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I'm on the fence about adding a front splitter to my car. I did install ACS VM1 side skirts/rocker covers and the XL splash guards. Other than looks does a splitter actually do anything at speeds under 100 mph or is it strictly cosmetic? Also I use a novistretch bra to help cut down on the bug infestation to the front end, so would that even fit with a splitter in place? TIA.
I don’t like the splitter and will likely never need it, aerodynamically speaking, but I have one as a buffer between the bodywork and curbs or speed bumps. It’s the first line of defense, I guess.
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Just my personal opinion, but I think the front splitter, whether the base or an upgraded version, really adds to the look of the front end. I would recommend getting one.
Strictly cosmetic but I think they improve the look a lot. I don't know how the NoviStretch bra is made so I can't advise about that. Maybe some photos would help (5VM - the biggest you can get).
For a racecar, if the splitter is big, it adds downforce on the front. You can always add more rear wing angle on a racecar, so you need downforce on the front to balance the car.
For a street car, it adds very little to the handling. Maybe at high speeds it would help keep the front end down.
But it sure does look cool. Without a front splitter, and rear wing, the car looks bare, and looks like it is built to go real slow.
R. E. Effectiveness and installing a Novastreatch bra with a splitter:
Unlike an air dam (was on all C6, most C7s) that is effective reducing drag at highway speeds the C8 has a splitter that does little below 100 mph.
I added the Stage 2 aero package to my C7 Grand Sport (as the aftermarket 5VM to my C8) to get side skirts to stop rocks dinging my rocker panles. Both came with splitters. Here are pics on how I got the Novastreatch bra to fit my C7.
Can buy these snap extensions in any Marine store or Amazon. They are used when the boat cover shrinks! Come in various lengths. I just used on the bottom center snap you'll add when installing the bra. I even was able to use with Stage 3 winglets (I added because I scrapped the one that came with the Stage 2 Aero option) by using extensions the side snaps!
I don’t like the splitter and will likely never need it, aerodynamically speaking, but I have one as a buffer between the bodywork and curbs or speed bumps. It’s the first line of defense, I guess.
I agree. The OEM splitter is essentially an early warning system for obstructions or bumps. Thanks to those who prefer very expensive carbon fiber splitters, OEM splitters are available cheap as new-car takeoffs. They are easy to install and easy to replace if you mess yours up, which is pretty hard to do because they are made of Tupperware and come away from scrapes a lot healthier than will the carbon fiber alternatives at 1/10th the price. And I think they look good.
Just my personal opinion, but I think the front splitter, whether the base or an upgraded version, really adds to the look of the front end. I would recommend getting one.
I'm right there with you.
My car is a non-Z51 so it came from the factory without a front splitter and spoiler. I was ok with that until I started seeing Z51 C8s at car shows and cruise-ins. There was something about the stance of those cars I really liked. The only difference between them and my car from a cosmetic standpoint was the splitter and spoiler. So I ordered the OEM splitter through one of the online GM parts stores and installed it myself. Easy install. A little later I added the non-Z51 stick on spoiler. Both items seem to elongate the look of the car which gives it a much better stance in my opinion.
And to answer the question on the Novistretch bra, it does fit over the the front splitter just fine.
To split or not to split.
