HOW-TO BUILD A DIY SPLITTER & AIR DAM

[@conifer9879]

I love how you show your thinking process as you go through the build. It makes me think that I could try this myself!

[@exenuvo2383]

Polycarbonate is alot stronger than plywood. More expensive but I would prefer not having splinters flying if I hit a rock or bump. But good design and excellent DIY! Over all 8/10 . Lol

[@Terruhcutta]

Robert Thomas i coated my plywood splitter with epoxy and then hit it with bed liner, i've hit curbs with no splinters haha

[@exenuvo2383]

@@Terruhcutta hell yeah, bedliner is magic in a can.

[@tatankahanska120]

But why wood ?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Cost, flexibility, ease of availability.

[@tatankahanska120]

@@GarageBuiltHondas that makes perfect sense

[@Apexracingbr]

I don’t always comment but when I do is for something cool like this, great job!

[@jamesly1066]

Enjoyed your video like always. Today I got into an accident and totaled my Rio Red 90 SI EF Hatch. I’m so sad. I put much effort into the car just to restore it back to its glory days. There was no aftermarket modification aside from the stock performance HKS exhaust. I made sure every stock pieces were restored back to its original form. The car still has all of its stock suspension. It handled like it just got out the dealer from 1990. What a sad day. Now when I see your videos I will miss the joy my car brings me even more.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

😭

[@georgevelez3224]

Awesome job , i did a rear spoiler for my truck but i brushed fiberglass resin on the plywood then sprayed it with bedliner to make it water proof.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

👍

[@masonpugh3637]

That's a great job on that air dam where you can take it off and put it on with the edging and the wood it's good job you did great

[@ferndogg2184]

Im not even thinking of putting or making a splitter, For some reason I watched the whole video. Great video

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thanks man! ❤️

[@30jspecial]

What a clean garage . That is the secret you guys . My garage is a catastrophe . You can get so much more done in an organized workspace

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Completely!!

[@chrismoon8853]

Nice little set up. Same quick release splitter brackets on ebay for $100. Gonna steal some ideas from this.

[@tonyrichtermusic]

I dont know how anyone could thumbs down this video... great job.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Lazy bums.. lol

[@bseries8826]

Man Jon you did 1 hella of a job! Looks awesome as hell and you made it easy for anyone who wants to replicate it. Thanks for sharing. You're the Man!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

I love it! I'm going to make another one for the crx this year too!

[@anthonythebeard]

dude this is awesome. thanks so much for putting the entire process up. if people don't have the right tools this will be a little more difficult to do but you don't need a lot to pull it off. another option is to go to a hardware store and look for L beams/brackets they use for construction based purposes. it'd probably be cheaper than the L brackets for splitters! keen to give this a whirl. It'll also stop me from bumping my street sweeper into those annoying concrete and rubber ledges in parking lots! have a blessed day brother :)

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

You're welcome, thanks for the comment and suggestions!! Glad you dig the video!

[@Michaelajacksonfilms]

Thanks again! Normal track car videos are hard to come by.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Definitely!

[@brodiescott2728]

Awesome DIY, being able to see a solution and go build it like that is a real talent!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Appreciate that!!

[@ghosttheoremproductions5469]

Nice job. We would build these as both air dams and belly plates. Extending the rear back to the cross chassis brace. Cleans things up with the "dirty" aerodynamics of the underside of the engine bay, helps reduce front lift, and seems to aid in evacuating heat from the engine bay better. I guess it would help as a simple skid plate though plywood isn't going to stop much. Maybe just spread out an impact. We would thin out JB Weld and paint the wood since this not only seals it nicely but also keeps it from being exposed from abrasion X time. Some of us built setups where a front impact would lift the splitter up without damaging it. Free to move up/down but held down by gravity/aero and can't fall off thanks to nuts/washers and retention cables. Help if you're really pushing things to the curbs and are real low.

[@DontStopReeling]

can you point me at any pictures for a setup like that? can't seem to fidn the right words to googl eit

[@ghosttheoremproductions5469]

@@DontStopReeling - Probably the best sources for what I'm talking about will be found if you google DIY Miata Aero. Follow the individual pics into their respective forums for more. Miata guys have been doing budget aero write-ups for ages.

[@AutoBodyEverything]

Thank you for all the tips and tricks that can be applied to other projects

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Absolutely!

[@HooptyCrewRacing]

This is great. Glad I looked on the tube before I started my process. I'm pretty much going to do the same thing for my integra.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

👍

[@bbdetailing9123]

Thanks for the video. I'll be starting my research in this to make the splitter to balance out the PCI I just got from you

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Awesome!!

[@xXChaz9849Xx]

Haha I did the same thing with my Integra except I used a sheet of aluminum for the splitter itself, and then I used some scrap gutter material for the air dam.

[@emad7229]

I was thinking about using aluminium aswell, but it is so darn expensive!

[@boostnboba7658]

Legit!! Also many time attack teams make splitters out of wood(s)* so I guess that’s a testament to the durability everyone is worried about. Also this one ain’t going no where with some general maintenance and inspection ever so often.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thank you!!! Perfectly said!

[@Michaelajacksonfilms]

Angle grinder, The offical woodworking tool of mechanics.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

All day!

[@TheJoecb]

Nice job man. I've been toying with the idea making something similar for my 97 Mirage. I plan on using a very thin wood to build the substrate something like 1/8" paneling. Then wrap it in fiberglass cloth and resin for strength.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

That's what I may try next. I've never used either product so it'd be cool to try it out.

[@Onefsturbocrx23]

I can say that you are the OG who invented this method for an EF bro :)

[@austinrich6464]

Honda!! U could totally make it carbon fiber sweetness. Looks good how u did it and hella race. I like it.

[@SofaKingTouge]

Carbon fiber is expensive and these parts break a lot. Still best to make a template and then like 4 or 5 of these. Wrap in a couple layers of carbon and epoxy for more strength and it won't come part as easy when hit.

[@austinrich6464]

@@SofaKingTouge maybe even a lil Kevlar layer twards the front on leadimg edge even. "Bullet proof" jk. But ur right Todo all the carbon process would be pricey.

[@SofaKingTouge]

@@austinrich6464 I was thinking I should have said kevar. I'm doing skid plates in 1/8th aluminum wrapped in Kevlar. Aluminum alone is garbage. Wrapped in Kevlar is half the weight but just as strong and steel.

[@austinrich6464]

@@SofaKingTouge that would be sweet! Maybe aluminum Honeycomb wrapped help on whight alil. Regardless that lil Honda looks clean with that splitter now. And it prolly works well.

[@InfiniteGamerXI]

Bro that looks so good! Super clean, super cool! Can’t wait to make my own front splitter

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thanks man, I love it. Going to make another one for my dad's crx soon too!

[@jsol2480]

i love hearing your thought process. these came out great bro. it looks solid!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Appreciate that man!!

[@jsol2480]

@@GarageBuiltHondas Absolutely my pleasure bro. Tbh I've been watching mighty car mods for years. They took their content to massive projects now like swapping a b16 into a mini or installing all possible bolt ons into a golf. I guess what im saying is they are much more badabim badaboom type of content because the projects are much bigger. I am missing the diy type of content. Mods you do on your drive way. Keep it up bro! I am very happy to discover your youtube channel

[@MikeEH3]

Really cool project. Definitely gets the gears turning in my head for a similar setup.

[@MikeEH3]

Maybe use the second piece to cut a different shape and use a router to smooth the edges of the current one. Thanks for sharing.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

I was thinking of trying to make it go farther back and make some mounts for it. More of an underbody kind of splitter. Not sure I can fit it though with the engine I have. We'll see where it goes!

[@benjaminbutton1124]

Love this build, especially the dedication and patience you have. Very thorough of giving advice and recomendations. Awesome content subbed and notifications on full.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thank you!

[@spoonfixer3387]

The final shape you should make a jig of the other piece of wood so in case the other gets destroyed you have the measurements already transferred to the new piece. Nicely done. Always innovating bro. I dig it!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Good idea!

[@klasmedak556]

Those brackets are wicked! My only concern is how the heat from the header is going to interact with the plywood..

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

I had no issue at all. I'll try to remember to address it in the track video coming out on 4/20.

