Notices
C5 General General C5 Corvette and C5 Z06 Discussion not covered in Tech

[Z06] who makes rear diffusers for C5?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 21, 2012 | 10:06 AM
  #1  
carlsbad's Avatar
carlsbad
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 595
Likes: 0
From: west hartford ct
Default who makes rear diffusers for C5?

anybody make rear rear diffusers for C5?, pics anyone?
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2012 | 10:56 AM
  #2  
Blue Blood's Avatar
Blue Blood
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 116
From: North Dallas Forty Orange County, Ca.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13, '15,'21
Default

A couple have tried but they didn't look very good. Should turn up on a search.
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2012 | 03:11 PM
  #3  
jkz06's Avatar
jkz06
Pro
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 667
Likes: 0
From: Austin TX
Default

the ones I've seen look like tacky add ons. A lot of us paint the bottom portion of the bumper and it looks pretty good. Just a thought.
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2012 | 07:51 PM
  #4  
~Josh's Avatar
~Josh
Banned Scam/Spammer
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,685
Likes: 1,330
From: Machineguns, because I don’t compromise
Default $.02

If you want a diffuser to really work, you need to have it as part of a complete undertray that channels air from front to back with the diffuser section being the final part of the sequence.

Bolting on some plastic vanes to the back of your car is no better than a bandaid on a machete chop, and if someone doesn't care about the physics, then it's all about the rice...

Just saying.
Reply
Old Apr 21, 2012 | 08:09 PM
  #5  
~Josh's Avatar
~Josh
Banned Scam/Spammer
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,685
Likes: 1,330
From: Machineguns, because I don’t compromise
Default

Another thing, if you really care about high speed aerodynamics, the C5z is inferior to the C5 coupe in that department.... so....
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2012 | 12:27 PM
  #6  
kerryt1's Avatar
kerryt1
Drifting
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,876
Likes: 0
From: Edmond OK
Default

Nobody has made an acceptable one, functionally or cosmetically.
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2012 | 12:57 PM
  #7  
AU N EGL's Avatar
AU N EGL
Team Owner
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Default

Originally Posted by kerryt1
Nobody has made an acceptable one, functionally or cosmetically.
Functional on a C6Z

Name:  101_2004.jpg
Views: 2070
Size:  51.5 KB

C5 functional
Name:  Diffuser2.jpg
Views: 2517
Size:  55.2 KB

Both would like like chit on a street car

Last edited by AU N EGL; Apr 23, 2012 at 01:00 PM.
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2012 | 02:02 PM
  #8  
Khaalathas's Avatar
Khaalathas
Instructor
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 155
Likes: 2
From: Moorhead MN
Default

It is? How So?

Originally Posted by ~Joshua
Another thing, if you really care about high speed aerodynamics, the C5z is inferior to the C5 coupe in that department.... so....
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Apr 23, 2012 | 02:25 PM
  #9  
~Josh's Avatar
~Josh
Banned Scam/Spammer
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,685
Likes: 1,330
From: Machineguns, because I don’t compromise
Default

Originally Posted by Khaalathas
It is? How So?
There have been several threads about this I think you can find in the Tech or General section.

Basically, the contour of the rear hatch on the Coupe is better at minimizing the turbulence as the air is washing off the back of the car. The FRC is at a disadvantage in comparison if you're talking about high triple digit speeds.
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2012 | 04:16 PM
  #10  
EBM_Z06's Avatar
EBM_Z06
Instructor
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Southern Germany
Default

Here is what I have on my Z for a diffuser. It's made of carbon fiber. Not ment to be functial, just for the looks but I like it.

Reply
Old Apr 23, 2012 | 05:03 PM
  #11  
ZEE-OH-6's Avatar
ZEE-OH-6
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 0
From: Huntington Beach California
Default

Originally Posted by Khaalathas
It is? How So?
The stock C5 Coupe has a higher top end speed then the stock C5 Z06.

something like 175 mph v. 165 mph I think, I believe the air flow from the Coupe's rear glass has a lot to do with it ?
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2012 | 05:20 PM
  #12  
vant's Avatar
vant
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 767
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by ZEE-OH-6
The stock C5 Coupe has a higher top end speed then the stock C5 Z06.

something like 175 mph v. 165 mph I think, I believe the air flow from the Coupe's rear glass has a lot to do with it ?
Actually the aerodynamics of the rear window has almost nothing to do with the C5Z's top speed vs the coupe. The C5Z is limited by 5th gear @ 172mph.
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2012 | 05:22 PM
  #13  
Grimlock's Avatar
Grimlock
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 4
From: Palo Alto CA
Default

Originally Posted by ZEE-OH-6
The stock C5 Coupe has a higher top end speed then the stock C5 Z06.

