DIY Network

Honda S2000: Installing Front-Bumper Retractable Canards Honda Aerodynamics Upgrade: Part 3 of 4 From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-307

In this project Tricked Out host Andrew Totolos installs a remote-controlled rear spoiler and front-end canards to improve the racing aerodynamics on a Honda S2000. In this third phase of the project, Andrew continues the modifications as he installs the retractable canards. The canards will help increase front down force to stabilize the car’s chassis during hard cornering.

The retractable canard

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Components for the canards installation

Installing the Retractable Candards

Materials/tools used in this third phase of the project:

canards
cardboard for mockups
utility knife
sandpaper
silicone adhesive
tape
degreaser and cleaning rags

• Start by cutting out some mock canards from cardboard. Take them to the car and figure out a good place for the canards to fit. On the front bumper, position them at a slight angle (figure A) so the wind will catch it and push the car down at top speeds.

• Now that you know where you’ll mount the canards, the only way to see if there is clearance from behind to mount the canards is to take off the bumper.

  Note: Before removing the bumper, tape the mock canards to the bumper for a reference point (figure B).

• Once the canards are taped onto both sides and everything looks right, it’s time to remove the bumper.

  Figure A

  Figure B

  
  

• On our project car-- the Honda S2000-- we start by removing the upper bumper stiffener. It’s held on with five screws, so remove them all and set the stiffener aside.

• Above the headlights, remove the bolts fastened to the fender on both sides of the car.

• If you have a carbon fiber lip attached to the factory bumper, you’ll have to remove it as well (figure C). Remove the lower bumper cover bolts as well.

• After the bolts and lip are removed, turn the wheels slightly to access the fender well, and then remove the two bolts under the front bumper cover (figure D) and then at the inner fender.

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

• There is a bolt on the wheel well that has to be removed. With some tugging, the bumper and the bumper support will come off as well. Carefully lift the bumper clear (figure E) and set at the workspace (figure F).

  Figure E

  Figure F

  
  

• Now you have a clear view of what might be in the way of installing your canards. On our project car, there's adequate clearance with respect to a forward-mounted air intake and vacuum pump (figure G). Make sure you have enough installation for a clear install, and then proceed with the next step.

• To get the canards into the bumper, first clean the inside of the bumper cover with degreaser.

• Position the canard assembly on the inside of the bumper and mark the outline of where it sits (figure H).

  Figure G

  Figure H

  
  

  Figure I

• The kit comes with a template that references the exact size of the housing. Cut it out along the lines, and then center it inside the outline and tape the template to the bumper with clear tape.

• Use a utility knife to score along the edge of the template (figure I). Once the first score line is made, go back over it adding more pressure each pass. This part requires patience to make sure each cut is straight.

• Once the scored lines are deep enough, flip the bumper up and push the knife through the front carefully. Remove the cardboard template and finish the cuts slowly.

• After the piece is removed, use sandpaper to gently smooth the edges.

• To make sure that both sides match, measure the opening from the top of the bumper down and from the side in. Then, transfer those measurements to the other side and follow the same process for cutting the second hole.
  

  Figure J

• When both holes are cut, you’ll need to disassemble the canard assemblies. Remove the screws in the canard housing that hold it to the actuator, and then slide the housing through the bumper cutout from the front side (figure J). Tape it into place to hold it down.

RESOURCES :

Racing Innovations, Inc.
We apologize no contact information is available.

Motoriced
www.motoriced.com