5VM Splitter Functional?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 839
Likes: 185
From: North Wales PA
5VM Splitter Functional?
Been interested in starting more light track-focused mods (so far just harness/pads/tires/alignment). I haven't been able to find any info on whether all the aftermarket wings (namely the 5VM and "Z06 style" with integrated canards) are actually functional or just for aesthetics. If I did it, would be C7 Carbon or comparable vs an Amazon/Ebay special. One of my local tracks has a couple of high speed turns where the car gets light so thought these might be a good addition. At this point I'm not ready to pay up for / sacrifice streetability to go all the way to the Verus ones. Anyone have info?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,501
Likes: 717
From: Sausalito CA
FWIW I love this subject of aero.
The video above, and their channel in general, is excellent.
I to would like to know more about the rocker panel splitters.
Is VM5 functional, or is VM1 just as functional?
There are quite a few offerings of different shapes and the GM accessory that extends/ widens the crease on @3/4 of the door.
So, I do not know if these rocker examples add downforce/ areo.
I have also seen a different company's video, which includes an analysis of a rear undercarriage (panel) diffuser they sell.
My final question is whether the flex mentioned by our co-member above in the VM5 is detrimental.
I ask because I have also seen Foruma 1 front wings and rear wing flex up and down based on the car speed.
Again, the video above, and their channel in general, is excellent.... worth watching and pausing multiple times.
Great thread.
The video above, and their channel in general, is excellent.
I to would like to know more about the rocker panel splitters.
Is VM5 functional, or is VM1 just as functional?
There are quite a few offerings of different shapes and the GM accessory that extends/ widens the crease on @3/4 of the door.
So, I do not know if these rocker examples add downforce/ areo.
I have also seen a different company's video, which includes an analysis of a rear undercarriage (panel) diffuser they sell.
My final question is whether the flex mentioned by our co-member above in the VM5 is detrimental.
I ask because I have also seen Foruma 1 front wings and rear wing flex up and down based on the car speed.
Again, the video above, and their channel in general, is excellent.... worth watching and pausing multiple times.
Great thread.
Last edited by Kenny94945; Nov 25, 2025 at 08:57 AM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 839
Likes: 185
From: North Wales PA
Great video and discussion. I started wondering because of how many ostensibly “aero” products are out there with only one manufacturer- Verus - actually detailing downforce and drag by speed. I loved the angle of attack chart for their variable wing, but couldn’t find a single other listing past “adds looks and downforce”… guess most end up for car shows
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 34,982
Likes: 12,384
From: NE South Carolina
Been interested in starting more light track-focused mods (so far just harness/pads/tires/alignment). I haven't been able to find any info on whether all the aftermarket wings (namely the 5VM and "Z06 style" with integrated canards) are actually functional or just for aesthetics. If I did it, would be C7 Carbon or comparable vs an Amazon/Ebay special. One of my local tracks has a couple of high speed turns where the car gets light so thought these might be a good addition. At this point I'm not ready to pay up for / sacrifice streetability to go all the way to the Verus ones. Anyone have info?
There was a very good article re the C7 Aero by the GM Chief Aerodynamicist, called Like a Knife. Bednarchik points out that while shapes for improving fuel efficiency typically begin to have an effect at highway speeds, lift and drag components become critical from 150 mph to maximum velocity. BUT aero is NOT intuitive, why F1 teams pay big bucks for specialist and millions on computer programs and actual wind tunnel tests all season long!
The above video is good but surprised it did not comment on the front 5VM versus the standard Z51 splitter it discusses (it did say longer would help but no mention of Winglets.) Winglets, which are on almost all passenger jet airplanes are on both the 5VM Splitter and Side Skirts (not for looks!) They help increase downforce without adding drag. On a Splitter they essentially increase the wing length as the high pressure area on top otherwise spills over to the lower pressure underside making the wing less effective. Side skirts increase the low pressure underside area, the C8 underside aero panels help create. On both that have some help directing air around the high drag, open wheel wells.
Here are some pics some recently added. This is a good Doc I made a few years ago re Vette Aero:
http://netwelding.com/Air_Dam.pdf
Here are some Pics re Aero:
Effectiveness is all dependent on speed. These are downforce and drag numbers from Paragon for the OEM Z51 wing and theri Gurney Flap add-on. Their info is usually pretty good.
Some think GM, Ferrari etc add Winglets for looks-nope they are functional. The first patents were in early 1900reds for bi-planes! They essentially make wings longer by not wasting the ends that dump high pressure air from the high pressure top to low pressure bottom. Airlines quote 3.5% better fuel economy! Nope they are not added for looks!
Small changes and additions can have big effect on Aero
Aero is NOT intuitive! Recall many years ago in a fluid flow class being surprised that facing spot lights with bullet shape forward (as we did in Custom Cars/Hot Rods was more drag (can be considerable) then with flat front facing forward!
Not new! Bugatti in 1923 used a long rear slope to reduce rear vacuum causing drag! It was known drag occurred at open wheel wells. Today Computational Fluid Dynamics software can predict most Aero info pretty accurately. BUT F1, NASCAR etc still use expensive wind tunnel testing. F1 had to limit teams use to both as the rich teams were testing 24/7 with their own moving ground wind tunnels and less financially able teams could not!
Last edited by JerryU; Nov 26, 2025 at 09:11 AM.
