This thread will show the steps I took to create functional air vents in the "foglight delete" panels on my 2014 WRX hatch. The objective is to channel this airflow into the wheel wells and improve the brake cooling. The starting point of the job was obtaining some appropriate mesh to replace the molded plastic closed mesh. Here's what I found:
This is expanded aluminum mesh, powder coated. I is a good match for the OEM pattern. Next, the installation of the mesh.
The first task is to open up these closed vents. I used a spare set of delete panel so that if this turned out badly, I could go back to stock. Here is the first nasty carving done with a dremel. Pretty hard going, but not too hard.
I know what you mean. Just allowing a big volume of air to enter the fenders isn't going to accomplish much of anything. The air must flow through to the wheel wells. Much more work to be done
Now that an opening for airflow has been created, a duct to direct the airflow is next. I have the tools and equipment necessary to vac form plastic sheet, so I will use this method to make a duct. First up, make a pattern or form that is the shape I want. The plastic is heated and pulled down over this form to make a hollow plastic part.
The pattern:
The pattern is wood. The shape is pretty close to what I think will work. We shall see.
Search "diamond mesh" on EBay and you'll find lots of options. I chose aluminum because it seemed to match the OEM grill very closely, but ABS would have good too.
I purchased some high temperature air hose and couplings from an outfit called Spectre Performance.
Here's a photo of the wooded pattern inserted into the hose. The hose is 3" diameter and should move plenty of air. You'll notice that I have somewhat refined the shape of the pattern for the duct.
And I he outlet nozzle fits nicely inside the wheel well. Notice how it Angles outward aiming the airflow right at the brakes.
The hook-up of the hose connecting the duct to the nozzle is perfectly simple on the passenger side. Easy and direct, very little bending of the tubing necessary. However, the driver's side has a minor (major?) problem: the windshield washer reservoir! A more complex solution will have to be devised. Stay tuned.
So I have crafted a solution that works, even if it's not as good a solution as a smaller washer bottle. The bottle squeezes the channel for the air tube from 3" down to 2". I put together some closed cell foam bocks and plastic pipe into a device that takes the air under the washer bottle.
Not an elegant solution, but it works.
I tested both sides by using a leaf blower, and the flow was very strong on right and left. So, this is it for now. It works good, it looks almost factory OEM (at least in my opinion), and it's not too hard to do.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Subaru WRX Forum
3.2M posts
152.7K members
Since 2001
We invite you to join our Subaru Impreza WRX and STi community to discuss engine mods, builds, detailing, and more.