CatmanFS

Before I had a third gen, I had a 4th gen 95.

Unfortunately, or fortunately, however you want to look at it, I totaled that car in an unrelated accident due to a bent tie rod. It was a great car and I loved working with modifying parts and I even fabricated a custom diffuser for it. It was well built and performed beautifully.

The handling went through the roof, and the freeway driving became so much easier due to the decreased turbulence coming out of the back end that you could cut through even the heaviest traffic like butter.

The next car I got was a 92 RS V8, and I loved that car. I was a bit more careful about it and never made any fab parts or custom anything. Did engine and body work. I was in the process of building another diffuser when I was t-boned turning into a bank. The car was virtually totaled, guy hit me in the tri-fold behind the passenger door.

Anyway, my point is that the diffuser that I built for the 95 would bolt up underneath the gas tank in exactly the same way on the 92. It was built out of a thin sheet of metal, some non-slip rubber matting, and a few sheets of lexan from a local hardware store. I'm sure that the existing design would work just as well as the one on the 95, and I was considering using some molds and casting a newer version out of carbon fiber or some sort of abs plastic.

I was wondering if anyone would be interested in seeing me continue my work with this. If anyone would like to see some work-ups or a few pictures I'd gladly supply them to someone who was interested in buying one.

BADNBLK

iTrader: (11)

Post your pics man.

83 Crossfire TA

iTrader: (2)

Pics???

T/Aperformance

I'm sure many here would like one, I'm wanting one myself and is in my plans to build one, But I would buy one if it was built well and looked good. So like other pics please.

CatmanFS

I don't seem to have any pics of the 95 that I had installed the first one on, and I need a third gen body to start mounting the newer one onto. The second one I was building isn't completed yet, but I'll post some pics of the wip tomorrow when I get some time.

Caveman305

iTrader: (8)

im interested in seeing this

91RedBigFinZ

I may be interested, need to see pics. If it is made from carbon fiber you'd really have my attention.

Blade09

I'm in, if its somewhat affordable.

CatmanFS

Alright, if I'm going to do this, I'll need access to a third gen body and frame. I know a guy willing to sell one for $300, so I'm going to scrounge up some extra cash and get the car body. Once I have that I'll be able to build more of them. The first ones will be constructed the same way, so I'll have to sell a few of them before I can start casting out of carbon fiber, which I hear can be more expensive. This should be fun.

RaverRacerX

fiberglass is a good 'budget' material as is kevlar. a neat trick would be working out a 'poor mans' blown diffuser.

Mr. IROC-Z

iTrader: (1)

I would be interested in buying one also....

6SIX6

iTrader: (35)

Id be interested to see it for sure before I would want one

CatmanFS

I need to generate some revenue so I can buy a Camaro body for test fitting. Once I have that, I can show you some mock ups, and eventually post some simple informative videos explaining their function and usage.

morrow

ive been designing one for my 92 but just out of cardboard and paper, figuring out my temp lets, im very interested in seeing this

CatmanFS

Like I said, I've built this before, and it worked amazingly. You would have to have driven a car with one installed in order to understand what I'm talking about. I have the parts lying around, and I'm still scouting the local hardware stores for a few more materials / finishing touches I can add to the original design. As simple as it was, it made driving safer, and more fun, and as a side note, it could have been a factor in saving my life in a near fatal car accident last year. I'm still walking and talking because of the safety features already on the car, and it is my honest belief that this 'contraption' helped make sure that I could write this to you guys today. Like I said, before I can start building more of them, I need to get a hold of an old Camaro body. Just need to save up some money. I'll have your pics and proof. Just have a little patience.

tylercamaro

iTrader: (1)

patience is bad pics good =)

Dakota W.

I'd be interested if it wasn't to expensive. I wouldn't be able to make a purchase for a while though, I'm not even up and running yet . But from the sounds of it, it fits my driving style ....cutting through traffic like butter on the freeway.

CatmanFS

I can't find any pictures of the diffuser on the 94, I lost a hard drive's worth of data to a format and they may have been lost. Use your imagination, it looks like the bat mobile.

I defiantly don't approve of dicing in and out of cars and trucks on the freeway, but from my experience, it can help get out of a hairy situation, and helps reduce the jet-wash effect.

BlackMamba

iTrader: (6)

Cant wait to see this how it comes it.. been thinking of getting one for my car

morrow

hurry up hahah

Dakota W.

It would be great if we could at least get some diagrams to get an idea, and maybe even improve upon them.

CatmanFS

Here's an idea to keep you all interested.

Dakota W.

The idea I was going for was much less...generalized. That looks like every diffuser ever made. I suppose I should've been more specific. Could we see diagrams with measurements as well as reference to where the diffuser would bolt up?

fatalicshock

Id buy one

T/Aperformance

Now why would someone give you diagrams with measurements and reference to where it would bolt up? That would make it very easy for someone fabricate there own with out doing the real hard work. This person is looking to make these to sell.

morrow

hmmm.. thats a very simple design... what material are you thinking?

Dakota W.

When he posts a picture of the real product it's not going to be very hard to duplicate either.

Mr. IROC-Z

iTrader: (1)

Don't mean to sound rude but it's just a diffuser. It's not going to make much of a difference on our cars since most of us don't hit speeds of >150MPH on the roads. You have mentioned that it has gotten you out of crazy situations and you can 'feel it'. Is this some sort of magical diffuser???....hahaha. For me, I am basically just getting it for the looks. I don't like the way the rear end looks (shallow) and a diffuser will bring the bottom end lower and make it look 'fuller'.

CatmanFS

Trust me, it makes a big difference. I'll write up a comprehensive report on the effects, and provide real numbers and pictures to support my claims. I'm not going to build and sell something without some kind of reassurance. You might buy it for the looks, true, but you'll keep it for the magic. I promise.

DBLTKE

iTrader: (1)

I've been thinking about building one too. Did you do anything to smooth the underbody airflow leading up to the diffuser?

ghettocruiser

iTrader: (4)

Hmm...Im intrigued. While I dont think you would realistically see a dramatic difference in heavy traffic or highway manuvers, it SHOULD in theory help with higher highway speeds. Speeds that you could be within the speed limit even. But I dont see it helping to avoid any type of situation or providing an amazing amount of feeling during normal driving. Shouldnt be driving like that around traffic anyway!!

I would think that even without a smooth under belly, you'd still get a good bit of benefit at the rear. Mainly just removing the parachute effect from the rear bumper area. Our cars (at least the couple Trans Ams Ive had) are actually fairly smooth underneith. Lots of paneling behind the front bumper cover, long side skirts that are flat on the bottom. That all helps channel the air.

Also, On my 86, the stock "diffusers" are still there under the side skirts. Im not sure if thats what they were intended for, but they're there.

Im interested in how the OP is designing the vanes for the diffuser, and how they are figuring out length, quanity, and shape. That all plays a big roll. But it could really be cool.

And hey, if nothign else...it'll look darn good if built well!

J.

CatmanFS

I wouldn't recommend building these yourself. It's dangerous to build anything that changes the natural airflow of the vehicle. That being said, mechanical failure would occur before my design could fail. That's the beauty of passive aerodynamic properties.

Dakota W.

Getting into a car is dangerous. I've driven a full-sized U-haul truck, I'm not really bothered by the danger a bad diffuser would cause.

CatmanFS

It's not until you're sitting in a car spinning out of control toward a cliff face do you really realize what you should and should not have done. Trust me, leave it to the professionals, I'm sure if you're not concerned about the dangers, other motorists are. Improper equipment poses as much a danger to them as it does yourself.

Mr. IROC-Z

iTrader: (1)

Lol...I can't tell if you are being serious or making a joke. Again, it is just a diffuser (a very small plate with fins on the underside of our cars). It's not going to make a life changing effect on our street driven cars.

Dakota W.

I've been spinning out of control on a wet road with a river to my right as well as a 30 ft drop to that river. But I managed to go for the big hill to my left, across traffic. That was when I first got the camaro, it had bald tires on the back and it was raining. I placed the rear bumper on the hill, and came out of it with just a half inch tear on the bottom of it, it's not even noticable. I don't see how you're a professional as you've posted no credentials.

CatmanFS

2 near fatal accidents averted are my credentials, and constructing a component that could have made your maneuver more controllable makes me a professional.

morrow

ok, first off, i imagine you understand aerodynamically how it works and the properties of aerodynamics... soo.. actually... if the car starts gliding sideways or spinning? the diffuser does nothing... a diffusers job is to stricktly smooth outh the airflow exiting the rear of the vehicle lowering the air pressure due to the fact the the air is less turbulent...in return it will bring the rear end down and create more traction, kind of like a vacuum effect... but its not going to do it at 60....a spoiler will be more of an improvement at lower speeds the a diffuser, now.. im not knocking on your know how, but i do study aerodynamics in my spare time for fun... i will be building a diffuser at some point also, and i am curious as to what you come up with.. but its not high on the list..

myroc86

If you are a professional does that make Jimmie Johnson, Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen super heroes?? I am honestly glad to hear you survived a near fatal wreck, I myself have done the same. But that doesnt mean I am a professional. The diffuser on these cars could look pretty mean if done right, but wouldnt have any effect on every day driving. If you take it on the track we may have a different discussion. Being around and working in racing big aero modifications dont seem to come into play untill you're over 100 mph. As for the construction of your diffuser someone posted earlier, fiberglsss. It is light, looks good, and is A LOT cheaper than carbon. If you decide to do carbon I recomend doing a lot of research, because there is a lot more to it than people think and id hate for you to spend all that money and not get the results you were looking for.


