Enhancing Your Toyota GR86's Style with Custom Side Skirts and Body Kits

Enhancing the Look of Your GR86 With Custom Side Skirts

The GR86 is an exciting new sports car that delivers incredible performance and handling in an affordable package. Part of the appeal of the GR86 is its distinctive, aggressive design that turns heads wherever it goes. One of the defining elements of the GR86's styling is its sculpted side profile, which can be made even more eye-catching with the addition of aftermarket side skirts.

Side skirts, also known as side splitters or side valances, are body kits that attach to the lower edges of the front and rear fenders. Designed to complement the GR86's factory side sills, side skirts create a lower, sleeker profile along the rocker panels beneath the doors. This gives the impression that the GR86 is hunkered down, ready to carve up corners. The right set of side skirts can make your GR86 look lower, wider, and more planted.

Benefits of Adding Side Skirts to Your GR86

There are several advantages to installing custom side skirts on your GR86:

• Enhanced styling - Side skirts give your GR86 a more aggressive, track-inspired appearance. The accentuated lower profile makes the car look wider and lower to the ground.
• Aerodynamic benefits - Some side skirts feature air channels and fins to improve airflow and downforce for better high-speed stability.
• Protection - Side skirts add an extra layer of protection to your GR86's bodywork from debris kick-up, scrapes, and minor side impacts.
• Customization - Side skirts allow you to put your own unique stamp on your GR86's exterior styling.
• Finishing touch - The right set of side skirts can tie together other exterior mods like lowered suspension, wheels, and body kits.

Factors to Consider When Choosing GR86 Side Skirts

With so many side skirt options available from different manufacturers, selecting the right set to install on your GR86 can be challenging. Here are some factors to think about as you shop for side skirts:

• Fitment - Precise fitment is crucial for proper installation and alignment with existing body lines. Look for skirts designed specifically for the GR86's dimensions and contours.
• Material - ABS plastic and urethane are lightweight yet durable materials commonly used for side skirts. Fiberglass offers greater durability for more aggressive driving.
• Finish - Matte, gloss, and carbon fiber finishes are available to match your GR86's paintwork and other exterior accents.
• Design - Consider visual aspects like the skirt's profile, accent lines, vents, and underside details that complement your GR86's overall look.
• Brand reputation - Stick with quality brands known for good fitment and high-grade materials for best long-term durability.
• Price - GR86 side skirts range widely in cost from a couple hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on materials used and design complexity.

Popular Side Skirt Choices for the Toyota GR86

Here are some top-rated side skirt options to consider for customizing your GR86's exterior profile:

Seibon Carbon Fiber Side Skirts

Constructed from 100% genuine Seibon carbon fiber weave, these side skirts feature a sleek, vented design. The lightweight carbon fiber material provides exceptional durability while giving your GR86 a true performance look.

TRD Side Skirts

Toyota's in-house TRD brand offers factory-styled side skirts molded from durable polyurethane. With precise OEM-quality fitment, they integrate seamlessly with the GR86's body lines.

Rocket Bunny V1 Side Skirts

For an even more aggressive style, the Rocket Bunny V1 skirts have exaggerated dimensions to make your GR86 appear lower and wider. Styling cues match Rocket Bunny's famous GR86 body kits.

AIT Racing Side Skirts

Combining affordability with quality construction, AIT Racing's ABS plastic side skirts feature a subtle lip accent that complements the GR86's lines. A variety of finishes are available.

Varis Side Skirts

Japanese tuner Varis produces dynamic carbon fiber side skirts with futuristic fins, vents, edges and underbody channels. Varis skirts make a bold, race-inspired statement.

Installing and Caring for Your GR86 Side Skirts

While side skirts bolt on relatively easily, it's best to have them installed professionally for proper alignment. Most mechanics can handle the job in a few hours. Use a reputable shop experienced at installing aftermarket body kits on imported sports cars.

Be sure to keep these care tips in mind to keep your new side skirts looking their best:

• Hand wash gently using a microfiber cloth, soap and water to remove dirt and debris.
• Avoid applying waxes or protectants with high solvent or alcohol content.
• Inspect periodically for damage, cracks or loosening of hardware.
• Touch up any scratches right away and re-apply protective clearcoat if needed.
• Check underside for scraping or punctures from road debris.
• Re-adjust if skirts become misaligned over time.

Side Skirts Give Your GR86 a Custom Performance Look

The right set of side skirts can enhance your GR86's appearance with a lowered, sculpted profile that accentuates the sports car's bold design. Whether you select a subtle OEM-style skirt or a more aggressive aftermarket option, side skirts are an effective way to put a personal touch on your GR86.

With precise fitment and quality materials and finishes, today's side skirts are designed to upgrade aesthetics and performance while withstanding real-world use. Consult GR86 forums and experts to select the ideal skirts to match your style, budget and goals.

By investing in a custom set of side skirts, you can achieve the lowered, widened stance you want while showing off your passion for Toyota's exciting GR86 coupe. The improved aerodynamics and protection are nice bonuses too. With proper professional installation and care, your new side skirts will enhance your GR86's head-turning style for years to come.

FAQs

What are the main benefits of installing side skirts on a GR86?

The main benefits are enhanced styling, aerodynamic improvements, added body protection, and customization. Side skirts give the GR86 a lower, wider, more aggressive look. Many are designed to improve airflow and high-speed stability. They also protect the lower body from scrapes and debris. Side skirts allow owners to customize their GR86's appearance.

What materials are GR86 side skirts made from?

Most are constructed from ABS plastic, urethane, or fiberglass. Carbon fiber is also used, especially for higher-end options. These materials provide an optimal blend of affordability, durability, flexibility and lightweight.

What brand makes the best GR86 side skirts?

Top brands include Seibon, TRD, Varis, AIT Racing, and Rocket Bunny. Reputable manufacturers specializing in GR86/BRZ aftermarket parts tend to produce the best fitting side skirts. OEM options from Toyota's in-house TRD brand also offer excellent fit and finish.

How much does it cost to install side skirts on a GR86?

Plan on spending $400 to $800 or more for parts and professional installation. The cost depends on the specific brand and style of side skirts purchased. More complex designs cost more. Opting to install them yourself will save on labor fees.

How can I keep my GR86's side skirts looking their best?

Hand wash gently with soap and water, avoid harsh chemicals, inspect and touch up scratches quickly, check mounting hardware, and have a professional re-align if necessary. Proper maintenance keeps side skirts looking like new.