ABS Side Diffusers (And other parts)

[Twenty]

Seeing as how the first-gen W-bodies don't have the largest aftermarket, I'm going to have to make some of the items I want, and hopefully I can provide some to anyone else interested. First on my list is the exterior.

I've been looking into making some ABS side diffusers (And potentially other parts) for my Grand Prix, but after pricing out some ABS sheets from a local shop, I realized it's not the most economical approach to make just one set. Because I do want some though, I thought I'd see if anyone else would like a set, or other parts made out of ABS, so that I can use the extra material I'll end up with.

If you're wondering what side diffusers are, below are a couple of links to pictures. Essentially, they mount under the rocker panels (or side skirts, if equipped), and extend out from the sides of the car. By themselves, they're primarily for aesthetics, but can become very functional when teamed with an underbelly to seal off the bottom of the car (Guess which I'm going for). They can be with or without a small winglet at the back end.

http://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=800319&st=0 (Diffusers)
http://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=805050 (Brief Install Overview)

The ABS I have my eye on is black, so paint shouldn't be needed unless you want another colour, but they can be painted/vinyled if desired. Pricing would depend on how big of an item you want, but a pair of diffusers (Basically the biggest parts that could be made) should cost around $75-120 CDN. I'm keeping a wide range because I don't know for sure yet. :lol:

I am open to requests for other items as well, as long as the parts are a reasonable size, but think along the lines of side diffusers, winglets, block-off plates, intake boxes, and so on. If this goes ahead all of the 'manufacturing' will be carried out by yours truly, so I'll post updates for those interested.

[Twenty]

Bump. Does anyone want/need some ABS parts?

[White93z34]

both the links you provided are dead

[Twenty]

Thanks for letting me know, that was fast. I've updated the first post with new links. :thumbsup:

[gpchris]

Depending on the design id be interested in front and sides. Maybe even rear if it doesnt look ridiculous.

[white4d96]

This could be interesting...

I will def. be tuned in.

[Twenty]

Depending on the design id be interested in front and sides. Maybe even rear if it doesnt look ridiculous.

The sides could be with or without the winglets, depending on each person's own tastes. I haven't finally decided which I want though. :lol: Apart from the winglets, the main piece would be a basic flat plate to mount underneath.

The next step would be a basic front splitter if I go that far, but I have no ideas for a rear diffuser yet (Or other parts), as I haven't figured out how I'd integrate one so that it wouldn't look horribly tacked-on.

[GOT2B GM]

If want to make anything, I would reproduce 89-93 B4U / B4M valances

[AL]

Or 284 trans mounts

[white4d96]

The sides could be with or without the winglets, depending on each person's own tastes. I haven't finally decided which I want though. :lol: Apart from the winglets, the main piece would be a basic flat plate to mount underneath.

The next step would be a basic front splitter if I go that far, but I have no ideas for a rear diffuser yet (Or other parts), as I haven't figured out how I'd integrate one so that it wouldn't look horribly tacked-on.

Splitters are easy to fab up. I had a writeup in a magazine somewhere, I'll have to see if i can find it.

[gpchris]

If want to make anything, I would reproduce 89-93 B4U / B4M valances
x2, thats where the moneys at. I dont think ive ever seen one still intact.



Or 284 trans mounts
Im actually making a polyurethane one for mine. If anyones interested i can make more.

[Twenty]

The trans mount is a good idea, but I unfortunately don't have the ability to reproduce them. The same goes for the valence at this time. Perhaps as I get some experience with the material and an OEM piece to work with.

As for the splitter, I'd just have to jack up the front of my car to see where it could be attached to the vehicle. The sides would be easier because I already know where and how they'd mount. Speaking of which, I'll try to come up with a more accurate quote for the sides.

[Psych0matt]

The trans mount is a good idea, but I unfortunately don't have the ability to reproduce them. The same goes for the valence at this time. Perhaps as I get some experience with the material and an OEM piece to work with.
.

I have an OEM TGP valence that you could possibly use, under the idea that I get it back (and possibly get a reproduced one out of it :wink: )

[slick]

The only piece that I could see worthwhile making, in somewhat of a larger quantity (ok, more like 20-30 realistically), would be the valence for the GP's.

In all reality, the body lines of these cars would look ridiculous with diffusers on them.

The practicality of them works in a few ways:

-Aerodynamic drag (good for high speeds to help plant wheels)

-Aerodynamic improvement (good for gas mileage)

In all reality, I think we can guess which of the above two mentioned are going to be useful for these vehicles, as there is not a single W-body (that I currently know of), that constantly maintains high enough speeds to benefit from these.

If it were me, I would focus on making parts to improve aerodynamic efficiency, while still trying to maintain some level of not making the vehicle look gaudy.

Suggestions:

Under body pans/ belly trays made of something light weight: Create something that is universal, especially for the 1st gens, and you may have something.

Tire air deflectors- Just redirecting the air to not hit your tires is a humongous improvement.

Grill blocks- Make the air move over the vehicle more efficiently.

[Twenty]

I still have ideas in my head, and I would like to expand production with more aero parts as time goes on, but I decided to start small with the basics; the small side diffusers (Which would then go in conjunction with an underbelly to become functional), a simple front splitter, and possibly a couple of other small pieces, aero-related or not. Nothing big and in-your-face, they'd be subtle and black so as to not stand out too much.

A good friend of mine does work like this all the time for real race cars so I discuss ideas with him, and will work with him if this progresses into bigger pieces.

Plus, the underside of my car is going to be constantly coated in snow and slush for the next few months, so don't really feel like jacking it up and taking measurements under it for an underbelly just yet. :lol:

Not to mention I'd have to consider coolers for fluids to make up for the lack of airflow to the underside of the engine and tranny.

[Psych0matt]

We all know what happens when you have a busted valence...

[Garrett Powered]

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e152/garrettpowered/bodykit2.jpghttp://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e152/garrettpowered/bodykit1.jpg


make this

[Psych0matt]

make something like this, but not this

fixed

[Twenty]

:lol:

That's too big, not to mention I'd need a car to use for designing the parts. I'm looking for parts that can be built from measurements, without having to secure a test vehicle.

[Shadow96SE]

If you're still looking for ideas .. 94-96 GP Coupe window switch plates. I'd buy 2 sets or more right off the bat... =/