Jbaker1121'S FX50 CUSTOM FRONT SPLITTER / REAR DIFFUSER THREAD

[jbaker1121]

This is another Idea I've been toying with after seeing such awesome FXs as Lerry's aka Lerry@Arkperformance with his custom 1-off Cayenne MET-http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8440/7827038242_f072233a76_k.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t280/gto-dave/SHOWS/SEMA_2011/DSCN8181.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp154/Patrick__Haas/IMAG0630.jpgR bodykit front SPLITTER (custom fit to the FX)
and custom modified-from-gallardo-Hammann-bodykit rear DIFFUSER.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6232/6301803606_975d3c19f4_b.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t280/gto-dave/SHOWS/SEMA_2011/DSCN8191.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t280/gto-dave/SHOWS/SEMA_2011/DSCN8184.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t280/gto-dave/SHOWS/SEMA_2011/DSCN8190.jpg
(thanks GToDAVE for the pics!)


Call me crazy, call me mod-hungry, say that I'm just looking for things to tack on and be different and belong in the Autozone lot with the Hellaflush dudes.... but

I have the full Aero kit, and am looking for more. However, I want these to actually be functional.
how can these function? --> http://www.symscape.com/blog/secrets_of_diffusers

I love Lerry's front lip (and must resist copping the same one) and want to do something similar. However, I found cheaper but similar lips from the likes of american muscle, rather than German POWAH:
Stang
http://i.ebayimg.com/t/10-12-Ford-Mustang-Chin-Spoiler-Type-II-/00/$(KGrHqZ,!g4E45V)2wBEBOQqrZg+hg~~0_12.JPG
http://i.ebayimg.com/t/10-12-Ford-Mustang-Type-IV-Chin-Spoiler-Fine-Textured-Black-/00/$(KGrHqV,!lME4lddFcjvBOSnU1iFig~~60_12.JPG

Roush Mustang $189.99 shipped
http://i.ebayimg.com/t/2013-Mustang-Roush-Front-Chin-Splitter-Valance-Kit-w-Instructions-Hardware-/00/s/NjEzWDEwMDA=/$(KGrHqR,!hwF!RqGHOL+BQWdm+Fjyw~~60_57.JPG
http://i.ebayimg.com/t/2013-Mustang-Roush-Front-Chin-Splitter-Valance-Kit-w-Instructions-Hardware-/00/s/NjAwWDEwMDA=/$T2eC16d,!)kE9s4,BMceBQWdnC5QWg~~60_57.JPG

Dodge Challenger (two versions)
Se/RT trim same as below, but no vents)
SRT trim: (has vents and the ability to have functional ducts)
http://i.ebayimg.com/t/08-12-DODGE-CHALLENGER-392-6-4L-FRONT-LIP-LOWER-CHIN-SPOILER-MOPAR-FACTORY-OEM-/00/$(KGrHqZ,!gwE17RNlW5PBNg78)(Nt!~~_3.JPG
http://i.ebayimg.com/t/08-12-DODGE-CHALLENGER-392-6-4L-FRONT-LIP-LOWER-CHIN-SPOILER-MOPAR-FACTORY-OEM-/00/$(KGrHqV,!lkE1F3,JnOiBNg78vZzBg~~_3.JPG
http://www.google.com/imgres?safe=o...nh=175&tbnw=275&start=14&ndsp=19&tx=86&ty=102

There are others but you get the idea ---looking at muscle because the Widths of the cars and the FX are very close - and the OEM parts won't break the bank from domestic

The Met-R cayenne front Splitter is about $650, with the Met-R diffuser more than double that. (sorry to give away your spending, Lerry!)
I'm sure they are high-quality, but It may be possible to go a cheaper route and still look great AND function.

what I have to work with with the Aero front --- flat on the sides, space in middle. "zig zag" look

http://s256.photobucket.com/user/jb...0FA2D17A4E00_zps7cc34799.jpg.html?sort=3&o=22

Plenty of mounting options - can create easy-to access screws and bolts for good fit

Sebastian vettel FX front splitter:






------------------



Diffuser:
Im not exactly sure which design I prefer yet (I like the racing fins) but there are plenty of generic ones that can be made to fit the rear bumper - luckily it's fairly easy on our bumpers due to is being smooth plastic - My lack of muffler leads air to be caught in the bumper so I want something to help the air flow

what we have as far as mounting points/spacing/ where air is getting caught

(will get better pics)

rear of car with aero:





ARP Brand (stick on) aka more expensive options but just to get an idea of what can be used in this application (similar part)
for dodge viper
http://aprperformance.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=286&Itemid=44

for corvette
http://aprperformance.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=285&Itemid=44(not exactly sure on width/fit, need to make measurements

