[Z06] Are all ZR1 knock off front splitters created equal?
09-05-2010, 11:55 PM
#21
Burning Brakes
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My apr carbon splitter ripped off at about 175. I don't think the flex is a concern until speeds over 150+. I believe the yellow z in the posted pic is traveling at speeds between 175-200+. I plan on purchasing a apsis zr1 splitter in fiberglass painted matte black. I think it's $500 painted/shipped. I just hope I can use the Katech fascia reinforcement as My car sees 140+ ALOT!
09-06-2010, 01:16 AM
#22
NO!!! They aren't all the same!!!
I busted my OE splitter when I tangled with a road gator. I got a Katech replacement, and I think it's better than OE and a lot cheaper.
Below is a picture of my busted OE splitter on the bottom and the Katech one on top. This is the bottom side of both splitters, and you can see that the Katech one has a lip that extends back underneath, and you can see a bunch of holes in it. On the inside of the lip there is a nut bonded on the other side of each hole.
Those holes/nuts are to attach the Katech undertray if you want even better aerodynamic benefit from the splitter.
Katech also has brake ducts that attach to direct cooling airflow to your brakes.
No matter whose splitter you put on a Z06, you really need to install the reinforcing piece (it's OE on the ZR1 and can purchased from GM distributing sources, or Katech makes one).
Below is a picture taken during Katech's testing and made them realize that the ZR1 reinforcing piece was required to keep the fascia/grill opening from deforming into that C6 smilie face
:
Without the reinforcing piece, several owners have had the splitter on their Z06 deform the fascia so that the splitter drags on the road surface and busts off even at highway speeds.
For the same reason, urethane or any flexible splitter just won't work. The splitter creates quite a bit of downforce (as you can see in the picture above), and a flexible splitter would just, well, flex. It would flex down, probably fold under, and rip itself up on the highway.
Bob
I busted my OE splitter when I tangled with a road gator. I got a Katech replacement, and I think it's better than OE and a lot cheaper.
Below is a picture of my busted OE splitter on the bottom and the Katech one on top. This is the bottom side of both splitters, and you can see that the Katech one has a lip that extends back underneath, and you can see a bunch of holes in it. On the inside of the lip there is a nut bonded on the other side of each hole.
Those holes/nuts are to attach the Katech undertray if you want even better aerodynamic benefit from the splitter.
Katech also has brake ducts that attach to direct cooling airflow to your brakes.
No matter whose splitter you put on a Z06, you really need to install the reinforcing piece (it's OE on the ZR1 and can purchased from GM distributing sources, or Katech makes one).
Below is a picture taken during Katech's testing and made them realize that the ZR1 reinforcing piece was required to keep the fascia/grill opening from deforming into that C6 smilie face
:Without the reinforcing piece, several owners have had the splitter on their Z06 deform the fascia so that the splitter drags on the road surface and busts off even at highway speeds.
For the same reason, urethane or any flexible splitter just won't work. The splitter creates quite a bit of downforce (as you can see in the picture above), and a flexible splitter would just, well, flex. It would flex down, probably fold under, and rip itself up on the highway.
Bob
Last edited by Bauker; 09-06-2010 at 01:24 AM.
09-06-2010, 01:23 AM
#23
09-06-2010, 08:53 AM
#24
Melting Slicks
I was thinking of purchasing one at Carlisle, observed many (RPI, Breathless Performance, Apsis) but the one IMO that was superior to others was from this company called ACS, www.acscomposite.com ,they had by far the best raw finish
09-06-2010, 11:59 AM
#27
Pro
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I purchased the entire ZR1 body kit from RPI. Great fit and finish. I also bought two braces that come stock on the ZR1 for the splitter but not what you see posted above, it has helped a bit, I have had the car at 150MPH with the splitter and no probs, again it might be a problem at higher speeds, and I have also lowered the car before the kit anyway.
My take on RPI quality.
The very next day after installing the kit on my way to work I hit a piece of tire rubber at 65MPH, NO damage done to the splitter at all!!!
I thought that it was going to be torn off.
Fast forward a year later, and a car's catalytic converter fell off right in front of me in an intersection, and I nailed it. This time I wasn't as fortunate.
BUT...the damage was very small. I will need to replace it.
< this pic in my avatar is AFTER the damage done by the cat. Not too bad. RPI gets a big thumbs up from me!
My take on RPI quality.
The very next day after installing the kit on my way to work I hit a piece of tire rubber at 65MPH, NO damage done to the splitter at all!!!
I thought that it was going to be torn off.