[@ryan_riffs]

There was a lot of elbow grease in that project! I just bought one of the "pistol grip" style pneumatic rivet guns on ebay, think like $36 and it really works great.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

I need a better one. Mine is a harbor and on it's last legs. I'll look into that style, sounds better than this one.

[@JoMammaSmurf]

Ideally you're supposed to have a bit of an interference fit with those rivet nuts. To make cleaner holes start with a smaller drill bit and work your way up a couple steps. Also it helps to debur those holes and use a dab of sealant on the rivets.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thanks for the info and tips! I appreciate the insightful info.

[@roelpastors9588]

Awesome! , I'll definitely need something similar regarding the quick release. With all the insane speedbumps we have over here in The Netherlands.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Yes, save you from destroying it prematurely!

[@valentinhristev174]

Great project man I also plan to do that kind of splitter on EVO X and quick release is a very good idea. ( EVO is DD car )

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thank you!

[@shawnjacobi8717]

Looks really good I had never seen them mounts I just bent some 3/16 flat bar in to 90• But driving it on the hwy the very front was getting pulled down. so I had to mount some of them rods from the top of the bumper to the bottom of the splitter. But your turned out really good!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thanks. I'm actually at the track today and it feels solid. Doesn't pull or feel out of wack.

[@georgelalama8154]

That was a great idea for a splitter. Can’t wait to see more videos.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thank you!

[@calthorp]

Great job. Simple & effective.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thanks buddy!

[@alejandroruelas5650]

Great fit and finish as usual. Keep up the great quality work.

[@walperstyle]

You could use your xplitter/dam as a buck for a fiberglass or polyurethane version for mass produce.

[@hydrocarbon82]

Only thing I'd add is to drill & rivet each hole before the next, or only pre-drill 2-4 before riveting them. Sometimes the rivet pulls it in on corners, so the last pre-drilled holes can be way off.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

That would've been terrible, and a pain to have to correct! Luckily it worked out ok!!

[@hond4srule]

I can't believe how good that looks. Amazing !

[@saeturn29]

Nice work! I recently built my own as well for track use. May have to go back to redo a few things.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

I want to upgrade mine also. Probably eventually I will.

[@gavinhosler5503]

People hate on hondas too much, they are really very good cars.

[@austinmiller6837]

Rice is nice

[@pg03ben]

Love this, brilliant explanation… will try similar on my Megane I think!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thank you!

[@drewster956]

went ahead and put the dual springs in my ls head this weekend for my bcstage 2 turbo cams ,waiting to see ur allmotor cams dyno soon bro

[@joshgreaves9934]

I’m loving this. Looks really good dude 👍🏿👍🏿

[@benyam261]

That come out look good

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thanks!

[@brad5316]

I absolutely love this video!!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thank you!!

[@sphericalsphere]

Not into the Honda but this is a great project and the way you filmed and explained it was awesome. Just really good content. Maybe put some aluminum tape on the plywood so the header doesn't burn it? Anyway, you gotta new sub!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thank you so much for the comment!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

And the tape idea is excellent!

[@easymail116]

Congrats on the class win!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thanks Darrell!

[@johnnycashh7148]

Looks great, think I would use ABS. how'd the plywood hold up? Thanks for sharing.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Zero issue at all. This was my first attempt, I'd like to use alumalite next for strength and weight.

[@johnnycashh7148]

@@GarageBuiltHondas awesome, thanks!

[@chrisleon7862]

I ❤ my gm ….😂😂 But sir you did great I’m 😢 I feel the it deserves. A chrome strip on it For the lightning McQueen efx …. 😂😂

[@jojomarujo8704]

Woah, those rivnuts makes things easier and neat. I can sorta see someone make flat undertray made outta plywood and attached with some quick release to those rivnuts.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

They are a fantastic alternative to other methods. So glad I discovered them not too long ago.

[@justinl8886]

Dope! Put a huge #garagebuilthondas decal on that splitter. Would be dope as you come down the track in the videos.

[@oldsklteg]

Best believe im throwing a GBH decal front and center on mine!

[@s4fedriver]

This was really cool! I think it would have been cool to paint the splitter with some kind of truck Berliner to resist rock chips and scraping from speed bumps and stuff!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

That's a good idea!

