First front spoiler scrape - OUCH
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 704
Likes: 588
From: East Tennessee
First front spoiler scrape - OUCH
Well, it happened. Leaving a local establishment last night. Even with the FEL engaged and going diagonally, scraped the living crap out my front-end splitter. It's low profile too. Weird thing is that it did not scrape going in so not sure what happened.
It's pretty gnarly underneath and while you cannot see it as my wife has reminded, I still know it's there.
Anyone try to smooth this kind of thing out? I work with thermoplastics professionally so thinking I will try and smooth and buff it out.
For the nay sayers on FEL, this would have happened many times before if I did not have it.
It's pretty gnarly underneath and while you cannot see it as my wife has reminded, I still know it's there.
Anyone try to smooth this kind of thing out? I work with thermoplastics professionally so thinking I will try and smooth and buff it out.
For the nay sayers on FEL, this would have happened many times before if I did not have it.
Popular Reply
Oct 1, 2023, 05:28 PM
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 2,784
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Treat the OEM Z51/low pro plastic splitter as a disposable wear item. Replace it every couple of years.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 10,709
Likes: 7,102
From: Fulshear, TX
Was it just the regular Z51 splitter? If so, they're cheap and readily available as used take-offs on this site. I think I sold mine for $50. As basically disposable plastic, it's probably not worth the time/effort to attempt repairing it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 2,801
Likes: 1,623
From: Poplar Bluff MO
Well, it happened. Leaving a local establishment last night. Even with the FEL engaged and going diagonally, scraped the living crap out my front-end splitter. It's low profile too. Weird thing is that it did not scrape going in so not sure what happened.
It's pretty gnarly underneath and while you cannot see it as my wife has reminded, I still know it's there.
Anyone try to smooth this kind of thing out? I work with thermoplastics professionally so thinking I will try and smooth and buff it out.
For the nay sayers on FEL, this would have happened many times before if I did not have it.
It's pretty gnarly underneath and while you cannot see it as my wife has reminded, I still know it's there.
Anyone try to smooth this kind of thing out? I work with thermoplastics professionally so thinking I will try and smooth and buff it out.
For the nay sayers on FEL, this would have happened many times before if I did not have it.
JT
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 704
Likes: 588
From: East Tennessee
Thanks for the love, guys.
It's the LP splitter. I think you are right. Probably not worth the effort.
Yes, they are.
Yeah. I won't be dropping 1200 bucks on a CF one any time soon.
Wished I had had the forethought to do that. I just wasn't paying attention coming out.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 2,834
Likes: 2,151
From: Kelso, Wa
Even with front lift, I've scraped. (didn't think it was THAT steep). But when I was under the car at the dealership I couldn't see any scratches...
They may not be on yours either. .. RELAX.
They may not be on yours either. .. RELAX.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
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From: Southwest Florida
I have a ACS C8 5VM Style Front Splitter in Carbon Flash. I have scraped and hit it hard a few times and by the sound thought it was toast. To my continued surprise and amazement its fine.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 1,675
Likes: 872
From: Indian land SC
I have never been so back and forth on a feature as I am with front lift....I never had an issue on my c7z51 and have tried my buddies c8 in my drive and didn't have an issue...but I literally change my mind hourly on it...2600 is so much for something that I don't think I need...
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2023
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I have never been so back and forth on a feature as I am with front lift....I never had an issue on my c7z51 and have tried my buddies c8 in my drive and didn't have an issue...but I literally change my mind hourly on it...2600 is so much for something that I don't think I need...
Personally, I think Front lift is only worth it if you have a steep drive way and you know you'll risk scraping every day. But in reality, $2600 buys you at least 10 OEM Z51 splitters. I don't think it's worth spending $2600 to protect a a piece of plastic that is $200-$250 and it takes A LOT of harsh scrapes to actually break the splitter. Put that money into mag ride or a nicer interior.
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Since you say you can’t see it unless under the car, I would just leave it for now. Chances are another mishap will occur and then you can determine whether or not to replace it depending on how obvious the damage is.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 2,801
Likes: 1,623
From: Poplar Bluff MO
For me the front lift was a no brainer as you never know what kind of obstacle you will be up against. I have several places programmed into the GPS and use it often going in and out of parking lots.
JT
JT
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 1,675
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From: Indian land SC
Personally, I think Front lift is only worth it if you have a steep drive way and you know you'll risk scraping every day. But in reality, $2600 buys you at least 10 OEM Z51 splitters. I don't think it's worth spending $2600 to protect a a piece of plastic that is $200-$250 and it takes A LOT of harsh scrapes to actually break the splitter. Put that money into mag ride or a nicer interior.
i read on another old thread that the approach angle on the c7 z51 was 9 degrees and this one is 9.7 degrees without lift….if so I never had any issues on c7 so hopefully good
Le Mans Master
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Personally, I think Front lift is only worth it if you have a steep drive way and you know you'll risk scraping every day. But in reality, $2600 buys you at least 10 OEM Z51 splitters. I don't think it's worth spending $2600 to protect a a piece of plastic that is $200-$250 and it takes A LOT of harsh scrapes to actually break the splitter. Put that money into mag ride or a nicer interior.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 12,790
Likes: 10,218
From: Garden Valley CA
I just used my front lift yesterday where I know I would have scraped without the lift (and other cars did). I was directed to overflow parking that was in an upslope field with a makeshift ramp to get over the curb. The ramp was only wide enough to take straight on.