1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

front bumper replacement - good looks and downforce

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Old Jun 24, 2003 | 11:06 AM
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front bumper replacement - good looks and downforce

im looking to to a custom front bumper replacement on my 83 and im looking for something that looks cool but actually provides front end downforce as well....it doesnt really matter which car its made for because im doing a custom installation...any ideas?
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Old Jun 24, 2003 | 11:52 AM
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What advantage is down force on the front end?
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Old Jun 24, 2003 | 12:06 PM
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front end downforce keeps the tires sticking to the road on sharp turns....when a car goes around a curve it experiences centrifical force not on just the back end but the whole car including the front. if you have ever seen an indy car they have huge wings not just in the back but right on the nose as well.
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Old Jun 24, 2003 | 12:07 PM
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What your going to end up with is an air dam in essence
when it comes to the front end, the body lines are going to be tough to fab. some sort of spoiler that works and looks good too.
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Old Jun 24, 2003 | 12:34 PM
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Oopps Double Post

My Bad
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Old Jun 24, 2003 | 02:46 PM
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Like mine?
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Old Jun 24, 2003 | 03:33 PM
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I sell just the thing 4ya! And it attatches to the bottom of the stock bumper cover. It is a air splitter that has adjustable links to create downforce as well as adding greatly improved cooling for rads and intercoolers etc.
It sells for $150.00 USD. I will post pics later on.
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Old Jun 25, 2003 | 01:58 AM
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post away oliver, sounds like something i could remove for daily driving so i wouldnt shatter it on a driveway doh
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Old Jun 25, 2003 | 03:03 AM
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There are plenty out. Best would be a complete bumper and airdam, not a piece that goes under the stock bumper. depending on shape, quality and brands, prices can vary. If you buy the cheapest, you'll probable end up with something pretty bad. So do your homework.
Mariah makes nice ones, but others are around.
As for the downforce topic... The stock nose works as a airplane wing, it'll slightly lift the car at high speed. The airdam will solve this, and thus making the front wheels (and therefor steering) contact the road surface better.
BUT: those high speeds are way higher then your average! At 100 mph it might start to become noticeable. I have been driving 120+mph in my old 1984 stock FB. And it only started to feel a bit weird at 110-120mph. Nothing to worry, and even at top speed (around 200km/h, 125mph) it wasn't like something to really get scared of. In my current car, capable of higher speeds, and with a Mariah mode 1 widebody, I hardly feel any difference until I pass the 100mph mark, and it only becomes a clear difference above 125mph, in other words, with a stock Seven you'll not even going to reach the speed where it really makes a difference!
Airdams are mainly for looks, and we might just aswell admit it. One plus though: my car recieves a lot more cooling wind through that big mouthed Mariah airdam...
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Old Jun 25, 2003 | 02:03 PM
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for now im going to keep the stock bumper and concentrate on engine work but when im ready i think im gonna find a cool looking body kit and do some custom alterations to add downforce and fit it to my car....J Oliver whats this thing your talking about i wanna see some pics
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Old Jun 25, 2003 | 02:07 PM
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I would like something also to keep the front down at high speeds. I don't really want a whole airdam, just something small and effective.

My car wants to go faster, but I don't since it does start to "float" at speeds higher than 120.
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Old Jun 25, 2003 | 02:16 PM
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here's mine in my sig. it creates plenty of downforce and when i am driving it gets PLENTY of air to the radiator. keeps the car way way cool. almost too cool in the winter.
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Old Jun 25, 2003 | 02:44 PM
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What kind is it FB II?

I was looking at the Mariah ones, but they are damn expensive.
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Old Jun 25, 2003 | 03:15 PM
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I like the one at Demonspeed. http://demonspeed.com/demon.htm, It is under Products and 1gen airedam. Not sure how the quality is though. I figured I'd ask around when I get closer to needing one.
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Old Jun 26, 2003 | 08:06 AM
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I would be leary, just look at the condition of the car in the picture!!

I would not post a pic of anything that is dirty and covered with leaves if I wanted to sell it.
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Old Jun 26, 2003 | 09:21 AM
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Yeah, I was noticing that, it makes me leary, but, I do really like the style with the round light and the flare at the bottom though.
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