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I read some posts that say NOT to install a ZR1 front splitter on a GS car as the front bumper is not reinforced to handle the extra down force. The ZR1 cars had reinforced front bumpers to handle the extra down force. Is that true?
How much "lower" does it lower the front end lip area? I assume the plastic air dam will scrape before the front splitter would scrape.
Id say its slightly lower than the OEM lip. As far as the GS bumper not being made for it....ive had lots of 155+ runs (in mexico if course LOL) and have yet to have an issue that I know of
I installed my EOS splitter in November 2023 and no problems to report. I only attached it using the original screw mounting, no tape. Same height as the stock plastic oem splitter. I’m at stock height and splitter measures 4 3/4” from the ground. The main clearance issue comes from the splitter extending further forward than the stock.
I know the ZR1 and any Z06 with factory splitter did come with a bumper reinforcement. The idea is that at high speeds, if you don't have the reinforcement then the splitter will start to pull and warp the front fascia. Its why cars running big plywood splitters always mount them directly to the frame. My guess is if you don't have the reinforcement you probably won't run into any issues (as other members have stated) but you may not be getting the completely optimized downforce at very high speeds. So unless you are tracking the car and need all the downforce you should be okay. Would be interesting to see someone get a video of what the fascia is doing at 150+mph with and without the reinforcement. My guess is GM did notice more flex than they wanted and the reinforcement was enough to subdue that.
This was GMs way of trying to sell you more ****, average use you'll never go fast enough street driving to warp the bumper, especially with an EOS plastic one thats not as rigid as the factory carbon ones. I've been running one (not the same one, i think im on number... i dont even know anymore) for several years now with no issue.
I know the ZR1 and any Z06 with factory splitter did come with a bumper reinforcement. The idea is that at high speeds, if you don't have the reinforcement then the splitter will start to pull and warp the front fascia. Its why cars running big plywood splitters always mount them directly to the frame. My guess is if you don't have the reinforcement you probably won't run into any issues (as other members have stated) but you may not be getting the completely optimized downforce at very high speeds. So unless you are tracking the car and need all the downforce you should be okay. Would be interesting to see someone get a video of what the fascia is doing at 150+mph with and without the reinforcement. My guess is GM did notice more flex than they wanted and the reinforcement was enough to subdue that.
I ran the EOS splitter but did pull it off. There is validity to front bumper going catfish mouth ala 4th gen camaro look. This happens usually one you are into the 130mph + mark. Most normal people don't sustain those speeds for long enough to really be an issue on the streets. This is more common with the track folks, hence the photo posted above. Yes it has happened to me which is why I removed mine... until I stop being a bitch, buy the support, and install it.
I know the ZR1 and any Z06 with factory splitter did come with a bumper reinforcement. The idea is that at high speeds, if you don't have the reinforcement then the splitter will start to pull and warp the front fascia. Its why cars running big plywood splitters always mount them directly to the frame. My guess is if you don't have the reinforcement you probably won't run into any issues (as other members have stated) but you may not be getting the completely optimized downforce at very high speeds. So unless you are tracking the car and need all the downforce you should be okay. Would be interesting to see someone get a video of what the fascia is doing at 150+mph with and without the reinforcement. My guess is GM did notice more flex than they wanted and the reinforcement was enough to subdue that.
When I ordered my EOS splitter I also ordered the reinforcement support. And yes, I have seen 165+...in Mexico!
I had a buddy years ago that hit 160 mph in his vette and the front splitter started bending downward causing it to rip the screws out one side redirecting airflow up into the fender area somehow. It blew out his side marker light literally, cracked the brittle plastic tab right off!
I had a buddy years ago that hit 160 mph in his vette and the front splitter started bending downward causing it to rip the screws out one side redirecting airflow up into the fender area somehow. It blew out his side marker light literally, cracked the brittle plastic tab right off!
I think the only "right" way to do it is to get the factory-style reinforcement. Kaetech did wind-tunnel tests with the front splitter and the amount of front-end downforce it creates is pretty substantial.
The best setup is the ZR1 style rear spoiler, ZR1 style side-skirts, ZR1 style splitter (with undertray). That created a very balanced front and rear downforce, side stability, and showed a best 47% front and 52% rear downforce increase with 165% overal aero efficiency improvement with a 150% front DF and 234% rear DF increase over stock.
GM tested the side skirts, splitter and rear spoiler in wind tunnel testing with the ZR1. Kaetech also tested it and it showed these items are not only an aesthetic thing but actually increase DF and stability at high speeds.
The point is the front splitter pushes the front end of the car quite a bit. Without the front bumper reinforcement that GM used, you will distort the front bumper once you hit 125+
ZR1 Front Spliter - EOS
