Custom Toyota GR86 Splitters - Styling & Performance Benefits

Enhancing the Look of Your GR86 With a Custom Splitter

The sleek, sporty design of the Toyota GR86 already turns heads on the streets, but adding a custom splitter provides an extra flair that really makes your ride pop. A custom GR86 splitter enhances the factory styling for an aggressive racing look while also delivering some real performance benefits.

How Do Splitters Work?

Front splitters attach to the lower front bumper and extend forward to redirect air flowing beneath the car. This disruption in airflow reduces front-end lift at speed for better stability and creates a vacuum effect for extra downforce.

With more contact between the tires and road, cornering precision goes up dramatically. Reduced front lift also lets designers dial in more appropriate suspension geometry and adjustability to handle lateral loads. Racers use splitters all the time to gain an edge but you can also benefit with your street-driven sports coupe.

Benefits of Adding a GR86 Splitter

Improved aerodynamics and aesthetics certainly headline any discussion about splitters for the GR86. But several other advantages make these add-on parts an easy choice for individualizing your car.

Downforce - The most obvious benefit comes from generating extra downforce at speed for superior grip and high-speed stability. Aggressive driving becomes more accessible and adding confidence enhances fun overall.

Cooling - Ducting air more efficiently underneath the car assists with brake cooling and radiator efficiency as well. Better ventilation keeps operating temperatures within the happy zone.

Appearance - Nothing makes a statement quite like a prominent splitter extending several inches ahead of the bumper. The racing undertones match perfectly with the sports coupe mission of the GR86 too.

Protection - Finally, a good GR86 splitter shields the painted bumper from chipping and scraping over rough roads. Considering the low nose height, this extra armor proves invaluable daily.

Types of Toyota GR86 Splitters

You'll find GR86 splitters available in three basic configurations - custom molded splitters along with universal or special application models that require some installation creativity. Prices range from around $100 up to $800+ for carbon fiber splitters handmade specifically for your GR86.

Custom Molded Splitters

For a factory quality appearance, go with a splitter molded precisely for the GR86 front bumper. These bolt directly to the underside of the bumper without any fabrication work needed. Expect a perfect fit along with all mounting provisions pre-installed from the manufacturer.

Universal Splitters

Universal splitters feature adjustable mounting flanges so you can tweak the fitment during installation. The mounting process proves more tedious but still straightforward compared to fashioning something custom. Universals work adequately but small gaps might be visible around the edges.

Special Application Splitters

If you want a truly unique racing appearance, fabricate a custom splitter using sheet ABS plastic or lightweight carbon fiber. You’ll have the most flexibility working from scratch to accommodate driving priorities like parking lot clearances. Just prepare for extensive design work.

Tips for Choosing the Best Toyota GR86 Splitter

Focus your splitter search by determining the performance and styling enhancements desired then let your budget guide the decision. While intricate carbon fiber works look awesome, you can still achieve substantial improvements with affordable universal polyurethane models.

Remember, splitters exert significant leverage on the chassis from road impacts and airflow pressure. Ensure adequate reinforcement on mounting flanges to prevent cracking over time. And never try temporarily attaching a splitter with zip ties or weak adhesive.

Installing Your New GR86 Splitter

Fortunately, the GR86 splitter installs more easily than on most other sport compacts. Just jack up the front, remove the factory undershield, disconnect the fog lights if equipped, and bolt everything together. Still, allow a full weekend in case modifications become necessary for that perfect fit.

Take measurements and assess obvious interference points before getting started. Take your time and do not trim anything until you observe actual contact with the splitter mounted. A helper can greatly simplify this process as an extra set of eyes and hands.

Maintaining Your GR86 Splitter

Despite the rugged materials used, splitters endure substantial abuse from road debris. Expect oxidation, cracking, and broken mounting flanges over time. Check all hardware regularly to spot problems early. Clean the surface periodically with soap and water then apply a UV protectant to minimize sun damage.

Avoid chemical cleaners which can weaken the PU material and watch for car wash brushes snagging on the extended lip. Repair any cracks with epoxy adhesive to prevent expanding. Be prepared to replace the entire splitter if damage becomes too severe.

Enhancing Performance and Styling

Few upgrades check as many boxes for GR86 owners as adding a custom splitter. The look instantly becomes race-ready while enjoying better stability and braking power. Just select premium hardware, take your time installing, and address any wear before it gets out of hand.

With the excellent chassis balance and nimble handling of the GR86, a more planted front end unlocks even more thrilling performance potential. Get out there and carve up the back roads with extra confidence and road gripping might courtesy of your new splitter.

FAQs

Do I need any special tools to install a GR86 splitter?

Most splitters include all the necessary mounting hardware for direct installation. You'll need basic hand tools like wrenches and ratchets. A small drill may help enlarge mounting holes that don't line up perfectly. Be sure to use a torque wrench for tightening bolts to spec.

Will a splitter drain my GR86 gas mileage?

There will be a slight reduction in MPG since the splitter creates aerodynamic drag at highway speeds. But the difference should prove minimal, likely 1-2mpg lower average. Improved handling can offset this further by allowing you to ease off the throttle at times.

Can I get a splitter painted to match my GR86?

Yes, the urethane material used for most splitters accepts paint readily after proper cleaning and sanding. Spray paint techniques allow matching the factory finish using included color codes. Just avoid darker colors which show imperfections in the splitter surface.

Should I install the splitter myself?

The bolt-on nature of GR86 splitters makes DIY installing straightforward for anyone comfortable using tools and jacking up their vehicle safely. Still, seeking professional help proves worthwhile if you want a perfect fit with no visible gaps or alignment issues.