I would think that the J's front bumper (the type s I believe it's called) along with the canards would provide some major downforce

 

the angle of the canards is very hard to set properly in order to gain the most downforce. excessive downforce will also slow the car down imo.

 

If you want downforce I would go with CR lip, C-West front or Mugen Splitter or Mugen front as far as I know these are the only wind tunnel tested parts.

 

Thanks for the input, everyone. Sounds like the CR lip might be my best option as far as performance and price go. Mugen has some great stuff, but it's just too expensive.

 

this is a pretty nice setup. I wonder how the downforce of this compares to the CR lip. Not crazy about those connecting rods on the splitter though

 

I dont think many people here really understand how downforce is generated. There is no reason that the OEM lip would aid in creating downforce. It is really just for looks.

I know some companies out there claim that they add downforce (and the CR lip too) and this is probably true to some extent. But my guess, is that in general they are just reducing front end lift more so than actually adding downforce.

All that said, you would need to be moving at a pretty decent speed to get anything over a few pounds.

(I have a degree in aerospace engineering so I'm not totally talking outta my ass)

 

^ wouldn't reducing lift or adding downforce be a very similiar effect? I dont think I understand the difference other than the amount of downforce a specific item creates?

I mean if I am going around a sweeper at 100mph or faster and I have lift my tires upfront ar going to tend to understeer, If I have a CR lip and it deminishes lift and allows my front tires to maintain their grip (granted it may not be enough downforce to pull there car down to the tarmac or anything) wouldn't that be the effect the end user is looking for? Sorry I dont have an aerospace or aerodynamic background .

I can tell you this with the Mugen Lip/Splitter my front end is lower (gap between the fender liner and tires) at speeds over 70mph than with the OEM lip... Thats forsure tested on streets I drive on daily

 

Yes, reducing lift in effect "adds" downforce. What I was saying is I think the effect would be minimal at lower speeds. At higher speeds (100mph sweeper) you will probably get some benefit from a WELL DESIGNED aero kit.

However, I think an OEM (AP1 or AP2) lip wouldn't do much. If Honda claims the CR lip does something I would tend to except that as fact.

I guess what I'm saying is don't expect huge gains. Anything you can bolt on can only be so good. Gaps, bumps, etc can greatly effect flow. I think the best gains would come from a full front bumper (reducing gaps and allowing better control of surfaces in the manufacturing process) and probably a splitter as well.

 

I think you definitely have a point...I'm sure a lot of these bumpers/lips don't provide much, if any, downforce. Let's be realistic here...for the weekend racer, are any of these options (CR lip, Mugen bumper, etc.) going to have any noticeable difference on performance? Or should I just go with the option that I think looks best?

 

Thanks for the explanation and I agree with you 100%. I dont have the background that you do so I was just looking for clarification not trying to call you out or anything