34 replies to this topic

[squarepant5]

Hi all,

 

This may be a no go straight from the start or it may have some legs. I don't know which is why I'm asking you 'orrible lot.

 

My thought process

 

I'm after a rear diffuser for my NA. It seems there's two options that I can find (if there are any other cost effective options please let me know) an ali item from http://www.lmfvauxha...user-VX220.html. I like the design of this but it being ali it could weigh quite a bit. I recall the site mentioning it weighs 15kg although I cannot see that information now so can't be certain. 

 

Option 2 would be from (or will) from ultimate carbon who I'm sure are well known here, they've informed me they're currently developing moulds for a diffuser and will be around £350-£400 and are tat style. Looking at their work I have no doubt this will be a beautifully made item so some free advertising for UC 

 

My thought is to commission a chap called Warner who runs a rally car prep company http://www.lewisrallysport.com and also deals in fibreglass/kevlar/carbon panels etc http://www.smithandd...tos/4591211598. I've had some of his panels on my GT4 in the past and was very happy with the fit and finish. A potential run of 10 could be arranged and I would likely purchase the above lmfvauxhall item to use as a template and then sell on once the items have been reproduced. In the spirit of full disclosure I would like to state that I would likely price the bespoke diffusers to offset the initial purchase price of the ali diffuser, I'm not looking to make a single penny from this venture and it is not my motivation for suggesting it but at the same time I'd rather not have the expense of £225 simply for the template that I will not be using long term. I hope that's clear and every understands where I'm coming from

 

Potential pit falls/issues/things to be aware of

 

the .org doesn't not allow group buys set up by individuals, if so, delete this and we'll pretend it never happened

 

we get no interest, if so, delete this and we'll pretend it never happened

 

Having spoken to Warner he would require the template (I will buy the lmf item and forward on to him) to determine area, complexity, amount of material required etc and would require full payment (no idea what the charge will be as yet) before he goes ahead and produces the items

 

his quote could be comparable/in excess to that of Ultimate Carbon in which case it may not be an attractive proposition.

 

Talking generally, Warner has stated the diffusers can be made from various materials, carbon fibre, kevlar, fibre glass with a weave to make it almost indistinguishable from carbon at a glance etc etc. Some materials will be more cost effective than others of course.

 

My concerns 

 

I may have opened up a huge can of worms here and could have just created a full time job for myself for the next 2 months answering a multitude of (I'm sure valid) questions etc.

 

I could inadvertently somehow be liable for items received that are damaged/of sub standard quality etc etc - really anything you care to name involved with this process that could be counted as a negative.

 

My only and overall thought here is - I wan't a bespoke item that is lighter than the current offering from lmf and that won't break the bank in the process. Plus I like being the only guy/one of the only guys to have something cool on his car   I'm not in it to make any money whatsoever, I have a job already so don't want this to take over my life. 

 

It's just me thinking out loud at the moment guys! I've never organised anything group buy related and I'm def no expert in anything to do with this. I do however put an emphasis on being open and honest and reaching an outcome that all will be content with. I expect the end product to be of a high quality and if my name is going on this thing I'll do everything I reasonable can do to ensure an excellent end product and good communication through out.

 

So what we think guys? is this idea sunk before it even leaves the shore? 

[Frosty34]

Don't think it would weigh 15kg the Ali ones I supply are a little smaller and weigh about 5kgs👍🏻

[squarepant5]

If that's the case then that's great, at that weight I wouldn't see the need to get the items proposed above made

 

edit: what ones Frosty? Any pictures? You may have just solved my problem 

Edited by squarepant5, 16 March 2016 - 10:06 PM.

[squarepant5]

just found the quoted weight on the lmf site, 15kg. thought I'd seen it there. Quoted above the price 

[techieboy]

Not sure it's fair to rip off somebody else's design when he's (MMG diffuser via LMF) still making them and he's so well respected on here for his VX mechanical work. 

