DIY rear bumper fake vent conversion

Until the actual product is finished I will continue the thread here:
https://www.civicx.com/threads/carbon-fiber-and-composite-hybrid-faux-bumper-vent-solution.37322/

Any and all input is welcome

Are the type r vents thinner than the non type r vents? I tried my hardest but my box cutter didnt even make a dent in the plastic.

Donuyen18 said:

Are the type r vents thinner than the non type r vents? I tried my hardest but my box cutter didnt even make a dent in the plastic.

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I honestly have no idea

Donuyen18 said:

Are the type r vents thinner than the non type r vents? I tried my hardest but my box cutter didnt even make a dent in the plastic.

Click to expand...

WARNING Do not use box cutter solution! It’s honestly impossible with the exception of @siwelnosaj who I firmly believe is Superman.

This was my original approach (box cutter). The plastic contains a composite that makes it unbelievably strong. Even a weak Dremel will struggle to cut and melts plastic if go too fast.

Sorry, I’ve now put a disclaimer not to use this method. But, if you look through the thread you’ll find more commentary related to his DIY.

Brian17Si said:

WARNING Do not use box cutter solution! It’s honestly impossible with the exception of @siwelnosaj who I believe firmly is Superman in disguise.

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100% agree! haha I tried the other weekend just to gage how long it will take per cut out... JESUS that plastic is tough! I feel your pain @Donuyen18

Side note... Saw someone with these in one of the aftermarket wheels thread. Another good alternative.
https://www.toponemotors.com/fk8-honda-civic-type-r-2017.html

Brian17Si said:

WARNING Do not use box cutter solution! It’s honestly impossible with the exception of @siwelnosaj who I firmly believe is Superman.

This was my original approach (box cutter). The plastic contains a composite that makes it unbelievably strong. Even a weak Dremel will struggle to cut and melts plastic if go too fast.

Sorry, I’ve now put a disclaimer not to use this method. But, if you look through the thread you’ll find more commentary related to his DIY.

Click to expand...

Are you doing a Type R vent or another model? Cause I def did it with a box cutter on my Type R

siwelnosaj said:

Are you doing a Type R vent or another model? Cause I def did it with a box cutter on my Type R

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For me it was Si vents.

siwelnosaj said:

Are you doing a Type R vent or another model? Cause I def did it with a box cutter on my Type R

Click to expand...

By the way how’s your experience been with the fronts vents opened up? I’m curious because many are prejudging or opinionating. Do you feel, hear, weather, anything different?

Brian17Si said:

WARNING Do not use box cutter solution! It’s honestly impossible with the exception of @siwelnosaj who I firmly believe is Superman.

This was my original approach (box cutter). The plastic contains a composite that makes it unbelievably strong. Even a weak Dremel will struggle to cut and melts plastic if go too fast.

Sorry, I’ve now put a disclaimer not to use this method. But, if you look through the thread you’ll find more commentary related to his DIY.

Click to expand...

You have

Brian17Si said:

For me it was Si vents.

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That could be the difference, maybe the R vents are thinner?

Brian17Si said:

By the way how’s your experience been with the fronts vents opened up? I’m curious because many are prejudging or opinionating. Do you feel, hear, weather, anything different?

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I honestly have sensed zero negatives from it. I drive fairly aggressively on the roads at times and notice nothing. MPG is the same. I was on a road trip and got 34 mpg on the highway. There seems to be no weathering effect, I live in Reno and drive in the snow and zero issues with that. I don't hear anything different either. If I tracked it who knows maybe I would notice a down force or drag issue, but on the track the car has heating issues and prob needs an oil cooler with an open vent anyways so I'm not sure it matters. I did it cause I hated the fake elements of the vents and the fake carbon. So the vents are open and everything is real carbon now. For me it works and the car gets it now just as much as it did before

Brian17Si said:

By the way how’s your experience been with the fronts vents opened up? I’m curious because many are prejudging or opinionating. Do you feel, hear, weather, anything different?

Click to expand...

Disregard the current drive numbers, I was on a crazy downhill just coasting to get that, but the 34 and change was a couple hours worth of driving at 75 mph. This was 2 weeks ago

siwelnosaj said:

Disregard the current drive numbers, I was on a crazy downhill just coasting to get that, but the 34 and change was a couple hours worth of driving at 75 mph. This was 2 weeks ago

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Nice, Yeah 98.3 I was about to go get the box cutter back out. 34.1 is great in my book especially for a Type R.

siwelnosaj said:

I honestly have sensed zero negatives from it. I drive fairly aggressively on the roads at times and notice nothing. MPG is the same. I was on a road trip and got 34 mpg on the highway. There seems to be no weathering effect, I live in Reno and drive in the snow and zero issues with that. I don't hear anything different either. If I tracked it who knows maybe I would notice a down force or drag issue, but on the track the car has heating issues and prob needs an oil cooler with an open vent anyways so I'm not sure it matters. I did it cause I hated the fake elements of the vents and the fake carbon. So the vents are open and everything is real carbon now. For me it works and the car gets it now just as much as it did before

Click to expand...

Thank you. These are great insights for people interested.

I sealed off the front vent with matching black engraving stock. I laser cut to fit perfect if anyone is interested in the piece. I've cut the rear bumper vents out but haven't tackled the actual black vents yet, hoping to this weekend. I was surprised how easy the bumper was to cut with new utility blade and how well it turned out. When I cut the actual vents I want it to be 100%, I plan to cut around the perimeter of the mesh between the smooth part and the outline that sticks out. I don't know if I can get this perfect with a razor blade. I think I might have to touch it up with a little drum on a dremel tool. If the plastic greys then I'll probably repaint it black. Whats your thoughts, how did you cut out the black plastic piece?