something like 175 mph v. 165 mph I think, I believe the air flow from the Coupe's rear glass has a lot to do with it ?
It is gearing that is what causes the difference in top speed. Top speed in a Z06 is 171 MPH vs 175 MPH in a coupe. There might be a slight aerodynamic advantage to the coupe, but I can't really comment on it.
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2012 | 06:31 PM
  #14  
AU N EGL's Avatar
AU N EGL
Team Owner
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Default

Originally Posted by Grimlock
It is gearing that is what causes the difference in top speed. Top speed in a Z06 is 171 MPH vs 175 MPH in a coupe. There might be a slight aerodynamic advantage to the coupe, but I can't really comment on it.
magazine dribble

the Z06s hp and less wt give it the advantage.

Put the same hp, and reduce the coupes wt, well then we have a comparison
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2012 | 06:49 PM
  #15  
Grimlock's Avatar
Grimlock
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 4
From: Palo Alto CA
Default

Originally Posted by AU N EGL
magazine dribble

the Z06s hp and less wt give it the advantage.

Put the same hp, and reduce the coupes wt, well then we have a comparison
If this is the case, then why is the Z06 slower? If weight and power are all that matters...

I guess if we believe you, we might as well go for world speed records in a SUV or pick-up truck, since aerodynamics don't matter.
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2012 | 07:34 PM
  #16  
AU N EGL's Avatar
AU N EGL
Team Owner
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Default

aero does matter quite a bit.

and the Z is not slow, it is faster. But then again, I ( we) only get to the mid 150s on most race tracks long straights.

Aero matters so much that putting duct tape over the fog light / zo6 screens sees 3-4 mph more at redline 4th gear. Which means taking out a very popular CAI.
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2012 | 07:43 PM
  #17  
Grimlock's Avatar
Grimlock
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 4
From: Palo Alto CA
Default

Originally Posted by AU N EGL
aero does matter quite a bit.

and the Z is not slow, it is faster. But then again, I ( we) only get to the mid 150s on most race tracks long straights.
Totally agree. I used to race and modify race cars for a living. I've driven a car that can literally drive upside down at 150 MPH due to awesome aerodynamic design.

Originally Posted by AU N EGL
Aero matters so much that putting duct tape over the fog light / zo6 screens sees 3-4 mph more at redline 4th gear. Which means taking out a very popular CAI.
Wait a second. This makes ZERO sense. Gears and speed are linear. Making the car more slippery makes zero difference. If you are at 6,500 RPMs (same gears) then you will be going a set speed, aero makes zero difference unless you are power limited. Aero will help you hit redline more quickly, but it has nothing to do with speeds you are hitting in 3rd or 4th gears at redline.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To who makes rear diffusers for C5?

Old Apr 23, 2012 | 09:51 PM
  #18  
z06801's Avatar
z06801
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,530
Likes: 364
From: NSL UT
Default

Originally Posted by Grimlock
Totally agree. I used to race and modify race cars for a living. I've driven a car that can literally drive upside down at 150 MPH due to awesome aerodynamic design.



Wait a second. This makes ZERO sense. Gears and speed are linear. Making the car more slippery makes zero difference. If you are at 6,500 RPMs (same gears) then you will be going a set speed, aero makes zero difference unless you are power limited. Aero will help you hit redline more quickly, but it has nothing to do with speeds you are hitting in 3rd or 4th gears at redline.
I think that is what he means, the straights only so long so the car that would hit its top speed first would achieve the higher top speed on the straight. just like adding more angle to your wing will also effect your top speed
Reply
Old Apr 24, 2012 | 07:45 AM
  #19  
AU N EGL's Avatar
AU N EGL
Team Owner
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Default

Originally Posted by Grimlock

Wait a second. This makes ZERO sense. Gears and speed are linear. Making the car more slippery makes zero difference. If you are at 6,500 RPMs (same gears) then you will be going a set speed, aero makes zero difference unless you are power limited. Aero will help you hit redline more quickly, but it has nothing to do with speeds you are hitting in 3rd or 4th gears at redline.
That is what I thought too. Maybe those were just good days. But it was enough to constantly keep those fog light areas duct tapped shut.
Reply
Old Apr 24, 2012 | 10:46 AM
  #20  
Moto One's Avatar
Moto One
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 167
From: Truckee CA
Default

There's a reason why General Motors use or fastback over the FRC body for the C5Rs, the aerodynamics were better.

And you can get better speed through aerodynamics because there's less wheel slip with less drag at top speed. A Z can have up to 5% difference in wheel speed and true speed when running at max depending on the road/track surface.

Mark
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:53 AM.

story-0
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-2
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE