Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

A usual problem I'm sure. On fast climbs such as Gurston (91mph over finish) or bunny's leap at Wiscombe the Elans wing shape seems to come into effect very well!!! I can lower the front by another 20mm but might possibly try some kind of detachable front spoiler to get some more front end grip at speed. Has anyone tried or got any experience in this? The aftermarket Mazda MX5 spoiler looks adaptable.

Basic laws of physics, Mr Goldfinger. If you can get your speed up to around 150mph, a puny front aerofoil might just be starting to have some effect.

I disagree. Any aerodynamic device will help, even at 50mph. Not as much as at 150, but every little helps

How about a splitter in order to reduce the volume of air pushed under the car by the shape of the nose under the air intake? Coupled to the 20mm drop (how are you going to achieve this?) the amount of air (and therefore lift) getting under the car could be greatly reduced.

jon1986eac wrote:A usual problem I'm sure. On fast climbs such as Gurston (91mph over finish) or bunny's leap at Wiscombe the Elans wing shape seems to come into effect very well!!! I can lower the front by another 20mm but might possibly try some kind of detachable front spoiler to get some more front end grip at speed. Has anyone tried or got any experience in this? The aftermarket Mazda MX5 spoiler looks adaptable.

This is what you need
Picture taken of Alan Thomas's SuperSprint at the NEC.
I happened to mention to Alan that my steering concerns me when it goes very light at 80mph and that I need a front spoiler. That's when he showed me his car. It's a Europa Twin Cam spoiler that needs to be modified to suit the width of the Elan. The usual suspects sell them, and I've ordered one from SJ Sportscars - they are made to order, so I expect delivery any time now.

What about this one ,not sure who makes them but the pic is from Goodwood earlier in the year. Would like one myself.

pete d wrote:What about this one ,not sure who makes them but the pic is from Goodwood earlier in the year. Would like one myself.

This one looks uncomfortably close to the ground to me.