[@mattyc2815]

looks great dude! thank you for posting this!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thanks for checking it out! 👍

[@abimelecgalarza9918]

Not sure how expensive it'll be but maybe aircraft grade Balsa or Basswood 1/4 inch panel wrapped in Carbon Fiber or Kevlar could be lighter and stronger that regular plywwod. Just make sure the direction of the sheets are crisscrossed for rigidity and strength.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thanks for the tips/info

[@AX-xi2pw]

really nice. Altho wouldn't it be a good idea to coat the drilled out holes with zinc primer before you rivnuted to prevent corosion?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

You have a really great point. I'll see how it starts looking in the future. I could always drill them out and replace them if needed.

[@tommyandchill]

Dang that came out sweet! I'm officially inspired to get my ass back in the garage and start wrenching again. Thanks Jon!! 🤘

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Let's do this Tommy!!

[@park0rdie]

Sick build bro!!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thanks man!

[@themechanic6117]

Home depot motorsports prevails again. Looks great !

[@MrRobear]

PCI makes great stuff!!! Good job man, it looks great!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Appreciate that man!!

[@ratgreen]

Dip the rivnut in paint right before you put it in so that it covers the exposed metal of the drilled hole. Stops it rusting.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

That's a nice idea

[@mikemoe3481]

Nice . I’ve learned a lot from your videos and keeps me motivated

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Love to hear it. I'm always glad when I hear that it helps inspire and keep people wrenching!

[@minimanadam]

Love the headlight intake

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thanks!

[@krazy_lobito4335]

Great video, but I think it needs to be lower enough in order to work? I think still pretty high your Splitter.. is it better this for drag racing and not time attack track/autoX./Autocross.. ? Can you daily drive with the splitter on, my street roads aren't smooth like other states so many bumps.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thanks. I'm not sure on height. It may or may not have a significant difference. From what I read, your basically trying to push this huge block of steel through the air as fast as possible, the splitter will act like a knife cutting the air in front of the car, making it more slippery when moving forward because of the separation of the high and low pressure. I wouldn't daily with it on. It'd probably be damaged eventually.

[@LowNKum]

is it better to do this out of wood or use ABS plastic? My intensional usage for the splitter will be daily not track.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

I'd say whichever is cheaper. The ABS might look nicer too as you can get it in a variety of colors and hopefully be smoother.

[@emad7229]

Very nice video! Now I am curious if you noticed a improvement in lap times aswell.

[@junglist1soldier]

I think the original lip should've been left so your lip could've been angled in a better aerodynamic way. Instead of flat or, angled down to the splitter creating more resistance/downforce upon the splitter. Good job though! Have you decided to try a different material other than wood? I wonder how universal those brackets are? They seem pretty universal. Your car is nice!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

I'd like to try something nicer, but this was my first attempt at making a splitter. Maybe some alumalite would be a step up next for lighter weight and still maintain rigidity.

[@throughmyeyesmedia6492]

Damn bro your very creative on making lots of things work. And the splitter came out really good!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Appreciate it buddy!

[@Punny1234]

Looks really good and purpose built. I would like to know what are some of the advantages in lap time or handling you gained on the track when you go out.

[@BMXunion1]

Canada racing joy I would like to know the same. Does it help or cause to much drag? Either way sick video man!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

I'll have the track day video out on 4/20. Updates to our track event and some racing footage too!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

I'll have some updates on 4/20, new video for the track day then.

[@Punny1234]

@@GarageBuiltHondas Alright!!

[@Punny1234]

@@BMXunion1I know,eh. Awesome.

How's it holding up? Did you have to add rods? I may run into issues with my mustang due to the wild, edgy nose these things have ('15 S550) but it's inspired me to have a go at it. These mustangs get scary at high speed, the nose becomes stupid floaty and steering is vague at anything north of 120 😬

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

I didn't. But my car is boxy and only makes 140hp. You definitely may want to try some of the adjustable rods.

@@GarageBuiltHondas did you notice any objective improvement with grip upon corner entry, with this setup?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Not a huge difference but you could tell that it reduced lift.

[@jamesmcbride1712]

Great diy splitter

[@89GTFoxDude]

Awesome work man. Thanks for sharing. I had the same idea and this video just puts it into visual perspective. You plan to do the same for the sideskirts and rear diffuser?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thank you! I already have a PCI diffuser, might end up just buying some of their skirts also.

