When mounting a wing that creates downforce, was reinforcement of the body required? Is the stock rear panel strong enough as is?

 

Last RX-7 I saw didn't have any reinforcement for the wing. However, it was pretty small and didn't create much downforce. What gen '7 are we talking about?

 

It's a 1990 FC3S GXL

 

I guess it really matters on size and speed. Are we talking a whale tail here or just a lip?

 

I'm thinking full GT wing for track days. Probably a max speed of 100-110 mph.

 

You're def gonna need some reinforcement for that haha. Have you looked into the body panel to see what was on the inside? It may already have a honeycomb-ish structure, so you might not need much.

 

Yeah, it's only the aluminum of the body but it felt pretty strong. It's quite near some body reinforcement but it's hard to say. I'm thinking I might try to make some kind of backing plate to spread out the force.

 

Be careful with that! And I'm not sure how difficult it will be to find what you're looking for, but I'm sure SOMEONE makes one. You may also want to consider running some rods from the base of the wing to the inside of the body panel. You know, like a strut or whatever.

 

True, that's probably a better idea. I'll have to see what else is back there in case there isn't any space.

 

If you're running a big boy it might not be too crazy to run some struts down to the bottom or lower part of the body panel. You could probably weld up some bars with rings on the end and that would work pretty well. Also, I'm not too sure but how close are you to the tail lights? Because those may be in the way.

 

The tail lights are out of the way for the most part. The frame is fairly close to the body there so I can try and bolt up some struts or something of that nature. I'm sure bracing it won't be too bad. I need to clean up the wiring back there anyway.

 

Sounds like a plan. Good luck

 

Thanks for all the help

 

Post #14 in this thread shows my old wing.
https://www.rx7club.com/canadian-for...-dave-1091587/

I just used an extra piece of aluminum ,flat piece with holes for the fasteners..about 1-1/4 x2.
That wing secured on the car so good that Honestly I felt you could push the car with it and not even harm it.

 

Awesome and thanks!

 

My former wing had two struts that bolted to the rear deck of my FD. If you pushed on the wing at all it would flex the deck and was cracking the sheetmetal. I made big Aluminum uprights for my new wing that penetrate the rear fenders and bolt to the reinforced sections on the floor of the trunk. Very Solid. Bit I certainly admit cutting your fenders is not for everyone.