EGbeater's ghettofabulous DIY plywood splitter
Sep 15, 2011, 09:41 AM
#1
EGbeater's ghettofabulous DIY plywood splitter
Extremely detailed build documentation thread: https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/ev...evo-8-9-a.html
Sep 15, 2011, 12:51 PM
#4
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Sep 15, 2011, 01:40 PM
#7
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My buddy used alumalite to build a front undertray and rear diffuser after I had told him about it... there would be no reason to use plywood when this stuff is around (even though it is just as effective). I would personally use the 10mm stuff for a splitter.
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Sep 15, 2011, 01:50 PM
#8
I think I explained that in the actual How-To thread, which I provided a link for at the top of the first post:
https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/ev...evo-8-9-a.html
"Of course, I'd love to make one out of CF, or at least a lightweight aluminum/foam composite like what SCR Performance in Loveland, CO uses on their track cars, and I've talked extensively to a local plastics company about using a sheet of 1/2"-thick foamed ABS. But I figured it would be prudent to do a 'Version 1.0' prototype out of plywood, just to get the shape/details worked out, and to see if it even seemed to have the desired effect out at the track."
But to explain further:
Plywood is actually fairly stiff and lightweight. Just because it's made of natural materials doesn't automatically make it a poor choice.
Also, keep in mind that this splitter protrudes much further forwards than your typical splitter for street use (i.e., splitters that are mostly for show). That makes it much more likely to get damaged in the course of regular driving. And in the unfortunate event of a four-off at the track, it's almost guaranteed to be ripped off/destroyed.
Sorry, my budget doesn't allow for replacing carbon-fiber splitters as if they grew on a tree in my own backyard:
3/16" thick solid carbon-fiber sheeting, 24" x 48" (would need 2 pieces for one splitter): $795 each
https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/ev...evo-8-9-a.html
"Of course, I'd love to make one out of CF, or at least a lightweight aluminum/foam composite like what SCR Performance in Loveland, CO uses on their track cars, and I've talked extensively to a local plastics company about using a sheet of 1/2"-thick foamed ABS. But I figured it would be prudent to do a 'Version 1.0' prototype out of plywood, just to get the shape/details worked out, and to see if it even seemed to have the desired effect out at the track."
But to explain further:
Plywood is actually fairly stiff and lightweight. Just because it's made of natural materials doesn't automatically make it a poor choice.
Also, keep in mind that this splitter protrudes much further forwards than your typical splitter for street use (i.e., splitters that are mostly for show). That makes it much more likely to get damaged in the course of regular driving. And in the unfortunate event of a four-off at the track, it's almost guaranteed to be ripped off/destroyed.
Sorry, my budget doesn't allow for replacing carbon-fiber splitters as if they grew on a tree in my own backyard:
3/16" thick solid carbon-fiber sheeting, 24" x 48" (would need 2 pieces for one splitter): $795 each
Sep 15, 2011, 03:33 PM
#10
I doubt it. Tons of people use wood for splitters. JC Meynet's first splitter on his STI was made of plywood (http://www.timeattackforums.com/foru...45-post14.html). Of course, alumalite is a much better material to use, but it's fairly expensive (~$200 for a 4x8 sheet). Kidloco51 has a pretty awesome wood splitter on his car too (https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/ev...rty-06-gg.html).
Sep 15, 2011, 03:54 PM
#12
Thanks for the support RJones. Yes, contrary to popular belief, plywood HAS been used successfully and effectively on other race cars as a splitter material. It's not like I originated the idea. 
It is interesting to see that all the hater comments on this thread so far are from forum members with less than 25 posts. I'm really glad they're here to share their insights and expertise!
It is interesting to see that all the hater comments on this thread so far are from forum members with less than 25 posts. I'm really glad they're here to share their insights and expertise!
