Moto-Build Splitter

As posted on another thread, I finally fitted the splitter over the weekend. Prior to doing this I asked Andy at Vehicle Handling Solutions if it would be advantageous during my time there having a seat lowering modification fitted. I noticed the same on his sprint car and he affirmed that it would make a difference.

A word of warning - it's definitely a two person job. I did mine without any assistance and was always mindful of damaging the bumper, it's amazing how unwieldy and flexible it is off the car. Couple that with the grazed knuckles when fighting with the wheel-arch liners whilst loosening the upper mounting screws.

Removal of the indicator lens assemblies was ok on the first one, but the retaining lug on the second snapped clean off, a perennial problem with these. Super-glueing didn't work so I've drilled the indicator housing to take a number 8 self tapping screw, and adjusted it progressively to retain the indicator on re-assembly.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the metalwork behind the bumper, and the armature were in excellent condition, especially when you consider that the car is fifteen years old.

I managed to support the bumper on a pair of wheelie bins in the end in order to drill the holes.

Alternatively, you could keep the bumper on the car when fitting, I had to remove mine to fit the re-silvered headlight reflectors to the headlights which I had done at Dual Metallising Limited six months ago who I cannot praise highly enough, also had the Trophy grilles to fit as well.

I was a bit doubtful as to whether to use the supplied fixings, but found them to be satisfactory thus far. My advice is to drill the bumper holes to Ø4.0mm first, then open them out to Ø5.0mm afterward, using the splitter as a template. This hole size gave the correct amount of grip on the screws supplied. Incidently, I found that the best drills to use are those used for drilling wood as they have a spike on the centre which allows for accurate positioning, preventing the drill from wandering. The outer corners of the drill then trepan the hole diameter without causing the drill to 'grab' as it breaks through.

Using the maxim 'measure twice, cut once' all the holes where drilled, (six in total) and the splitter assembled to the bumper. Once assembled this gave the added benefit of stabilising the bumper from it's aforementioned flexibility allowing me to place the assembly flat on the floor, resting on the splitter underside.

Reassembly was fairly straightforward, just add extra grazed knuckles. I have noticed though that the splitter is slightly skewed, nothing that cannot be corrected with judicious opening-out of the splitter mounting holes later on. I've also noticed that the splitter seem a bit 'front-high', which will probably correct itself with a bit of air resistance.

Testing after fitting showed a marked improvement in front-end positioning at higher road speeds, a bit like removing the EPAS fuse with less wander. Thus far, the assembly hasn't managed to ground itself on our local speed humps, but time will tell.

All in all, it took two days to fit which included the disassembly and reassembly of the headlights, plus replacing the grilles. If I had to do it again I'd definitely recommend jacking the front of the car and fitting it directly.

Photo's to follow of the installation later, HID kit to go on next as well.

Regards,

DFV8

Good stuff, matey!:thumbsup:
But this thread is useless without pictures!:rofl: Especially grazed knuckles!:lol:
:uwp2:

Before:



Misty headlights:



After:

sorted the links for you, so they display

Are the VHS seats you mention the ones with the re-engineered frames or just the spring kit for the MGF? The reason I ask is the TF seats are ever so slightly too high for me and the extra couple of inches the VHS re-engineering can drop the seat by is tempting however I'm yet to see any real world piccies of the difference or even the actual re-engineering in order to asses if its possible to DIY

Hi Kameleon,

Please see other thread.

I've joined the splitter club!:woohoo:
Also from Moto-Build. Great people to deal with!
Got it bolted up this evening.

Rich in Vancouver wrote: I've joined the splitter club!:woohoo:
Also from Moto-Build. Great people to deal with!
Got it bolted up this evening.

Looks good, Rich!:yesnod: The splitter really stabilizes the front end at speed.:broon:

So I understand.
I haven't even had the car in 5th gear yet!
We do have a 150 mile mountain run coming up on the 22nd.
It should prove it's worth then!
Whistler Run
You're All Welcome!