i'm planning to pick up an enthusiast model 350z...are the factory diffusers just for marketing purposes? or do they actually serve a purpose?

they list them at $500 option on the nissanusa website...are aftermarket diffusers better and cheaper? thanks!

 

bump

 

Diffusser...u mean the black piece under the front bumper?

 

yeah, and i believe the rear has two diffusers....the front is called a chin spoiler, correct?

 

I have noticed how the stock mufflers have a diffuser type piece welded to them, I'd like to see aftermarket mufflers like this. It's not pretty but looks very affective IMO.

 

Track model diffusers consist of the front chin spoiler (I don't THINK this comes standard on other models...) and the two rear diffusers at teh corners of the rear bumper behind the rear wheels.

I don't know where you are seeing this as a $500 option, b/c it's only available in the Track model and not a separate option (unless they've changed something). At any rate, that's a rip-off; you can buy the pieces for less from Performance Nissan.

The functionality of the Track diffusers is that combined with the aero package, they reduce the coeficient of drag from .29 to .28 and make the rear of the car have zero lift (front is zero lift standard on all models).

Realistically, you'll never see the functionality of these on the street and they are completely unseen, so there's no reason to get them for aesthetic reasons, so basically, yes, it is marketing.

 

thanks for the reply! do you have any insight on aftermarket ones?

 

There are no aftermarket pieces that serve the same function/go in the same locations.

 

oh...damn...so all the aftermarket ones, are all for looks?

i guess my best bet is the stock diffusers with zero lift!

 

All WHAT aftermarket ones? If you're referring to very expensive diffusers like Top Secret or something like that, then yes, they are functional. Stuff like this is completely different than a little piece of plastic that sticks where you'll never see it...

 

I think he is talking about the Nismo rear.

Chris

 

if you are referring to me, i am talking about the stock track & grand touring diffusers...they are not nismo

 

The diffusers on the track are around $80 for the pair in the back.

And no, as far as I have seen, nobody makes a replica similar part for the rear.

Chris

 

the aerodynamic difference only takes affect if you have all 3 components of the diffuser: the lower front black lip extension, the rear back fenderwell diffusers, and the OEM rear trunk lip wing.