Front splitter/spoiler or keep the front end clean?

[CharlieCroker]

So before I started all my mods I removed the front splitter to gain access to the underneath. Now that I am in position to put it back on I find myself in two minds. Do I put it back on or keep the front end clean lined. I know it helps air intake but what did S1s do before the splitter was added? I'm liking the cleaner line but would like to see an S1 without and with the original factory intake, anyone got a picture?

[Denis247]

Do you mean Spoiler?

[CharlieCroker]

Yes, spoiler, any suggestions?

[Dunc]

S1 elites and eclats had a narrow 3/4 width front spoiler of their own. It was a simple black plastic protrusion jutting forwards and downwards at at 135 degree angle, rather like the ones on the early esprits.

 

they have a habit of breaking off, so it is rare to see an S1 that still has one in place. Most people also think the S2 item looks better, so a lot of S1's had the S2 spoiler retro fitted for looks and function (it scoops more air)

 

However the S2 spoiler makes the cars a complete 'mare to tow and you have to winch them onto recovery vehicles backwards. I am looking at fitting a fabric towstrap pickup from demon tweeks.

[CharlieCroker]

Has anyone got a photo of an S1 with its original scoop? I may decide to fabricate one that resembles the original item.

[Dunc]

[CharlieCroker]

Me likey, so does it have sides or is it simply a lip that sticks out? Doesn't look hard to fabricate something similar. Cheers Dunc :-)

[Clive59]

This is all I have at the moment, I will take a closeup when I can if you want from a better angle. Not sure if it is original, the bumper colour certainly isn't, but I think I prefer colour coded than black anyway, makes the lines nicer I think.

[qwerty123]

They are there to help prevent the front end (steering) becoming 'light' at speed.

 

It may look cleaner without but they do a valuable job. But, of course, you knew this already?

[CharlieCroker]

By the way gents, both your cars look amazing! Thanks for posting, any other photos would be a great help :-)

[Dunc]

the yellow Series 1 is a library pic. I think it belongs to a chap called Nick. My yellow car is an Series 2 although it is on an S suffix plate, it is a private plate that I put on it and the car is a mid 1980 S2 that was originally on a W plate.

 

as it was:

 

http://www.thelotusforums.com/forums/garage/vehicle/595-lotus-eclat-s2/?tab=images#

 

as it is now:

 

http://www.thelotusforums.com/forums/garage/vehicle/595-lotus-eclat-s2/

 

That pic of an S1 is identical to the one I used to have tho... (apart from that one still having its S1 lip spoiler!)

 

The S1 front bib doesn't have any sides, it is simply a fin that juts forward. Maybe one with sides would be less prone to being knocked off?

 

Clive's is a custom one.

[CharlieCroker]

Would love a front on closeup of that front lip, reckon I could make one of those. Is the v8 eclat yours?

[Dunc]

It is a pretty simple protrusion, I'm sure you could make something similar

 

Yes, the V8 eclat is mine. I have two others, but they are not on the road yet. (Blue eclat excel nearly ready for MOT).

 

I don't have one to take pics of as my red S1 doesn't have it. I will fit an S2 bib to that one as its intended to be a track car and the S2 bib is reputed to help cooling.

[CharlieCroker]

Great, I remember now I've seen the thread for the blue rclat excel. Cool, anytime you have photos feel free to post, the more photos the better!

[mikeeech]

mine is completely clean with no evidence that it ever had anything!

[esprit s2]

I've got a brand new one in the garage ready to fit. I'll take a photo of it later and post it up.

[CharlieCroker]

^^When you say brand new are they available to buy?

[esprit s2]

They are indeed! Think I got mine from Paul Matty or Lotusbits.

The pic with the front bumper just shows it isn't a full width splitter.

[CharlieCroker]

Blimey, didn't know you could get them still, how much are they? Thanks for the photos, I like it, may well opt for one of these.

[mikeeech]

Blimey, didn't know you could get them still, how much are they? Thanks for the photos, I like it, may well opt for one of these.

And how do they fix on? just bolted?

[Denis247]

And how do they fix on? just bolted?

Exactly

[soldave]

Did you get one of these Charlie? Just wondering how much they are - may have to give Lotus Bits or Paul Matty a call in the next week or two once I'm back on the road.

[clivef38]

I got a new one from SJ's they are made to order. It took about three weeks.

[soldave]

Question about these. Are they usually painted the colour of the body, or a gloss or satin black? Just wanting to make sure that when I do get one it's as original looking as it can be.

[johnpwalsh]

Looks like I may have one in the garage that came off an old project. Will have a look and see and make it available if anyone wants it.