look up the thread thanks!

-stephen
Old 06-29-2006 | 05:15 AM
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A diffuser on its own probably gets you nothing measurable but I'm sure it would work very well as part of a complete aero package designed by an expert and tested in a tunnel. That said there is more time and speed to be gained in driver mods vs. vehicle mods.
Old 06-29-2006 | 06:15 AM
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Originally Posted by cthree,Jun 29 2006, 07:15 AM
A diffuser on its own probably gets you nothing measurable but I'm sure it would work very well as part of a complete aero package
A properly designed diffuser conceivably can get you MORE than a wing, the problem being, are there any properly designed ones being built for our cars.

I know that if the angle of the diffuser is between 8-12 degrees then it is possible to get downforce without the drag that you get from a wing, but the angle is just one of the pieces to the puzzle. Our rear ends do appear to allow for a diffuser of that angle.

I too would like to know if anyone is running a diffuser to any benefit. I wouldn't like one of the gargantuan Nascar type diffusers.
Old 06-29-2006 | 10:58 AM
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isn't the diffuser effectiveness as much dependent on the ride height..and cleaning up the airflow with a flat bottom..

it's a shame honda didn't do anything with the rear aero.. apart from making it a parachute.. even the most mundane cars have been running rear bumpers that help rather than hinder the areo..

for example, one of the new saabs.. with a shaped rear bumper.

Old 06-29-2006 | 11:01 AM
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want to see a functional diffuser, look at the arse of the f430.
Old 06-29-2006 | 11:17 AM
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here's a functional diffuser on my friend's elise....



i am in the process of making one for the S but yeah its really hard to engineer a functional one without wind tunnel.....

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