GS Splitter Question
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 70
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From: Houston Texas
GS Splitter Question
I have a 2012 GS that I purchased in June. When I bought the car the center of the splitter had scraped and the connector had pulled through, no big deal at the time.
Well, last night I drove into a gravel driveway and the spiltter snagged and it appears to have pulled out two more of the connectors.
My question is, what is the easiest fix? I am going to order a new splitter tonight, but what is the best way to repair the front facia so I can attach the new splitter?
Thanking everyone in advance for the help..
Well, last night I drove into a gravel driveway and the spiltter snagged and it appears to have pulled out two more of the connectors.
My question is, what is the easiest fix? I am going to order a new splitter tonight, but what is the best way to repair the front facia so I can attach the new splitter?
Thanking everyone in advance for the help..
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,600
Likes: 118
From: F'burg VA
St. Jude Donor '13 thru '20,'22,'24 thru '26
As long as you have the pieces that ripped out of the fascia, a body shop should be able to plastic weld them back in.
Or you can buy a new fascia. Could be some other options, I guess
Or you can buy a new fascia. Could be some other options, I guess
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 393
Likes: 7
From: Fuquay Varina NC
I would think that even if you didn't have the facia pieces that broke, a good bodyshop with plastic welder is still a good option. I would look for a high volume shop that does the plastic repair. They likely have scrap pieces that they could fabricate up for you. Plastic welding repairs usually hold up extremely well if done correctly. Good luck
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Joined: Jul 2014
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From: Houston Texas
I would think that even if you didn't have the facia pieces that broke, a good bodyshop with plastic welder is still a good option. I would look for a high volume shop that does the plastic repair. They likely have scrap pieces that they could fabricate up for you. Plastic welding repairs usually hold up extremely well if done correctly. Good luck
Found one piece of "paint" about the size of my thunb nail that actually broke off. A couple of the clips attempted to pull through but did not.
I want to thank all on the forum for your help and suggestions, and if any one has any other suggestions they are very much appreciated..
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
I wonder what difference it make on the aero, if you just leave the splitter off.
For sure, no difference you could notice under 100 mph.
Above that, I'm wondering.
It would be a bummer to have a GS with worse aero balance than a base model.
For sure, no difference you could notice under 100 mph.
Above that, I'm wondering.
It would be a bummer to have a GS with worse aero balance than a base model.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2014
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From: Houston Texas
My understanding is that the splitter creates a negative airflow that is needed for cooling. I would love to hear from everyone else. I'm sure I'm not the first to drag a GS on the gravel...
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,009
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From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Since we have a base car, I haven't paid a lot of attention to splitters, except that they seem to get damaged a lot.
But on the base car, it's that black rubber air dam, sticking down vertically back under the nose; that is said to help cooling, improve airflow to the front brakes, and reduce front end lift at high speeds. Without a wind tunnel, I can only repeat what others have said.
Best of luck to you...
But on the base car, it's that black rubber air dam, sticking down vertically back under the nose; that is said to help cooling, improve airflow to the front brakes, and reduce front end lift at high speeds. Without a wind tunnel, I can only repeat what others have said.
Best of luck to you...
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Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 70
Likes: 1
From: Houston Texas
Since we have a base car, I haven't paid a lot of attention to splitters, except that they seem to get damaged a lot.
But on the base car, it's that black rubber air dam, sticking down vertically back under the nose; that is said to help cooling, improve airflow to the front brakes, and reduce front end lift at high speeds. Without a wind tunnel, I can only repeat what others have said.
Best of luck to you...
But on the base car, it's that black rubber air dam, sticking down vertically back under the nose; that is said to help cooling, improve airflow to the front brakes, and reduce front end lift at high speeds. Without a wind tunnel, I can only repeat what others have said.
Best of luck to you...
, you talk about fun!!
Last edited by Bazinga; Oct 26, 2014 at 10:14 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 867
Likes: 26
From: SW Ohio
I don't think there's anything magic about the exact placement of the attachment clips. If the center one has pulled the clip thru the lower fascia, I'd consider simply moving the screw and corresponding hole a couple of inches either way and creating a new attachment point. Make sure when you're choosing a spot to create a hole for the clip that the point of attachment is clear of body brackets and other things that would interfere. A lot cheaper and simpler than replacing your front fascia.
I've actually thought of adding several more attachment points to the splitter just for security. Seems pretty flimsy--maybe by design?--to hold up to 100 MPH+ wind forces….
I've actually thought of adding several more attachment points to the splitter just for security. Seems pretty flimsy--maybe by design?--to hold up to 100 MPH+ wind forces….
Pro
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 582
Likes: 5
From: Fayetteville, GA
I had the ZR1 style splitter 0n my 13 GS until a few weeks ago when the dealer broke it while the car was in for service...I took it off while waiting on the replacement and like the look without it...so haven't put the new one on yet....it doesn't effect the cooling at all....and as far as aero...I had it on Atlanta Motor Speedway a couple weeks ago....and did not notice any problems...course I seldom go over 140 and then that's only for a few seconds....
when they mounted the ZR1 splitter they used the holes/clips that held the stock one on...but also drilled some random holes thru the splitter into the facia....
when they mounted the ZR1 splitter they used the holes/clips that held the stock one on...but also drilled some random holes thru the splitter into the facia....
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 16,873
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From: T-Town WA
2016 C6 of Year Finalist
I don't think there's anything magic about the exact placement of the attachment clips. If the center one has pulled the clip thru the lower fascia, I'd consider simply moving the screw and corresponding hole a couple of inches either way and creating a new attachment point.
Good luck.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 121
From: Kernersville NC
Center fastener was broken on the wife's GS when we bought it. The bumper cover was broken where the threaded clip attaches. I removed the splitter and then loosened fasteners to access behind the front bumper cover at the center attachment point. I drilled a hole a 1" by 2" piece of aluminum and slid the factory clip on it. Slid this in behind bumper cover. This served as a backer for the broken cover and attachment point for the factory bolt.
There were also a couple places where the splitter drooped between factory attach points. I bought plastic automotive push-in fasteners to tighten up the droop. I think they came from Lowe's.
There were also a couple places where the splitter drooped between factory attach points. I bought plastic automotive push-in fasteners to tighten up the droop. I think they came from Lowe's.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 848
Likes: 29
From: San Angelo, Texas 07 Z06
I just used fender washers about 2" in diameter and bolts with nuts in the spots where in factory clips had actually ripped through the bumper. I did that about 2 1/2 years ago and never had my splitter come loose again.
-jp
-jp
Pro
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 656
Likes: 5
From: McAlester Oklahoma
When I bought mine, the splitter was missing. When I got home with the car I looked underneath and they must have dragged pretty good because the middle fastener was gone and a big hole was left in the fascia where it was supposed to attach (hope that made sense). Anyway, I finally bought a new splitter and when I went to install it, I used heavy duty two sided automotive tape and placed it on the entire splitter, and then fastened the splitter in place. You cannot see the tape, nor does the middle of the fastener sag due to the missing fastener.