Rear diffuser - practical or cosmetic - Honda CRZ Forum: Honda CR-Z Hybrid Car Forums

Tcampbell · 10-10-2010, 05:14 AM

Got my CR Z last Wednesday but don't get the diffuser installed until next Tuesday. Love the car once I figured out how to get around that annoying auto shut off. Saving gas is nice but that shut off feature is really annoying. IMO.

I am wondering is the diffuser really a factor in handling and/or cornering? I don't plan on making a run around the Nurburgring (sp?) soon but will a diffuser add any ground effect so as to make a difference doing 70 mph plus down the freeway? Will it have any effect on gas mileage or the battery charge/assist status? I know I should have asked all of this of the salesman but there you go.

Who else has one installed and what has been your experience?

Feedback appreciated.

Intuos · 10-10-2010, 07:23 AM

If you're talking about the genuine Honda accessory diffusor: it's purely esthetical. I have it installed on mine.

On a sidenote: what's there not to like about the auto shut off? It works seamlessly and the engine is always there when you need it.

gomarlins3 · 10-10-2010, 10:24 AM

^Agreed, just cosmetic.

91CRXTC · 10-10-2010, 01:13 PM

defuser also goes well with the illuminated door sills

Tcampbell · 10-10-2010, 06:17 PM

Agreed. I also have the illuminated door sills.

As for "what's not to like..." I'm not crazy about creeping up to the McDonalds pick up window and the car dies with two feet to go. Yes, I can move the foot a few inches, get the restart and then advance but the "pain in the B***" factor is still there. Same thing when making a deposit at the bank drive through window and the mail box in front of the post office.

FWIW - hit the front window defrost button (top button on right side of dash board controls) and then turn the fan back to lowest setting and the auto shut off feature is de-activated. Works for me.

RiseAgainst197 · 10-10-2010, 06:49 PM

Cosmetic

I would be skeptical of a decklid spoiler like that creating much highspeed stability(downforce). Good luck and have fun at the Ring!

gomarlins3 · 10-10-2010, 09:24 PM

From what I can tell, the front lip, rear diffuser, side spoilers, and the tail spoiler are just cosmetic.

Intuos · 10-11-2010, 04:32 PM

I can tell the front lip and tail gate spoiler are effective and not just cosmetic. Actually it's strongly recommended to not fit the front lip alone as it creates a downforce unbalance ...

gomarlins3 · 10-11-2010, 10:07 PM

^Huh? Evidence please.

bizzybear · 10-11-2010, 10:19 PM

that's what they say for our Euro folk... supposedly if they get one they HAVE TO get the other to keep the aero balanced...

10-10-2010, 05:14 AM	#1 (permalink)
Tcampbell Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Independence Missouri Posts: 59	Rear diffuser - practical or cosmetic Got my CR Z last Wednesday but don't get the diffuser installed until next Tuesday. Love the car once I figured out how to get around that annoying auto shut off. Saving gas is nice but that shut off feature is really annoying. IMO. I am wondering is the diffuser really a factor in handling and/or cornering? I don't plan on making a run around the Nurburgring (sp?) soon but will a diffuser add any ground effect so as to make a difference doing 70 mph plus down the freeway? Will it have any effect on gas mileage or the battery charge/assist status? I know I should have asked all of this of the salesman but there you go. Who else has one installed and what has been your experience? Feedback appreciated. __________________ TomCampbell - APA Pool League Operator 2011 Honda CR-Zed (love the way the Brits say it) Cloudy Gray Sky (much better than Silver Storm, IMO), CVT, Navi, XM radio, Rear Diffuser Gas-Quik Trip; Air in tyres-Earth; DWTS vote-Bristol (lousy dancer, great legs).

10-10-2010, 10:24 AM	#3 (permalink)
gomarlins3 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Kuna Idaho Posts: 2,050	^Agreed, just cosmetic. __________________ Happiness is a nice road, great weather, and driving the S with Sue in the seat next to me.

10-10-2010, 06:17 PM	#5 (permalink)
Tcampbell Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Independence Missouri Posts: 59	Agreed. I also have the illuminated door sills. As for "what's not to like..." I'm not crazy about creeping up to the McDonalds pick up window and the car dies with two feet to go. Yes, I can move the foot a few inches, get the restart and then advance but the "pain in the B***" factor is still there. Same thing when making a deposit at the bank drive through window and the mail box in front of the post office. FWIW - hit the front window defrost button (top button on right side of dash board controls) and then turn the fan back to lowest setting and the auto shut off feature is de-activated. Works for me. __________________ TomCampbell - APA Pool League Operator 2011 Honda CR-Zed (love the way the Brits say it) Cloudy Gray Sky (much better than Silver Storm, IMO), CVT, Navi, XM radio, Rear Diffuser Gas-Quik Trip; Air in tyres-Earth; DWTS vote-Bristol (lousy dancer, great legs).

10-10-2010, 09:24 PM	#7 (permalink)
gomarlins3 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Kuna Idaho Posts: 2,050	From what I can tell, the front lip, rear diffuser, side spoilers, and the tail spoiler are just cosmetic. __________________ Happiness is a nice road, great weather, and driving the S with Sue in the seat next to me.

10-11-2010, 10:07 PM	#9 (permalink)
gomarlins3 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Kuna Idaho Posts: 2,050	^Huh? Evidence please. __________________ Happiness is a nice road, great weather, and driving the S with Sue in the seat next to me.

10-10-2010, 01:13 PM	#4 (permalink)
91CRXTC Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Suffolk Long Island NY Posts: 1,635	defuser also goes well with the illuminated door sills

10-11-2010, 10:19 PM	#10 (permalink)
bizzybear Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Sebastian, FL Posts: 5,322	that's what they say for our Euro folk... supposedly if they get one they HAVE TO get the other to keep the aero balanced... __________________ Facebook: Roberto - Add me as a friend if you want ♫EDM♫ Fans - If you're a fan or just wanna listen Days to a Mile! - Join me on my journey to run a Marathon in 2011! INSANITY Workout!! - This is no joke haha!

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