OEM Mustang: (alter-to fit)
http://www.americanmuscle.com/rear-diffuser-1012.html
Mustang APR
http://aprperformance.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=214&Itemid=44

350z
http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/350z01/50-1881

Holden Commodore
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Genuine-..._Accessories&hash=item4d0b5c5f16#ht_500wt_922

More "track-ready" examples
http://www.re-amemiya.co.jp/commodity/image/01_fd_aero/diffuser.jpg

Generic from Chaser aero --- sqaured off, race style but may be easier to retrofit due to design
http://www.aerokits.net/cart/index....keyword=diffuser&inc_subcat=0&sort=20a&page=3
these are "cheap" in comparison.
apparently used a lot for autox
http://www.aerokits.net/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=78_221_1175&products_id=5688

You can also hit up ebay for some generic examples as well as specific car parts that may be able to fit the FX
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trk...R0.TRC0&_nkw=rear+diffuser&_sacat=0&_from=R40

here's an example of a simple one that may look good from the br-z (like lerry's)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2013-Subaru...Parts_Accessories&hash=item5af02bfa4a&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2013-Subaru...Parts_Accessories&hash=item4d0bae6414&vxp=mtr


here's another simple one, like Lerry's) from the sti hatch
http://www.ebay.com/itm/08-13-Subar...Parts_Accessories&hash=item5aeac73a55&vxp=mtr

more generic-shape option from Evo: (fin design)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lancer-EVO-...Parts_Accessories&hash=item4601a928c8&vxp=mtr

Simple add-on from genesis coupe kit (fins)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sequence-Pa...Parts_Accessories&hash=item53f289d8b9&vxp=mtr

generic CF
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cbk-Carbon-...Parts_Accessories&hash=item4853779d8b&vxp=mtr


drag racing aluminum universal
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-R...ncreased-down-force-reduce-drag-/290660214214



Members whohave been around will remember Humberto:
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u245/HumbertoCALI/Stealth FX Vrs 2 Final/RearProfile4.jpg
As much as I dislike the total look of that rear bumper, I like the fins inbetween...


of course these are just examples of what I am talking about.
it is also possible to go other routes, but I prefer the "Fin" design that racing cars tend to go with.

think sebastian vettel again, except not. (Similar concept)


So, I suppose the search begins. Measurements, measurements, phone calls, measurements, prices, custom-fitting......

I essentially want to have parts that can use factory bolting locations and if not, ones that are OEM-esque and just and straightfoward to remove/install as an OEM part.

To be continued...

 

[jdTrader]

Love the rear vettel diffuser. Elegant and tasteful.

 

[jbaker1121]

Love the rear vettel diffuser. Elegant and tasteful.

I agree. I was thinking something more along the lines of staying in between our factory Exhaust outlets and just having fins between them as the diffuser, with an extension forwards to direct air flow more efficiently...

Im going to make a few mock-ups or at least a diagram to show what I'm aiming for

 

[scotthall1515]

I love the rear on the ark fx I def would pay for that

 

[RIPnFX]

Lerry's fx is the dopest 2nd gen out period, hopefully you can come up with something sick like he has done.

 

[Lerry@ARKperformance]

haha i'm glad i'm an inspiration. as for how much I paid, I actually paid close to nothing because I had a deal with VIS Racing and all the custom work, believe it or not, was done in just 3 days. ultimately what I think you should do is draw up a rendering yourself and go to a known shop. For me I'm going to Infinite Auto Design for my next kit (hint hint my new direction) for another one off custom but this time I'll be paying and I know it'll be very worth it. Usually these things will be very hefty on your wallet but the end result is pretty amazing.

---------- Post added at 11:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:03 PM ----------

AND! as for the vettel custom bodywork I already got a quote and its a ridiculous arm and leg...

 

[2010fx35]

So half a arm for the front lip ?

Lerry do you have a youtube vid of your fx? nvm i found it, haha youre my girlfriend last name is liu 0_o guess you guys are related somewhere in the family tree

 

[Lerry@ARKperformance]

I just posted up a clip on your thread

 

[jbaker1121]

haha i'm glad i'm an inspiration. as for how much I paid, I actually paid close to nothing because I had a deal with VIS Racing and all the custom work, believe it or not, was done in just 3 days. ultimately what I think you should do is draw up a rendering yourself and go to a known shop. For me I'm going to Infinite Auto Design for my next kit (hint hint my new direction) for another one off custom but this time I'll be paying and I know it'll be very worth it. Usually these things will be very hefty on your wallet but the end result is pretty amazing.

---------- Post added at 11:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:03 PM ----------

AND! as for the vettel custom bodywork I already got a quote and its a ridiculous arm and leg...

That sounds exciting. I'll take the old splitter and diffuser off your hands when the times comes then
I've been thinking of copying your diffuser styling anyway but having 3 fins instead of your two metal things, and extending it to meet the rear axle-ish so it helps direct air flow

 

[jpra923]

Love the front lip! Too bad nobody mass produces them =(

 

[jbaker1121]

Love the front lip! Too bad nobody mass produces them =(

There are Chinese copies on eBay you just need to find them

 

[jbaker1121]

REAR SPLITTER FOR AN FX50? We return.....

After getting some parallel parking scratches (cough... from the dealer) I decided to get back into the mindset of doing a little custom diffuser....

Looks like I am not the only one wanting one.

I found a rear bumper on eBay that seems to be going towards the right direction, until you see the rear angle view of it... too much for me
at $500 unpainted, not for me.....
http://www.ebay.com/itm/371251162031?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

here's another slightly more expensive option for those wanting the Vettel look (and have vettel money) $2400 shipped...
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2009...2585547845.html?spm=2114.40010308.4.17.k3eE52


however, our Russian friends over at i-gear.ru also have an option for a rear diffuser:

http://www.i-gear.ru/magazin/detail...iy-bamper-infiniti--fx35-qx70-fx37-fx50-fx30d

$22,000rubles aka $500 bucks + shipping.... a bit steep still for me as I don't love the design 100%

I ordered fender flares from them in the past but did not like how they fit (they weren't long enough to go around entire fender, ended where factory mud flaps would be) so don't want to risk the same issue for the price...

so, if you look at our rear lower bumper, the area in question, let's say this is the rear:

/-_( )________( )_-\

----------------------- ~51"
--- ~5"
-------------~27"

Total length from first ( to second ) is ~45", while from inner reflector to inner reflector is ~51". Between exhaust cutouts is ~27", cutouts ~5"

I wanted to make something like the i-gear diffuser, looking like this:

/-_( )__|__|__|__( )_-\


So, figuring out what is on the market, I found out that a w204 2008-10 C63 AMG rear splitter (OEM or aftermarket CF) **may** work with some trimming to fit the curvature of our bumpers. Their measurements are as follows:

/( )__|__|__|__( )\

-------------------------- ~51"
--- ~11.2"
---------------- ~26.2"

Total length on theirs is 51" ; 26.2" between exhaust cutouts, 11.2" exhaust cutouts (they have quad exhaust)


So, when you look at them, it seems that the w204 c63 diffuser just *might* work, needing only a steady hand with a dremel to get it to fit the FX50 well.

However, I need to figure out the different in curvature of the bumper itself, and see exactly where the "end" of the c63 diffuser would be vs. the rear bumper of the FX, as it seems that the c63 diffuser would fit right between the two reflectors (I need to get more precise measurements) which means it will work with the rear OEM aero.

That being said, the i-gear.ru diffuser is $500 + shipping, and I think may not work with the factory rear aero.

I have been finding brand new carbon fiber w204 c63 diffusers for $250 shipped, with non-CF or used ones even less than that

So, if I can find a good deal on one ( I emailed a few sellers from MB forums) to chop up and see if it will fit, I think this may be a good route to go for now for what I want.

The measurements I got were from the eBay page of one of the CF ones, though not the cheapest option: http://www.ebay.com/itm/171715371774?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

this one is priced better, and the fins are not as obnoxious: http://www.ebay.com/itm/161640664269?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

For $199+65 shipping, it's half the price of the i-gear diffuser before shipping, and the i-gear one isn't carbon fiber.

It is also possible that the w211 e55amg rear diffusers work, but those tend to be harder to come by or more expensive in CF form...

That being said, I found a few local ones that I may be able to get at a cheaper price.



quick photoshop to illustrate how they may line up.... the scaling may be a bit off, but I estimated...

re-measured my bumper, and it is likely that the c63 CF piece would cover most of the lower black plastic of the bumper, and fit right between the oem AERO, likely even lining right up with the curved portion, like pic # 3/4 in the last post, as the 51" length of the diffuser is about the same at the length of the curved lower black plastic portion, between the aero pieces...

With any luck, it should end up fitting pretty well into the space, like the following pic, and needing only some minor trimming to match up with the curvature of the bumper for an OEM fit.... only issue is how it ends up lining up with the reflectors and all.

my measuring shows it will end up something like this: (forgot to tint the carbon more grey)

post-facelift, with the extra piece may have it reaching the painted portion:


pre-facelift may end up fitting pretty well with the 'line' that is already there (well, I hope so)






here's a photoshop w/ quad tips, to fill in that gap like the c63... however I am not sure I want to cut up the factory bumper to make this look work. I really just wanted something I could add/remove without altering the stock bumper... but it sure does look good....








here's the Quad look, but with the diffuser painted/plastic to match the OEM bumper lower a bit better. Also makes it less "race"








I will have to see what happens once I have one in my hands... looks like it wold fit like the above ^^ but maybe reach the painted portion of the bumper... it's also possible that the reflector and the exhaust tip would both fit within the opening of the Cf piece, looking a little cleaner... have to see what happens when have one to fit on...







