Extreme Radiator Ducting: Damian Style: *Pictures*
08-21-05, 10:15 PM
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Extreme Radiator Ducting: Damian Style: *Pictures*
When I first purchased my Rx-7, about 3 months ago. (What a glorious summer this has been) it had no radiator ducting whatsoever. The complete undertray was removed in the suspected addition of a new front bumper.
Not knowing much about cooling theory, I figured that this lack of ducting wasn't really a big deal. A few weeks later I met Andy (GooRoo) and Damian (Damian). I soon learned the potential heating problems I would face if I ever wanted to take my Rx-7 to the track! (For those who don't know, it's nearly impossible for any non-track Rx-7 owner to see Damian's setup, and not instantly want to start tracking their car.)
Long story short, with the help of Andy's "Shop" here in the Twin Cities, Damian designed and crafted a ducting solution for my Rx-7 on the eve before my first track day in Brainerd.
I'll cut to the pictures. I must first say that the car is pre-wash, so she's normally not that dirty.
And here is a short movie that gives you a walk around of the ducting.
http://www.bentarnowski.com/Rx-7/undertray/MOV01959.MPG
At first I was really sad when I learned that we didn't have any big Rx-7 shops in Minnesota. I don't feel so bad anymore, because with friendly guys like Damian and Andy, I'm confident that I have more expertise near me then I will ever need.
I'll let Damian chime in with his comments about the materials he used if anybody is interested. Expect the same quality when he starts producing his splitter combo in the coming months.
-Rotary for the win
Not knowing much about cooling theory, I figured that this lack of ducting wasn't really a big deal. A few weeks later I met Andy (GooRoo) and Damian (Damian). I soon learned the potential heating problems I would face if I ever wanted to take my Rx-7 to the track! (For those who don't know, it's nearly impossible for any non-track Rx-7 owner to see Damian's setup, and not instantly want to start tracking their car.)
Long story short, with the help of Andy's "Shop" here in the Twin Cities, Damian designed and crafted a ducting solution for my Rx-7 on the eve before my first track day in Brainerd.
I'll cut to the pictures. I must first say that the car is pre-wash, so she's normally not that dirty.
And here is a short movie that gives you a walk around of the ducting.
http://www.bentarnowski.com/Rx-7/undertray/MOV01959.MPG
At first I was really sad when I learned that we didn't have any big Rx-7 shops in Minnesota. I don't feel so bad anymore, because with friendly guys like Damian and Andy, I'm confident that I have more expertise near me then I will ever need.
I'll let Damian chime in with his comments about the materials he used if anybody is interested. Expect the same quality when he starts producing his splitter combo in the coming months.
-Rotary for the win
08-21-05, 10:19 PM
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Wow, that looks very functional. Glad to hear things are moving forward, Ben. 
I've been lazy about doing this and need to work on sealing off my radiator better. Good job!
I've been lazy about doing this and need to work on sealing off my radiator better. Good job!
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08-22-05, 01:46 AM
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Originally Posted by scratchjunkie
so have you noticed your temps better on the highway?
-Rotary for the win
Here is another pic of her all cleaned up and waxed after my ducting photo session.
Last edited by Rotary4tw; 08-22-05 at 01:49 AM.
08-22-05, 07:36 AM
#16
Great project, I want to do the same!
I have another idea, why not add a piece just behind the radiator down to about the swaybar level to create a low pressure zone behind the rad to help pull air out (see pic)?? Good idea? I saw it in another car's custom ducting project and they tested the temps and it helped.
I have another idea, why not add a piece just behind the radiator down to about the swaybar level to create a low pressure zone behind the rad to help pull air out (see pic)?? Good idea? I saw it in another car's custom ducting project and they tested the temps and it helped.
08-22-05, 11:14 AM
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Originally Posted by neit_jnf
I have another idea, why not add a piece just behind the radiator down to about the swaybar level to create a low pressure zone behind the rad to help pull air out (see pic)?? Good idea? I saw it in another car's custom ducting project and they tested the temps and it helped.
08-22-05, 11:24 AM
#19
Well I thought a raised edge would create a low pressure zone right behind it. That's how most vented hoods create a low pressure zone to pull air out, by having a raised edge right before the actual vent. 
Maybe in my drawing it appears too big, could be just a little lip. Besides, the swaybar and related hardware are right there already creating turbulence...
Maybe in my drawing it appears too big, could be just a little lip. Besides, the swaybar and related hardware are right there already creating turbulence...
Last edited by neit_jnf; 08-22-05 at 11:27 AM.
08-22-05, 11:45 AM
#20
2/4 wheel cornering fiend
Originally Posted by neit_jnf
Well I thought a raised edge would create a low pressure zone right behind it. That's how most vented hoods create a low pressure zone to pull air out, by having a raised edge right before the actual vent.
Originally Posted by neit_jnf
Maybe in my drawing it appears too big, could be just a little lip. Besides, the swaybar and related hardware are right there already creating turbulence...
08-22-05, 12:01 PM
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With a dedicated duct supplying ram air from the front of the car to the radiator a lip under the radiator would be useless for cooling purposes.
My stock front end and stock radiator cool very well with nothing other than fences added to the sides of the nose inlet so that any air entering the mouth cannot escape without passing through the radiator. Cheaper and more effective than just bolting in a bigger radiator as everyone always insists you must.
I experimented with a large forward extending lip as well and it also improved cooling but I don't need it except for the hottest of track days (100+ degrees).
My stock front end and stock radiator cool very well with nothing other than fences added to the sides of the nose inlet so that any air entering the mouth cannot escape without passing through the radiator. Cheaper and more effective than just bolting in a bigger radiator as everyone always insists you must.
I experimented with a large forward extending lip as well and it also improved cooling but I don't need it except for the hottest of track days (100+ degrees).
Last edited by DamonB; 08-22-05 at 12:06 PM.
08-22-05, 07:53 PM
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Temps + Muscle
These temps were recorded about about 40 mins of highway driving this morning.
Also, I ran into a little American muscle on the way home. This guy got a big thumbs up. We were only able to play for about a mile or so due to traffic and reasonablness. Forgive me for having to put the camera down to try to catch him!
http://www.bentarnowski.com/rx-7/undertray/MOV01968.MPG
My next step is to put up some bug guard type stuff to prevent too much from being sucked into the opening!
-Rotary4tw
Also, I ran into a little American muscle on the way home. This guy got a big thumbs up. We were only able to play for about a mile or so due to traffic and reasonablness. Forgive me for having to put the camera down to try to catch him!
http://www.bentarnowski.com/rx-7/undertray/MOV01968.MPG
My next step is to put up some bug guard type stuff to prevent too much from being sucked into the opening!
-Rotary4tw
08-22-05, 11:03 PM
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Hmmm
Originally Posted by scratchjunkie
Rotary4tw - i think your tstat might be stuck open or possibly modded with holes.
I did let the car sit the other night, and watched the temps rise. When it hit 210, the fans came on, so I know it's accurate.
I'm also hopefully installing a PFC this week, so I should have something to cross reference the water temps with.
The oil temps stay pretty low unless I'm sitting around a lot or doing some really spirited driving. The other day in traffic outside the metrodome on a Friday night I was sitting at about 210 d for both water and oil.
I'll keep you posted on the PFC numbers when I get her operational.
-Rotary4tw