A word of caution to owners of the HT diffuser
22 November 2009, 07:18 PM
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A word of caution to owners of the HT diffuser
A few guys warned that the Rear Diffuser would act like a parachute, other advised that the fuel tank would deflect the air under the diffuser.
I found out the answer the hard way
I've been doing alot of motorway work recently and it seems the high speed and increased road spray had taken it's toll. The diffuser had split where the larger section joins together.
This post is not meant as a 'dig' against HT Autos, just a bit of info on my part.
Next question is where to go from here
I found out the answer the hard way
I've been doing alot of motorway work recently and it seems the high speed and increased road spray had taken it's toll. The diffuser had split where the larger section joins together.This post is not meant as a 'dig' against HT Autos, just a bit of info on my part.
Next question is where to go from here
22 November 2009, 07:56 PM
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It was was a mock carbon one. With this and me losing the top diffuser (see below) I'm tempted to leave it all off and spend cash on suspension and power mods. There nothing like to sound of your hard earned flying off the car
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22 November 2009, 08:07 PM
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This is the reason i did not buy one because i though i might catch the air. The cusco ones are smaller and have alot more of a brace to support them, i think have a look... bummer all the same.
Charlie
Charlie
Gutted for you! Did they cause any other damage to the car when they flew off?
22 November 2009, 08:41 PM
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The top diffuser hit the rear wing on its departure, causing a slight scratch. There's no damage to the bumper as far as I can tell, I'll take a closer look when I remove the bottom diffuser.
The other damage was to my wallet. Never mind, lesson learnt
The other damage was to my wallet. Never mind, lesson learnt
22 November 2009, 08:48 PM
#11
22 November 2009, 08:52 PM
#12
O dear. I was going to order both this month!
I was concerned about airflow with the diffuse, if it affects downforce at all at high speeds?
I guess this looks like a bad idea now!
Any reported issues on the classics? Are they the same fitment as on the classics?
I was concerned about airflow with the diffuse, if it affects downforce at all at high speeds?
I guess this looks like a bad idea now!
Any reported issues on the classics? Are they the same fitment as on the classics?
22 November 2009, 09:02 PM
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Cheers. Red's got different diffusers as his spikes are thinner, which I was tempted to buy. I think I'll leave the stick on bits for now though and start on some other mods.
22 November 2009, 09:09 PM
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The upper diffuser did reduce the amount of vibration in the rear wing. I don't think the lower one added anything apart from looks.
22 November 2009, 11:23 PM
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I did consider sourcing some "mud-flap" like material to force the air under mine, but as it's limited to 155 mph it hasn't been a problem, 
dunx
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23 November 2009, 01:31 PM
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I've had mine on for a good few years and its never budged! Get another one (cheaper than getting your roof painted) and Tiger seal is your friend!
24 November 2009, 01:13 PM
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to be honest, after seeing this post i would advise not to fit it at all. its obviously catching alot of air and putting stress on the rear bumper maybe ? so could do more damage. and i for sure dont want to be the driver if it comes of completely and goes through someones windscreen or hits a motorbike etc......
really is it worth the risk ? i think not.
dan
really is it worth the risk ? i think not.
dan
24 November 2009, 01:47 PM
#22
to be honest, after seeing this post i would advise not to fit it at all. its obviously catching alot of air and putting stress on the rear bumper maybe ? so could do more damage. and i for sure dont want to be the driver if it comes of completely and goes through someones windscreen or hits a motorbike etc......
really is it worth the risk ? i think not.
dan
really is it worth the risk ? i think not.
dan
Summat to do with the HT design itself has caused this.
24 November 2009, 02:02 PM
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The hawkeye one is only in the centre of car, not all the way across.
Where the diffuser fixes to the wheel well is solid, it was the join that split and failed. If you have one fitted it'll be worth keeping an eye on it, especially with all the wet weather right now.
Where the diffuser fixes to the wheel well is solid, it was the join that split and failed. If you have one fitted it'll be worth keeping an eye on it, especially with all the wet weather right now.
24 November 2009, 02:03 PM
#24
Could they be made with some sort of vent on them to help let the pressure out,
To the OP did you hear it loose at all/any noises etc ?
24 November 2009, 02:06 PM
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as someone has said already, the ones fitted to the hawkeye are much smaller and the fixings are completely differant. much stronger. i.e. proper.
they dont act as a hugh parachute at the back of the car.
dan
24 November 2009, 02:23 PM
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There is a vent above the number plate but probably not large enough to cope with the larger build up of pressure.
24 November 2009, 09:21 PM
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I stuck with the original one on my 07 STi in the end.
Hope you get it sorted, I'm sure Mark will sort something out.
24 November 2009, 09:59 PM
#29
Are Ht autos aware of this failure...??????
Surely a reply to this thread from them would be a sign that the problem is being addressed.....and that they know about it.
Surely a reply to this thread from them would be a sign that the problem is being addressed.....and that they know about it.
24 November 2009, 10:03 PM
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Mine has survived a trackday fine, but if you lose a couple of bolts.....
Mine is still on, (just), but obviously would result in the same end result.
IMHO
dunx
P.S. I'd like to be able to afford an APR carbon diffuser
Mine is still on, (just), but obviously would result in the same end result.
IMHO
dunx
P.S. I'd like to be able to afford an APR carbon diffuser