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dennisbernal91z

iTrader: (2)

I feel like this whole thread is in the twilight zone. The diffuser will help only when going fast like people are stating and its effects, even going fast would be minimal to zero AT BEST. Like Mr. IROCK said, this is not a magical part. People put these on cars for the look of it. Thats it. If you think that this is somehow going to do something you can "feel", then you must also think that swapping that filter for a K&N picks up 36 HP!! (when in reality it is more like 4-6, again, at best)

myroc86

wait...I dont gain 36 hp with my K&N filter?!?!


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ghettocruiser

iTrader: (4)

Eh...i was being open minded. But ya lost me with this. I want to see pictures of your old diffuser. How do you not have any pics of all that fab!!

I still think it would look cool though. I want something to keep my big magnaflow exhaust tips company!!

J.

Mr. IROC-Z

iTrader: (1)

4-6hp for KN? I would guess it would be like .5hp...or even anything at all. In regards to the diffuser, make a prototype so we can see what you are talking about. I'd be happy to order one if it 'looks' cool.

CatmanFS

I've had enough nit picking. I know how people are. No need to explain things that are already understood. Please stop giving me a hard time about this. I made it, I tested it, I know what it can do, not you. You build some piece of garbage with the sole intention of looking good and it's going to go flying off down the freeway and kill a Prius full of kindergarteners. Let me handle this. I'm talking directly to people interested, and I can fit your needs specifically, whatever you want, and at a reasonable price. This is my skill, it is my trade, and I take my work seriously.

Let me make some things clear:
It will not make you breakfast
It will not clean your toilets
It won't pay bills or mow the lawn

It is what it is, it doesn't get any simpler than that.

I could tell you that I have a masters degree is aeronautics, but it wouldn't change your minds.

I'll have some pictures so you understand what I do, and prove to you all that I'm taking this as seriously as a severed artery.

I'll get some write-ups from satisfied customers and then you can decide for yourself.

I can't be too specific because I know there's a$$holes that will steal the ideas and use it themselves, but even if that was to happen, their little knock offs can't come close to what I know in my heart to be true.

tylercamaro

iTrader: (1)

just an FYI a key to a foruym argument is keeping cool, your right no one is gonna know what you know but proof is key, its hard to take someones word over the internet because well for as many proven brainiacs theres just as many complete fools, and as many nice guys theres as many bastards looking for a cheap dollar.

get some proof, some pictures and so on otherwise dont worry about the whole aerodynamics, hp, etc sell it for looks for now

Mr. IROC-Z

iTrader: (1)

I don't think anyone on this board will buy your product unless we see an actual item. In terms of your design being copied, you shouldn't even be worried about that. We all have 'custom' stuff done to our cars. This is what the hobby is all about. If I am going to spend $200-400 on your product, I need to see it, and how it fits on the car before I make any payments.

Dakota W.

So, at 35 mph, with bald tires, and a wet road, a diffuser that is intended for high-speed would've saved me? There was no traction to be had, and no amount of downforce is going to change that. I've had multiple accidents averted, just from being a good driver and paying attention to the road, so you could say that I'm suited to be a nascar driver, just going by your logic. Show some credentials, and show some pics. I would give someone else just starting out in the forums just as hard as a time I'm giving you. I work hard for my money, and some people don't. I just want to know that you aren't some people, which can be done by showing REPUTABLE credentials.

ghettocruiser

iTrader: (4)

Easy there. Dont derail yourself. Here's the problem. Youre telling us how important it is to design it properly, and build it properly, if not, it will cause adverse effects to handling, or fly off and kill people. Fine...I wont build it myself. BUT...now I want to see something that tells me YOURE qualified to build it haha. You're kind of sinking yourself by making this sound more complicated than it has to be You'll get much better response if we start off slow and know you got some fab skills under your belt.

How about letting us know exactly what your trade is? Or what you do? If its your trade...there HAS to be something you can get pictures of.

You could TELL me you have a degree in aeronautics...OR, you can show me a picture of your degree! But telling us "you'll see" isnt going to keep much interest.

Im still in to see a product though. Because I still think it could look pretty cool, and if it ends up having a positive effect on handling, even if its at the track...all the better! This is what makes this hobby fun. Guys coming up with cool stuff. Just dont leave us hanging with all this talk and no results like many other cool ideas that vaporize!!

J.

CatmanFS

Within the course of a few days? Give it time. It took me a few weeks to build and test the first one. The diffuser panels sit long ways on the rear of the car, and can cause drag when facing side to side air, like in the case of a spin out, it could help you slow down. There are credentials and credentials, but I dedicated my life to this project, and I hope you all can respect that.

Formula 305

Nobody can really say it if it will or will not work merely by reading a description of the part. I'd be interested to see some sort of data, maybe some sort of computer model that can simulate a wind tunnel. If designed properly it isn't outside the range of possibilities that this would provide a noticeable performance gain, probably not at street speeds but possibly at speeds approaching 100 MPH. And if it reduces drag it may even return a MPG or 2 at highway speeds.

So OP don't get discouraged by nay-sayers and continue with your project. I look forward to seeing how it turns out.