Fast forward a year later, and a car's catalytic converter fell off right in front of me in an intersection, and I nailed it. This time I wasn't as fortunate.
BUT...the damage was very small. I will need to replace it.
< this pic in my avatar is AFTER the damage done by the cat. Not too bad. RPI gets a big thumbs up from me!
09-06-2010, 12:33 PM
#28
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I am also shopping around for a nice splitter. Does anyone know if the Katech, LG, and OEM ZR1 style splitters are all the same size? I know there are some differences when it comes to the under trays but I was more concerned with the size, how far it sticks out from the front bumper.
I am leaning towards the Katach now since it seems to be one of the more functional units, adding the under tray and brake duct extensions in the future.
I am leaning towards the Katach now since it seems to be one of the more functional units, adding the under tray and brake duct extensions in the future.
09-06-2010, 12:39 PM
#29
Race Director
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...-splitter.html
Also, the OE carbon fiber pieces all have a weird greenish/yellowish tint, and although you can't see any difference in the pics, the Katech carbon fiber is a much nicer dark gray/black.
Bob
09-06-2010, 12:51 PM
#30
Le Mans Master
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Take a look at the thread below. I took a bunch of pics of the Katech next to the OE piece for comparison and they look virtually identical, except for Katech's extended lip underneath to attach their undertray if you want to get it.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...-splitter.html
Also, the OE carbon fiber pieces all have a weird greenish/yellowish tint, and although you can't see any difference in the pics, the Katech carbon fiber is a much nicer dark gray/black.
Bob
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-c...-splitter.html
Also, the OE carbon fiber pieces all have a weird greenish/yellowish tint, and although you can't see any difference in the pics, the Katech carbon fiber is a much nicer dark gray/black.
Bob
09-06-2010, 12:57 PM
#31
Le Mans Master
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I purchased the entire ZR1 body kit from RPI. Great fit and finish. I also bought two braces that come stock on the ZR1 for the splitter but not what you see posted above, it has helped a bit, I have had the car at 150MPH with the splitter and no probs, again it might be a problem at higher speeds, and I have also lowered the car before the kit anyway.
09-06-2010, 01:10 PM
#32
Le Mans Master
WIth the Katech under tray, don't you have to remove the front OEM dam to make it fit? I seem to recall problems with undertrays installed in Porsche 911, specifically the heat dissipation issues, no problems here? Sealing off the underneath for the purpose of aerodynamics is a great idea but for daily driving, especially in hot weather, I think I'd be concerned...
09-07-2010, 08:14 AM
#34
Premium Supporting Vendor
WIth the Katech under tray, don't you have to remove the front OEM dam to make it fit? I seem to recall problems with undertrays installed in Porsche 911, specifically the heat dissipation issues, no problems here? Sealing off the underneath for the purpose of aerodynamics is a great idea but for daily driving, especially in hot weather, I think I'd be concerned...
The undertray extends all the way back to the leading edge of the wheelhouse opening. Yes it eliminates the air dam, but since the Z06 is a front-breather there are no adverse effects on cooling.
09-07-2010, 08:45 AM
#35
Safety Car
I had the APR carbon splitter on my car. It looked good from 5 feet away. Never cared for the tiny grain of the carbon weave though. The undertray was nice though. Quality-wise, it was so-so. Kinda sloppy looking in the brake vent areas.
Replaced it with the Katech carbon, which is excellent quality. I kinda wish some company would make one with a molded-in aluminum lower lip though, just to minimize any oops factor damage when it drags on something. Carbon tends to shred when contacted, it would be nice to have a built-in scuff plate that could take some abuse for street driving.
Replaced it with the Katech carbon, which is excellent quality. I kinda wish some company would make one with a molded-in aluminum lower lip though, just to minimize any oops factor damage when it drags on something. Carbon tends to shred when contacted, it would be nice to have a built-in scuff plate that could take some abuse for street driving.
09-07-2010, 10:55 AM
#38
Le Mans Master
My apr carbon splitter ripped off at about 175. I don't think the flex is a concern until speeds over 150+. I believe the yellow z in the posted pic is traveling at speeds between 175-200+. I plan on purchasing a apsis zr1 splitter in fiberglass painted matte black. I think it's $500 painted/shipped. I just hope I can use the Katech fascia reinforcement as My car sees 140+ ALOT!
Jim
09-07-2010, 10:58 AM
#39
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09-07-2010, 12:50 PM
#40
Le Mans Master
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I see... I guess I got confused after looking under the car and seeing where the brake ducts and the radiator were located vs. the location of dam and that indent in the bottom section of the bumper. Thank you for clarifying this for me.