The Toyota Yaris GR is the Japanese pocket rocket of choice, which really doesn't share much with the regular Yaris, in fact, only four exterior panels are the same. However, it could benefit from a bit more front end aggression to truly make a statement. This is precisely why we’re excited to have the opportunity to install a genuine TRD (Toyota Racing Development) front splitter today.
Since the instructions are only relevant if you are capable of reading Japanese, we’ve put together a simple step-by-step guide to help you install a TRD front splitter on your Yaris GR!
Fitting your TRD Front Splitter to your Toyota GR Yaris - A Tutorial
Start with your unmolested, clean canvas vehicle.
After lifting the vehicle, you'll find a set of adhesive templates designed for three areas of the bumper: the underside, the lower corners, and the arch-lined section. Be sure to clean the areas first before applying the templates.
Next, repeat the same process underneath. For the arch lined section of the bumper, only a 5mm hole is needed. We also started with a 3mm bit for this area.
After drilling all the holes, slide the captive nut clip onto the arch-lined bumper section, and insert the plastic popper fixing into the underside of the bumper. Make sure the L shaped tab is facing towards the rear of the vehicle. The second 10mm hole on the side of the bumper will remain empty for now.
A soft felt sticky back washer is supplied, this should be attached to the inside of the splitter, where it will make contact with the bumper.
The provided 'blackout panel' is used to fill the gap where the splitter doesn't reach the fog light. Clean the area first, then slide the panel under the fog light surround. Peel the adhesive backing from one side to the other, ensuring you press down firmly as you go. Note: these are sided.
In preparation to fitting up the splitter, cover this area with masking tape, as upon installation the splitter could make contact with the paint here. Also, remove the bolts from the underside of the bumper, as they will be reinstalled later to secure the splitter.
The splitter is made up of three parts: the main bottom piece and the side spats on either side. Do not assemble these beforehand. Use the provided adhesive primer pad and gently apply it to the areas of the bumper where the adhesive tape will make contact. Part peel the adhesive backing, as it will be difficult to do so once the splitter is in place. Lift the splitter into position and align it carefully. Once positioned correctly, continue peeling off the adhesive backing and firmly press the splitter onto the bumper. Wipe away any excess adhesive primer.
Once the splitter has fallen into position, your previously drilled 10mm hole at the bottom side of the bumper should now line up perfectly.
Now, let's move on to fitting the side spats/canards. Slide the square headed captive bolt into the recess, then apply adhesive primer to the area of the bumper where the tape will make contact. Pre peel the tape backing and align the bolt with the drilled hole in the bumper. The piece should now 'fall into place' easily.
Attach the plastic nut to the bolt protruding through the bumper by pulling back the arch liner. Next, install the Phillips head screw into the top part of the canards, securing it through the previously installed captive nut clip. Although the instructions suggest trimming the arch liner, we've found this step isn't necessary. Allowing the screw to pass through it results in a cleaner, more seamless look.
Next, we can refit the previously removed corner bumper screws and make use of the previously installed plastic popper by fitting the supplied screw through the splitter tab into this.
For the final touch, other than wiping off any fingerprint marks, make sure the rubber seal/weather strip is evenly positioned against the bumper. A useful trick is to run the end of a small cable tie behind the seal to help it pop into place.
Now stand back and admire the job!
While the vehicle was with us, we also fitted a Maxton Design spoiler cap. Although the TRD splitter includes a 'Gurney flap extension,' it essentially just resembles a weather strip. This item can be purchased from us here.
