Evora Front Splitter-Protector

[tbd_Evora]

If you look at the Service Parts List there unfortunately is not a lot where you could fix the splitter behind, resp. above the bumper on the inside. Looks like it would be quite a challenge, probably need something custom to connect to the front chassis.

Oh, w.r.t. legal speed, we don't have a general speed limit over here

[GuppyCaptain]

Originally Posted by squidward

It was only a matter of time

The problem could have been prevented by bonding the entire leading edge contact surface area to the bumper with 3M VHB adhesive tape. It's been tested to resist wind shear forces of 160mph, flexes and absorbs vibrations, and is a completely waterproof seal.

Anyway sorry to hear this. Though it sounds like your having a blast with the car . Damage doesn't look too bad.

In just looking at the car, you can see that it was basically designed aerodynamically with a splitter built into the nose. So yeah, unlike the Elise it probably doesn't need it. With that said, can any of you guys that do have the splitter comment on the feel of the car at high speed with and without it? I'm really curious.

Squid, I forget if you have the splitter on yours, but if so do you have that 3M tape attached that you speak of? It sounds like good stuff, but would it be a b!tch to remove the tape if you had to pull the splitter off for some reason such as hitting a curb and cracking it really badly?

[GuppyCaptain]

Originally Posted by tbd_Evora

If you look at the Service Parts List there unfortunately is not a lot where you could fix the splitter behind, resp. above the bumper on the inside. Looks like it would be quite a challenge, probably need something custom to connect to the front chassis.

Oh, w.r.t. legal speed, we don't have a general speed limit over here

Yes, we know and we hate you for it. Keep rubbing it in. I would if I was in your shoes!

[Plackslayer]

Originally Posted by fasttoys

Plac I wonder if the track day the winds happen to be lower? Trust me It so hard to drive this car a legal speeds

That very well could be.

BTW - Fasttoys - if you find a deal on the GTE front bumper - get me in on it

Or if 2 is enough for a group buy... I may be in the market lol.


ohhh and yes - keeping this car at legal speeds is quite hard - especially when on a drive with other Lotus and before getting pulled over by the bear in the air...

Luckily they nabbed us going 7 over and were cool about it.

[Bobsy Racer]

Originally Posted by GuppyCaptain

In just looking at the car, you can see that it was basically designed aerodynamically with a splitter built into the nose. So yeah, unlike the Elise it probably doesn't need it. With that said, can any of you guys that do have the splitter comment on the feel of the car at high speed with and without it? I'm really curious.

Squid, I forget if you have the splitter on yours, but if so do you have that 3M tape attached that you speak of? It sounds like good stuff, but would it be a b!tch to remove the tape if you had to pull the splitter off for some reason such as hitting a curb and cracking it really badly?

I have noticed NO difference in the feel of the car with vs without the Splitter Protector installed. It only extends a maximum of 1.0 inch in front of the Evora's bumper splitter in the center area, and less around the sides. Again, the Splitter-Protector's primary purpose is a protector of the underbody for street driving.

I think that the 3M Tape is an important part of the upgraded mounting system. It keeps debris and air form getting in between the bodywork and the Splitter-Protector, which minimizes any oscillation vibrations. I don't think Plack was using any tape or sealant ? The 3M Clear Mounting Tape I suggested can be removed. I don't know if the 3M tape Squid recommended can be easily removed, but it may be stronger ?

[Plackslayer]

I have sealed the splitter to the body via a rubber seal. It fixed the vibration issues from before.

[Bobsy Racer]

Originally Posted by Plackslayer

I have sealed the splitter to the body via a rubber seal. It fixed the vibration issues from before.

Plack,

Thanks for clarifying that you had it sealed. I was not sure.

[Plackslayer]

Originally Posted by Bobsy Racer

Plack,

Thanks for clarifying that you had it sealed. I was not sure.

Yeah no problem. I used a 1/4" thick piece of rubber all the way around. It still works like a charm not letting wind or objects get through.

[squidward]

Originally Posted by Bobsy Racer

I don't know if the 3M tape Squid recommended can be easily removed, but it may be stronger ?

