Do-It-Yourself High Performance Car Mods

Extractors and Louvers

Any air you draw into the car must be carried out. Normally, air in the engine compartment or fenders will escape out under the car. Unfortunately, this also results in quite a bit of pressure under the hood, making for more front-end lift. Adding extra ways for air to escape can reduce lift, as well as help cool the engine by allowing more air to flow through the radiator. Two means of doing this are extractors, which are essentially scoops turned inside out, and louvers cut into the bodywork.

Unlike inlets, these work at their best in an area where the airflow is separated from the body. In some cases, letting air out into an area where airflow is separated can reduce drag, which is why you sometimes see front bumpers ...