 

P.S, 15kg is ridiculous, unless he's suddenly started making them out of depleted uranium.

[squarepant5]

Fair comment techieboy hadn't considered that angle. That by itself may mean this don't go ahead, as you say stepping on toes. 

 

It does seem bloody heavy though, that was my initial thought, love the styling but could be made under 5kg I would presume in a lighter material 

[VXT Tim]

Do any of these rear diffusers replace the small rear under tray? All the years on here and I've never really paid any attention to them.

[techieboy]

I've not had the MMG diffuser but did have a very similar one and there's no way it weighs more than 5 or 6kg. I've got the original TAT diffuser which is heavier than the later ones and that doesn't weigh 6kg, so LMF are talking out of their proverbial.

[techieboy]

Do any of these rear diffusers replace the small rear under tray? All the years on here and I've never really paid any attention to them.

 

Apart from those weird carbon ones from the clam bloke in Wales, they all replace the rearmost undertray/diffuser.

[techieboy]

P.S. TAT stopped making his carbon diffuser as it (or the resin at least) couldn't cope with the heat of the exhaust, even with some heat protection matting on it. Something to bear in mind if you do want to progress a carbon design.

[VXT Tim]

You've got the quick release under tray fittings Matt (or are they on a shelf in the garage still (2 sets of)) They must work with the diffusers if they replace the standard item?

Edited by VXT Tim, 16 March 2016 - 10:35 PM.

[fezzasus]

http://www.farnell.c...eets/359285.pdf

 

diffuser is approx 2 x 1 m (including all fins). Weight is around 6 kg.

 

Of course, the lightest approach is to stick with the OEM diffuser which is about 3 kg.

Edited by fezzasus, 16 March 2016 - 10:37 PM.

[squarepant5]

that's good to hear techieboy, I should drop lmf an email to clarify. also good point on heat, Lewis Rally Sport make items for motorsport application so may be a solution but who knows. if the lmf item does indeed weigh around 5kg I'll be ordering directly with them! I really didn't/don't fancy bolting a mighty 15kg right at the back of the car.

[squarepant5]

cheers Fezz!

[techieboy]

You've got the quick release under tray fittings Matt (or are they on a shelf in the garage still (2 sets of)) They must work with the diffusers if they replace the standard item?

 

Yup, the small quick release fixings are back in the garage. Found them more of a pain in the arse than the standard bolts as they rattled and were barely any quicker to insert/remove. What I have got is 4 similar fittings for the 4 larger M8 on the diffuser and main undertray that make refitting much quicker/simpler as it effectively locates the undertrays and holds either undertray to the underside, leaving you free to fit the smaller M5 bolts.

[techieboy]

I should drop lmf an email to clarify. 

 

Or just buy it direct from Liam at MMG Performance and cut out the middleman.

[VXT Tim]

You've got the quick release under tray fittings Matt (or are they on a shelf in the garage still (2 sets of)) They must work with the diffusers if they replace the standard item?

  Yup, the small quick release fixings are back in the garage. Found them more of a pain in the arse than the standard bolts as they rattled and were barely any quicker to insert/remove. What I have got is 4 similar fittings for the 4 larger M8 on the diffuser and main undertray that make refitting much quicker/simpler as it effectively locates the undertrays and holds either undertray to the underside, leaving you free to fit the smaller M5 bolts.

Nice How many diffusers have you had/tried? Which would you recommend?

[squarepant5]

sounds good, I'm new here so have no idea who anyone is (: "it's my first day"

[CocoPops]

TAT short rounded. That's what you needed.... Shame he stopped.

[techieboy]

How many diffusers have you had/tried? Which would you recommend?

 

 

I've had three different ones but have only ever fitted the TAT short rounded one which I bought 8/9 years ago. To my eyes, it's the only one that looks any good on the car as it looks more like an OEM product. Given none of them do anything and they're therefore purely cosmetic, I'm happy with that choice. Bit of a p!sser that he stopped doing all of his VX bits and bobs.