Don, VHB applications are generally considered for permanent installations although it can still be removed--just not cleanly. Would probably require some elbow grease with some adhesive remover to get it off completely. But I can imagine a big difference in bond strength compared to tape intended for easy removal.

Funny...I'm sounding like some 3M salesperson... I did quite a bit of research on it



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[Lckitty]

Sounds like additional attach points and a nice thin bead of silicone to reduce flutter and seal the aero surface (all the way around the back edge too). Scalpel to remove/repl when needed. That front edge is violently shifting up and down (at a very small scale) as it cuts the front edge of the air (just like your hand does out the window as you pitch it up and down and grin). The surface must be sealed or it will want to open. (Boeing guy....)

[GuppyCaptain]

Originally Posted by Lckitty

Sounds like additional attach points and a nice thin bead of silicone to reduce flutter and seal the aero surface (all the way around the back edge too). Scalpel to remove/repl when needed. That front edge is violently shifting up and down (at a very small scale) as it cuts the front edge of the air (just like your hand does out the window as you pitch it up and down and grin). The surface must be sealed or it will want to open. (Boeing guy....)

I don't think that additional attach points are necessary especially if the T brackets are used for mounting. While I completely agree with you on sealing the front so that no air can get in there, I'm thinking that the super sticky 3M tape might be even better than silicone. It sounds like it'd be an even stronger bond. (Another Boeing guy......)

[Plackslayer]

You guys figure it out - I'll test it out

[brgelise]

Guys it flexed downward from th eforce of the wind. Unless support goes out to leading edge via underneath or retainers on top, that edge WILL flex at high speeds! BTW if you remove front bumper there are places you can afix retainer straps . Its just not going to be a predrilled solution

[Lotustwn]

Originally Posted by GuppyCaptain

I don't think that additional attach points are necessary especially if the T brackets are used for mounting. While I completely agree with you on sealing the front so that no air can get in there, I'm thinking that the super sticky 3M tape might be even better than silicone. It sounds like it'd be an even stronger bond. (Another Boeing guy......)

Then again, silicone is used to hold glass in place and some of those glass panes (especially the ones on my place 10mm) are very heavy!

If I were to go with this splitter, I'd definitely silicone all the edges and that should do it. In addition to bolting it into place, of course.

[squidward]

Originally Posted by Lotustwn

Then again, silicone is used to hold glass in place and some of those glass panes (especially the ones on my place 10mm) are very heavy! .

True but... Wind forces are push windshields against the car and thereby pushing the contact surfaces together (which is actually beneficial) whereas with diffusers, being that it's primary function is to produce downforce, wind forces push downward on it, producing the exact opposite effect--pulling forces between the contact surfaces.

The only way silicone would be as effective is if the adhesive area is equal or more than that of a VHB tape application. A bead along the leading edge alone wouldn't provide enough adhesive grip as in Plackslayer's case.

[invictusmaneo]

and a bead would probably be strong enough to rip the paint off, and still come loose, since it'll be a small surface area. Silicone is very strong but does best when spread out-so you would have to put a wavy bead all along the top of the splitter, and then tape or a bead at the front seam to keep air from getting in.

[Lckitty]

Last night I scratched the bjesus out of underside of the nose entering a driveway for thxgving!! Now what..... Should have committed to some sort of protection.

[Bobsy Racer]

Originally Posted by Lckitty

Last night I scratched the bjesus out of underside of the nose entering a driveway for thxgving!! Now what..... Should have committed to some sort of protection.

That is EXACTLY what the Splitter-Protector was designed to prevent !

[fasttoys]

Originally Posted by Bobsy Racer

That is EXACTLY what the Splitter-Protector was designed to prevent !

i WONDER IF YOU MADE THE SPLITTER THE SAME SIZE SO THE LIP MET THE EDGE ? STILL GET PROTECTION WITHOUT VIBERATIONS.

[Notorious]

Just hit a big rock and took a chunk of paint off the front down to the bare fiberglass... so sad. Need major touching up and Star Shield... which of course, did not cover that area.