~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



SWITCHING GEARS TO THE FRONT SPLITTER/LIP

as I was lurking the benz forums for rear diffusers, I realized that not only may the rear diffuser for the w204 c63 work, but the rear diffuser for the w211 e55 may work, which led me to see that front splitters/lips may also work for our 2nd gen FX with the aero front lip if you look to w211 E55 front lips/splitters.

It turns out that the 2nd gen FX aero has a similar shape to the e55's lower front bumper, and length for both is about 70",
so that aftermarket lips made for those may work out for the s51 with aero...

For example: carbon fiber, $269 shipped:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2002-2006-C...ash=item35f6b753f2:g:-tkAAOSwf-VWX-La&vxp=mtr

bare black plastic, $230 shipped
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CARKING-MAT...ash=item4aee954704:g:afYAAOSwyQtVyuWV&vxp=mtr

non carbon fiber, unpainted: $170 shipped

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CARKING-UNP...ash=item5b16bdeff3:g:R~MAAOSwGotWj4MZ&vxp=mtr

or http://www.ebay.com/itm/2003-2006-M...ash=item3f5179ff3b:g:jawAAOSwu4BVwnZL&vxp=mtr

I have not found measurements of those particular lips yet, but since the front bumpers are a similar width (~70") and due to the curved styling, I think they may work out with some minor adjustments, and a steady hand with a dremel... plus a little more room for error with this style splitter as opposed to the rear diffuser...


quick photoshop to show how they may line up. there are two types for the e55: a "rounded" one and a "pointy" one... The round one may be best...









However, later I realized that the c63 AMG front CF splitters may actually work better because of the more rounded Splitter styles, like shown here: http://g02.a.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1Mctc...-b-font-GH-Style-font-b-AMG-b-font-Carbon.jpg

Both front bumpers are about 70", and have similar styling when comparing the lower AMG and the lower AERO-2nd gen.

Here's a photoshop with a c63 AMG front splitter..





So, that's what I'm thinking as the mod bug is beginning to bite again...

Stay tuned...

 

[ocal21]

Good luck with this project hopefully you can come out with something that other members decide to do after you.

 

[jbaker1121]

Good luck with this project hopefully you can come out with something that other members decide to do after you.

Hopefully! It would be really great if these end up lining up as the measurements show they may.... best thing to do is to just get them in and play around with them

 

[nima]

does this mean you've ordered the parts and waiting to get them so we'll be seeing more pics soon?

 

[jbaker1121]

does this mean you've ordered the parts and waiting to get them so we'll be seeing more pics soon?

I found a rear diffuser locally but for the price he (and others selling used) wants may as well buy new...
as for the front splitter, I found a couple of used ones on the forums but again, can just order new for a similar price....

I wish there was somebody local who had both laying around so I could see how they lined up... I'm going off of measurements and guessing based on knowing the cars' shapes. I really think it may end up pretty nicely with the factory curved lines of the black plastic lower, but am not sure how it will sit...

 

[nima]

Can we not order those parts from a MB dealer and return them if they're not used/installed? I thought that return policy applies to parts

 

[jbaker1121]

Can we not order those parts from a MB dealer and return them if they're not used/installed? I thought that return policy applies to parts

There is no OEM CF option irrc and I'm not sure about the return policy, I think they may charge a restocking fee. When I was playing with fender flares I wanted to order a set from ford for an f150 and it was a 30% restocking fee...

I have a friend with a c63 AMG but it is the "facelift" version, but I am trying to coordinate a meet-up to measure... It seems like the top of the CF diffusers is pretty straight and may cut off about 3/4 up the rear black plastic portion, so not sure if it would be better to use a pre or post-facelip (post has the extra middle part)

I am trying to convince a couple ebay sellers to send me more specific measurements...

 

[nima]

Were you able to get any measurements? I just ordered the aero lip and gonna drop by the local Merc dealer soon with a tape measure. I'm sure I'll get a few weird looks

 

[jbaker1121]

Were you able to get any measurements? I just ordered the aero lip and gonna drop by the local Merc dealer soon with a tape measure. I'm sure I'll get a few weird looks

Yes I got measurements front lip is about 69" - should be around the same width as the aero lip, but different designs are different.

The rear diffusers are also about 51" as mentioned above. However, the height/depth may not be as tall as I originally thought. Only about 9"-11" tall depending on which model (08-09/10+ are different in back)

We actually have a 2010 c300 at home but not the sport so it does not have the diffuser on back, but I measured the approx area and it was about 51"

I should be getting a lip in within the next week or so - didnt want to order it and have it sitting inside til the snow melted....