Esprit GT3, tail or no tail ?

[arbell9]

Wings are for fairies Roger. Tut tut! That is unless you are going all "street wiv me crew"

[Whirlybird]

Thank you all for your comments/observations/p*ss takes

In the true spirit of democracy, I have taken all of your comments and come up with the following action plan. Which, keeps everybody (nearly) happy.

Adrian, I have contacted Andy at Lotus who is going to find what came with the car.

Roger/Alex - Your both right, Wings is/are for fairies. Rotors are for men.

The wing will come off but, I can then keep it safe for future fitting if necessary.

I need to plug the holes.

Michael, your suggestion may be a little OTT for my tastes.

I will plug the holes (as per Alex) but Black on orange is a little 'loud', so may try and find something near the colour.

So if any of the other Chrome orange's have done this, I would love to see a pic.

It's been emotional.

[ramjet]

Aww. Shucks.

[sailorbob]

If the factory fitted the wing from new then I'd guess that it would have the normal 'short' transom. I cannot imagine it being fitted with the Swiss 'long' transom and wing due to this increasing understeer.

[tcole6]

Quite diplomatic of you Whirlybird. Ever considered running for office

Good luck with your new project. As they say on my other forum "pics or it didn't happen".

[arbell9]

The large wing doesnt cause any understeer issues on the GT3. Well not that i can tell from my driving lol

We have had several Wig discussions over the years, the comment that stuck in my mind was the one from Brian Angus at a large Esprit gathering where he stated that there was some aerodynamic purpose to the wings but in reality most of their effect was for cosmetic purposes.

various threads

http://www.thelotusforums.com/forums/topic/20647-wings/

http://www.thelotusforums.com/forums/topic/29332-rear-wing-downforce/page__hl__%2Bwing+%2Bdownforce

http://www.lotusespritworld.com/EGuides/EModifications/wingeffect.html from LEW

There was once a lovely thread on the esprit and wind tunnel testing which is hilarious to read.

Here they are:

The 1st one is good. Starts with a post by MJK himself

http://www.lotusespr...nd...nd tunnel\

it was started in reply to this on pistonheads http://www.pistonhea...a...mp;f=17&h=0

Others:

http://www.lotusespr...nd...nd tunnel\

http://www.lotusespr...d...t=0&start=0

http://www.lotusespr...nd...nd tunnel\

results found by putting "wind tunnel" into the search box B)

[Whirlybird]

By popular request, (one person), the pics.

[Loose Cannon]

[plumdeplakmuis]

Very good, much better now. (Top 3 of best Esprit configurations, No wing Orange GT3 with original wheels)

[Bibs]

[ramjet]

Off topic: What's the diff in exhaust system between the GT3 and the S4? My exhaust exits on the RHS.

[sailorbob]

The pipe passes through the GT3 back box twice by looping back on itself 180 degrees on the RHS.

Edited June 14, 2012 by sailorbob

[Sparky]

Bootiful.

[ramjet]

Ta Derek

[hopo]

Sorry but this is where it belongs

The V8 wing is just too big for the delicate shape of the GT3 without the wheel arch blisters, massive wheels and exhausts of the bigger engined car. Plonked on the arse of a little 4 pot it just looks like it's doing a wheelie.

this is spot on.... get rid

[Bibs]

I think with out it looks a little plain.

You've been staring at Esprit's for too long mate!

[tcole6]

I'm with Buddsy. Don't get me wrong, your car is absolutely gorgeous in either configuration, just for me, the wing is part of the car.

The good news is, you're happier with it and that is all that really matters in the end.

So when you are tired of her, give me a call (just include the wing ).

[Sparky]

But that's just it - the wing definitely isn't part of the GT3. Lotus designed it without a wing and with a longer transom. I agree some Stevens Esprits look good with a wing, but absolutely not the GT3.

[Cos]

I had one on my silver GT3 when I got it. Hated it from the start.

One it was gone, car looked much better. Also, the tailgate now opens on its own when I pull the lever inside the car. Before it would only pop up an inch, and then I would have to heave it up!

OFF WITH THE LEAD SPOILER!

[dodge1979]

No tail. Its a wonderful look without one.

[sal786]

Hi,  The spoiler makes the gt3 look  tall and narrow, but without it looks wide  (fat).Bin it, but if you still in two minds get some arches, problem solved. (the gt3 is all about lightweight so leave it standard). Love the colour................

 

[Whirlybird]

Hi,  The spoiler makes the gt3 look  tall and narrow, but without it looks wide  (fat).Bin it, but if you still in two minds get some arches, problem solved. (the gt3 is all about lightweight so leave it standard). Love the colour................

 

I agree, the GT3 was all about lightweight. Unfortunately, the factory didn't know I was going to be sitting in it !

[Loose Cannon]

I agree, the GT3 was all about lightweight. Unfortunately, the factory didn't know I was going to be sitting in it !

 

My problem too times by 1,000,000,000

[dodge1979]

Definately go for.the wider look...the s4 has a similar visual as the spoiler is smaller and half way up the boot it gives a low, wide impression..whereas those sweeping v8 wings tend to add a taller look...its all a visual illusion

[arbell9]

I have stuck the wing back on mine but with a radical new look. It's a bit more in yer face now.

It's been redone as the decal reacted with the matte finish. I have reversed the lotus decal too. No picture as its still in the workshop. It's been redone with lacquer .