427bob

Friend of mine just got a 2015 C7 3LT/Z51. When we look under the front grill we expect to see the rubber skirt that hangs across the front, like on previous Corvettes.
On his we see nothing. Went to a cruise night and other C7's had the skirt.
Did the dealer forget to install it? Is it an option he missed?
You know the rubber skirt I'm talking about...the one that hangs down under the front bumper that we all scrape at one time or another.
Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks!

JerryU

The reason is he has a Z51! Although initially designed to have a center air dam it was eliminated when the car was released. It should still have short air dams at the ends or the dealer forgot to install them.
Been lots of discussion as to why the center section was removed from the Z51 and something Tadge said at the Bash a few weeks ago may give the real reason. Although he was discussing the the Z06 his comment probably fits the standard C7 Z51 as well. In a video of his presentation, he said at 150 mph the front air dam was providing excess downforce so was not used since they wanted understeer at high speed so the rear was not the first end to step out! Perhaps that is the “better handling” that was being referred to early on as part of the reason for the elimination.
The following excerpt is from an excellent article by the C7 aerodynamicist, John Bednarchik about the 2014 C7 achieving the desired aerodynamic result; “ …developing an aero-optimized grille and air dam, but also a removable center section for the Z51 performance option, to provide better stability at high rates of speed. Bednarchik points out that while shapes for improving fuel efficiency typically begin to have an effect at highway speeds, lift and drag components become critical from 150 mph to maximum velocity.”

Indy-hp

The base C7 has the 3-piece air dam like the C6 and C5. The Z51 C7 deletes the center piece to get more air to the back to cool the rear brakes.

customheat

I have seen C7 stingrays with a Z06 stage 1 spoiler added on. (part # 22922352) I am being told that these do not fit a C7 with the Z51 option. Is that the case and if so what does fit?

drs

Not correct. All models (z06 included obviously) have the same front end geometry. It will fit just fine on the z51 optioned cars.

C8Jake

lower air deflectors are completely useless...toss in dumpster
splitter = any C7

VETJAZZ

Just pulled mine off yesterday.

HD_Rider

@C7Jake - Your car is just stunning. I never get tired of seeing the pics.


I'll be pulling off the "damlets" myself when I install the Z06 splitter this weekend on my Z51.