Type R 3DFX version 4 rock guards. Is Bigger always Better?

[mbraun]

Last year FX3D fired out a set of their version 3 rock guards for me to test out. I really don't like mud flaps (er, Rock Guards) as they seem too "boy-rally ish" to me. However the version 3 were pretty unnoticeable, did what they promised, and looked okay, so I kept them on.

V4 landed on my doorstep a while back and I finally had time to install them. So are they:
-Bigger? (yup),
-Easier to install? (yup),
-Less parts? (yup)
So what's not to like? Find out at:

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[Chilly613]

I actually just ordered a set of these from FX3D. I currently have the Megachip splash guards, but while they look aesthetically pleasing, they do not have as much coverage as other guards and does not block a lot of rocks and gravel from kicking up under my car and collecting in the rocker panel/side skirt underneath.

 

[mbraun]

Will be interested in your opinion once you get them.

 

[Chilly613]

Will be interested in your opinion once you get them.

I will definitely report back when they arrive and are installed.

 

[blueroadster]

I also just ordered a set as well to replace my existing Flapfab stone guards.

 

[s219]

I really dislike this type of flap because of the flat/2D amateurish look and the cost. If anyone is looking for a better/cheaper option that looks a little more OEM, this is what I've done on all my recent sports cars:

https://www.civicxi.com/forum/threads/low-cost-good-looking-diy-splash-guards-for-fl5.60584/

 

[mbraun]

I really dislike this type of flap because of the flat/2D amateurish look and the cost. If anyone is looking for a better/cheaper option that looks a little more OEM, this is what I've done on all my recent sports cars:

https://www.civicxi.com/forum/threads/low-cost-good-looking-diy-splash-guards-for-fl5.60584/

Those look good. One thing that I’d miss would be the ability for air to still flow out of the wheel well like stock. I actually only wanted the mesh in the beginning to stop rocks from flying onto the doors, as I had seen rock debris in the lower parts of the fender opening and I live in a city! I still have the v3 mesh pieces if I ever just want to revert back to that

 

[s219]

Those look good. One thing that I’d miss would be the ability for air to still flow out of the wheel well like stock. I actually only wanted the mesh in the beginning to stop rocks from flying onto the doors, as I had seen rock debris in the lower parts of the fender opening and I live in a city! I still have the v3 mesh pieces if I ever just want to revert back to that

I put a PDF template in that thread that can be printed out on paper, and you can trace out the vent openings on it (or directly the flaps) with a pencil to help cut out the openings if desired. I do think the vents matter for enhancing downforce on the side skirts (believe there was some info about this in a Honda press kit a while back), but it's not likely to be a huge effect in normal day to day driving. I'd only worry about it for high speed track use where you have enough speed to generate significant downforce and can benefit from it.

My issue with the vents is that I have a long gravel driveway, and dust was pouring through the vents and collecting on the side skirts like crazy. I haven't seen that issue on our other cars which have wheel well vents, but they are not directly behind the tires like on the CTR. I tried screen with no improvement, but taping over the vents solved the problem, so I just kept the vents covered when I templated and mounted the flaps.

 

[Chilly613]

Received and installed my FX3D Guards today. I like there is more coverage than the Megachip guards I had, the FX3D guards are taller and wider. Fairly easy to install like most rock/splash guards. I like that the mesh for the vent is a lot smaller than other guards to not let smaller rocks pass through. The finish on them is very good compared to some other 3D printed guards that still seem rough and have bits of plastic from the printing process.

Overall I really like them, they work as intended and are much better than their previous versions.

What I did not like were rubber screw grommets. These were a bit annoying to get in and when you screwed in the top screw, the grommet would just spin, but I was able to get everything screwed down and snug.

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