[@ze_german2921]

Totally love this tutorial and since your the kinda ocd kinda guy like me, for your next one you could use a roundover bit for the front edge :). As far as people downgrading this because it is wood. Formula 1 uses a Wooden floor to protect the underside. At least in the early 2000's they still had those.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thank you!

[@MuffinRacing]

Clever setup! Looks great in person

[@LaTeamPrep]

I love the idea, skills and final look👌💪, did I say idea ?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Appreciate it!

[@OrangeCounty92]

What kind of garden edging is that? The plastic one I have starts to flare out over time.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

I put a pic in the beginning of the video. I believe it's called Vigoro. Been a long time since I've watched this video or used the product

[@dummyjum]

Right on freaky bro lol. Looks dope.

[@KingLess2000]

Awesome. Real car enthusiast. I wish i could do this type of thing or other things in fact. Very creative. Nice bro

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thank you

[@natashafietje6218]

looks awesome mate, love your work! From Queensland, Australia

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thanks for the support from way over there!!

[@TimothyMoreno]

Definitely love with your doing with the EFS man ive learned so much watching . i have a 1989 dx sedan its a zc. I gutted it n deleted ac components as well as cutting the rear bumper support n rear bumper for more air flow lol ! She feels like a little monster 😈

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thanks Tim. Love to hear about other EF's being fixed up and loved! 🙏

[@MR-06]

Really clean nice work! Do you know how much weight the rivnuts are rated? I would think that the rivnuts would be the limitation point for how much front downforce is created?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thank you. I am unsure but in my experience with using it I never had an issue. Did the same install on my crx and both have bounced off the pavement and random bumps with no issues so far.

[@joseperez1881]

Pretty fresh.

[@jazimmerman32]

Man that came out good looks good on the car man

[@victor440_]

Awesome job

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thanks!

[@franciscomartebobadilla7877]

Love it, great Job, i have dx 1989, and doing the same thanks

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Nice, have fun! Love these little toys!

[@saleemhoosen2236]

What tyres are those? They look pretty awesome

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Nitto Neo-Gen, I really like them!

[@TheLazyLemmon]

Pretty clean brother

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thanks

[@HydeMyJekyll]

I'd think a sheet of aluminum could be a lighter weight more durable material to use for this. You could bolt or rivet it together, or weld it.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

A lot of friends at the local track use alumalite. It was a lot more expensive for my first try at this. I may consider it in the future just because of the weight savings.

[@tappan48]

Great job!

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Thanks!

[@scottharris5421]

Awesome job man. What size plywood did you use? I'm planning on making a splitter for my car but it's not a honda so I'll need to modify your setup. But it's got the ball rolling on how to mount the splitter

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

I used 1/2" or 15/32". I can't remember exactly but both work perfectly fine!

[@tigris4149a2]

I love it already. Haven’t even gotten past the title screen. 🔥💪🏼

[@upfactoryracing4148]

Pretty clever build! Looks sweet!

[@fcsantiel]

how did it feel once you install it?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Hard to tell. It helped me get faster on track though so I'm imagining it worked. You won't feel anything on a daily driven car if adding one.

[@fcsantiel]

@@GarageBuiltHondas if I add one it would be for autox btw great channel

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

I don't think it's necessary for auto-x since you don't exceed 100 km/h.

[@SIRICKO]

Get a router and round the edges that shit would look so clean.

[@kalebkunze5141]

How you like those neogens?

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

I love em! Good life expectancy, and decently grippy for some spirited fun.

[@lawrenceulibarri2451]

Nice job looks good and functional....

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

👍

[@adzthewise]

So awesome John mate, great job!

[@josemiralrio1746]

Great video jon. Looks great. How do u come up with all these cool ideas? U think u will make some sort of ram-charge intake with that hole in the headlight

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Appreciate it! I'd been thinking of how I wanted it to look and mount it but was nervous it wasn't going to come out that great, luckily it did! I'm probably going to go back to a stock headlight and a cold-air in the bumper probably.

[@josemiralrio1746]

@@GarageBuiltHondasI hope to do one soon! Have a great week sir.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Likewise Jose!