MFP TBO front lip and aerodynomics/engine cooling

[Jason84NA2T]

I don't think it has actually been discussed on here, but I believe the MFP TBO front lip that Gary Molitor (1artworkz) makes actually does assist engine cooling by forcing more air through the radiator.



I noted this a few days ago when I was doing some higher-speed driving. The air temp was about the same, but the engine seemed to be running cooler than before the front lip.

I later on saw the bug splatter all over the front end and noted the direction the insects were headed when they impacted with the spoiler... up. :idea:

I would like to tape some strings all over the lip and do some driving with someone in front of me raking pictures to see exactly how it affects an aerodynamic change to the front end of the car, good idea?

The lip increases frontal area, but who really knows if it actually increases or decreases drag overall?

[G-E]

well the reason for taking the front all the way to the ground is air under the car produces drag, and if you can scrape enough air from going under the car you can actually get a mild suction helping tires grip

of course air will pile up infront of the car and go where it can, so yes the lip should aid in cooling, the high pressure zone will build up right at the bottom making a ramp for the lower pressure air to slide over into the radiator opening

of course this all assumes the air can't just fly out behind the bumper, you actually need the floor pan thing in there to keep the air on course

[300zxt]

Very interesting!

By the way are those lips available to the public yet?

[2+2turbo]

300zxt wrote: Very interesting!

By the way are those lips available to the public yet?

they've been available for a long time now ...

linky: http://www.garymolitor.com/300zx/300zxmainpage.htm

[300zxt]

Very nice! I believe it is a mould off a 200ZR front lip, looks very similar if not identical.

What does he charge for them?

[300zxt]

Yeah I just finished reading over that. I do believe however that the same company did make the 200ZR lip aswell, as they look extremely similar.

[Jason84NA2T]

The 200ZR did not come with a lip. That's a CF replica TBO lip you are seeing that picture.

[300zxt]

I know that's a replica, but the 200ZR did come with a lip and it looks just like that. My friend has one...

[Jason84NA2T]

300zxt wrote: I know that's a replica, but the 200ZR did come with a lip and it looks just like that. My friend has one...

No, it did NOT come with that lip. Nissan never sold a 200ZR with the TBO lip on it. It's either an aftermarket TBO or the 88SS style (same as Euro) front spoiler you are thinking of.

[300zxt]

Mightn't be that lip exactly but it's very, VERY similar. Ive never seen one 200ZR without it, unless it's an extremely common mod I just figured it was stock.

[Jason84NA2T]

300zxt wrote: Mightn't be that lip exactly but it's very, VERY similar. Ive never seen one 200ZR without it, unless it's an extremely common mod I just figured it was stock.

http://www.garymolitor.com/300zx/ss_tbo ... o_lips.htm

Compare left to right. You may think they are similar but I don't.

[300zxt]

Nah his looks like the TBO one, not the SS one. His must have an aftermarket lip on it aswell then, we always figured it was factory though because every single 200ZR I've seen has that lip.

[300zxt]

Yeah, I stand corrected then! My friend might be a bit upset once he learns that lip isn't stock lol We always thought it was!

Oh well regardless it looks very nice, and just an added bonus that it aids cooling. I want one! 8)

[acabtp]

Jason84NA2T wrote: II would like to tape some strings all over the lip and do some driving with someone in front of me raking pictures to see exactly how it affects an aerodynamic change to the front end of the car, good idea?

I'd be interested to see that

[mark86t]

I have that TBO lip from Gary. Love it. I fabricated an underpan that directs all air going into the opening above the lip directly into the interooler & radiator. I also have side flaps to help direct air to the brakes. This isn't the best picture. When I was at the track with friends a couple of weeks back most of them were overheating. Vegas, 110 degree heat, running wide open for 25 minute session on a road course. You might think "of course they were overheating." I wasn't! Even with my intercooler blocking a lot of air to my radiator. In all fairness though, I do have a custom radiator that is twice as thick as stock, crossflow, and aluminum.