Interior Exterior
Q:
Dave,
The solution is to upgrade to a carbon fiber trunk lid as well.
You will be able to use the stock prop rod, and the lid is so light, that the total weight will be around the same as stock in the end.
- J
A:
Any idea how much downforce this wing actually creates? How much testing has been done on it? I love the way it looks, but I question whether it's a good idea to just start bolting big pieces of CF to the back of such a light car that is so well balanced and tuned. Also, is the trunk lid really a strong enough mounting location? Any downforce has to be passed through the weather stripping. It certainly will prevent a leaky trunk at high speeds! Besides downforce, how much rearward pull is created at high speed? That might not be good for the trunk hinges. Anyway, I love the way it looks, but I wonder what it's actually doing.
A:
What mounting hardware comes with the wing?
A:
Any idea how much downforce this wing actually creates?
Since it's a direct ripoff of the Exige design, probably about as much as the Exige wing, or around 50 lbs.
I love the way it looks, but I question whether it's a good idea to just start bolting big pieces of CF to the back of such a light car that is so well balanced and tuned.
I agree, sort of. I would balance the car with a front splitter also, as Lotus has done on the Exige.
Also, is the trunk lid really a strong enough mounting location?
Apparently so. That's where Lotus mounts it on the Exige.
A:
The wing looks to be the same as the Exige wing, so I suppose it works. But the Exige has a fastback which most likely provides cleaner airflow to the wing, compared to the Elise. Perhaps you lose some downforce there?
- J
A:
when i pressed lotus about a wing and spoiler for the elise they responded that the elise had been specifically and aerodynamically designed without a front and rear spoiler and that any addition of these would throw off their design dramatically (obviously). they said because of the design there were no plans for a rear or front spoiler for the elise. i like the look of both and have considered going aftermarket, but would be concerned about having one without the other at 100+ mph speeds, especially when hitting hills or bumps, etc. based on the prices i have seen i don't feel its worth it at this time. perhaps ragnorak can begin manufacturing the wing themselves and cut the price in half, since now their price is incorporating shipping from italy, customs, etc. a more reasonable price would make it much more appealing for someone like myself. i just don't think a front and rear spoiler is worth $2000 for just the parts.
A:
Dave - since you might be taking more pictures...how about a nice picture of the whole car.
Sorry to be a pain, but I just can't get a feel for how this thing looks.
I want to see if it compliments the entire car, like the wing on the Exige.
My first impressions are it looks fantastic.
Here you go...
A:
could you also post a pic of the wing itself to show the CF weave?
thanks!
Here's the best I could muster up...
A:
Here's the best I could muster up...
Looks great! I should get mine this week. If there is any chance I could convince you to sell me an extra support bracket that you are making let me know. I would really appreciate it.
I think I may paint the wings vertical tips saffron yellow. I think that would look trick against the CF wing. What do you guys think? Photoshop anyone?
A:
Any idea how much downforce this wing actually creates? How much testing has been done on it? I love the way it looks, but I question whether it's a good idea to just start bolting big pieces of CF to the back of such a light car that is so well balanced and tuned. Also, is the trunk lid really a strong enough mounting location? Any downforce has to be passed through the weather stripping.
Regarding the questions on mounting method, downforce, etc: I feel once I've totally finished the install (with bracket/plate/damper mod) it will be very secure. But hey, I'll be the first to admit that I'm no expert on structure or aerodynamics. Right or wrong, I'm giving this my best shot. I don't have a problem being the guinea pig here. If I run into issues, you all will be the first to know. There are no instructions with the wing, and it's sent from Italy (to Brett) without hardware. Again, I'm not a high-speed track driver, and my decision to purchase was probably based more on looks than performance. As far as I know, this mounts the same as the Exige wing, which is the look I was after.
Regarding downforce and other performance notes, I'm hoping Brett might sound-in here, along with others in the forum that know more than I do.
Long story short, I'm very happy with the wing - it suits my purpose.
Is that a nitrous bottle?
Looks great! I should get mine this week. If there is any chance I could convince you to sell me an extra support bracket that you are making let me know. I would really appreciate it.
I'd be happy to send you one when done.
A:
Dave,
The solution is to upgrade to a carbon fiber trunk lid as well.
You will be able to use the stock prop rod, and the lid is so light, that the total weight will be around the same as stock in the end.
- J
Were you sent by Brett?
A:
Brett or Shinoo, take your pick.
- J
A:
Here's the best I could muster up...
thanks! looks very nice!
Are the two pieces that attach to the car CF also? I can't see a weave there.
A:
thanks! looks very nice!
Are the two pieces that attach to the car CF also? I can't see a weave there.
They are not CF, but a very strong composite material...Brett?
A:
I'd be happy to send you one when done.
Thank YOU!
Here's my lame-ass photoshop job of what I wouild like to do..
A:
... As far as I know, this mounts the same as the Exige wing, which is the look I was after. ...
I haven't seen how the S2 Exige wing is mounted internally, but The S1 Exige wing is mounted to the body, not the boot lid, and there is internal bracing to transfer the loads to the chassis. I expect there is a similar arrangement in the S2 Exige, though it would appear it might significantly interfere with the boot usage unless it is near/at the front edge of the boot. Any ROW Exige owners care to let us know?
Look at it this way...the boot lid isn't likely to leak if you're driving at speed in the rain.
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Here is a photo of the wing on an S2 exige. Mounted to the boot lid. Looks very similar to the photo above. You are right about the S1's they look like they are mounted to the rear clam.
A:
I'll snap some more pix tomorrow.
MX: This is the PB wing.
Crudson: I'll do some interior photos too.
JimK: How do I convince my wife I need the front spoiler?
Dave, tell her the car will be dangerously unbalanced without a front spoiler,
and if that dosn't work you can always bribe her with shoes (my CAI actually cost me $700 when I figure in the "new pair of shoes tax").
A:
Shoes??? Diamonds are nice....
A:
It looks fine as is and would probably look a bit more factory / less eBay if painted body color (all over). Partially painted would be kind of odd.