How to: Under $15 Gurney Lip

[SmikeEvo]

First off thanks to Otter for helping out.

What is a Gurney Lip? Let me quote Mitsubishi here:


"The gurney flap creates 14kg (30.8 lbs) more down force at speeds above 180km (112 mph)."

This is OE on the SE and I believe the 06 MRs had them stock. This was also a dealer option in some cases. Whichever the case maybe, I am interested in better aero. These are not new to motorsports. They have been around for about 40 years.

Why would I need this? Well if you are a track runner then this can give you some extra downforce when above 112 mph. Best shown here:

http://www.allamericanracers.com/images/gurney_flap_sketch.jpg


Picture the trailing edge of the wing cross-section, with the Gurney pointing upwards and the airflow moving from left to right (above). At the trailing edge, the airflow immediately beneath the wing rolls into a small anti-clockwise vortex behind the Gurney. Immediately above this, a second small vortex, rotating in the opposite direction, is formed by the airflow traveling above the wing as it passes over the gurney's lip. together these two vortices form a small separation bubble - a rotating mass of air removed from the main flow - which is somewhat taller overall than the gurney itself.

http://www.allamericanracers.com/gurney_flap.html

Ok, so I now have sold you on one. You are probaby thinking to yourself - "cool, and how much is this going to cost me?"

Cost at the dealer? About $80 bucks. Aftermarket? About $50.

Let me breakdown my costs (NOTE: this will make 2, yes 2 of these lips! So get a friend :) ):

Home Depot - door section, vinyl trim molding, 10ft section: $2.49
Auto Store - 3M Body two-sided tape: $6.99
Auto Store - Body colored paint (in my case - black): $6.99
Auto Store - High temp clear coat (opt): $6.99

So lets recap...2.49+6.99+6.99+6.99 = $23.46, divided by 2 = $11.73 ea. If you already have the black paint (and clear) $9.48 or $4.74 ea.

How to:
--Cut vinyl down to the length of the wing.
--Paint to the color of your car
--Clear coat (optional)
--Let dry for a few hours (give the paint lots of time to cure)
--Apply 3M tape
--Stick to car

Results:
http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k61/smikeevo/IMAG0016.jpg

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k61/smikeevo/IMAG0014.jpg

Cheers and happy racing!

MG

[MikSchultzy]

Yeah, I saw that on Steve's, and have wanted something ever since. Just something to spruce it up.

But you need your spoiler fixed Mike.

[stevo_mr]

If you want to you can make multiples smaller or larger for more or less downforce. Have to find different way to attach though. Most rear wings in racing have a piece of metal or plastic to slide the new "wicker bill" or "Gurney Flap" on. Named after Dan Gurney the only person to win a Formula One race while driving a car of his own design. LeMans winner with Ford GT40, and started the spraying champagne tradition. You will see some old GT40s with a bubble roof called the "Gurney Bubble" since he was about 6'4". A true American racing legend and all around good guy. Like AJ Foyt without the attitude.

[otter]

This was insanely easy to do. Hardest part was watching the paint dry. ;) Much better than paying a lot more money for the same plastic stick from a vendor/dealer.

[JrCRXHF]

06MR had it stock.

Well mine did.
;O)

[piranha]

This is the same aero effect as wing flaps on an airplane.

[SmikeEvo]

Felt pretty good today at Grattan. Car was stable when I was at the 130. Looking at Daves MR, my bill is 2x as tall.

[MitsuJoe]

Do you have the vortex generator too?

[SmikeEvo]

Yep :)