Front splitter, pro and cons
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,886
Likes: 20
From: Olathe, Kansas
Front splitter, pro and cons
Thinking of putting a splitter on my C5Z. Would like to hear any feedback, especially if they cause overheating, and fit.
Thanks in advance for any input!!
Thanks in advance for any input!!
Pro
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 681
Likes: 274
From: Cincinnati Ohio
There are dozens and dozens of posts over the years from members looking for help because their temperatures at road speeds are high. The first questions I ask are - do you have the center air dam? do you have a splitter?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2021
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From: Florida
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 919
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From: Navarre, Florida
I think experiences here are going to vary based upon several factors. I have an EOS splitter on my C5Z and previously I had the C7 Carbon version. Now, I also have a Trackspec hood vent to help extract heat but, my temps rarely get above 200, be that on the street or highway. In most instances, it stays around 180-190 unless I've been hanging in gears longer than normal and bringing my RPMs up. I have the splitter on with no center dam (I don't think the center dam would even fit).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 9,681
Likes: 3,431
From: Akron Ohio
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Anything you put on for looks is going to block air flow to the radiator and cause it to run hotter. And gain zero performance.
Anything you put on for performance is going to scrape and hit a lot in places on the street, and will require you to convert the the car to a front breather to get air to the radiator.
I have the performance type on my track car and I have to be careful where I drive on the street.
Anything you put on for performance is going to scrape and hit a lot in places on the street, and will require you to convert the the car to a front breather to get air to the radiator.
I have the performance type on my track car and I have to be careful where I drive on the street.
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7th Gear
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 7
Likes: 6
From: Cypress, TX
I had installed my first front splitter and quickly learned that the center NEEDS to be open to get proper air flow. I had seen temps go up to 240 degrees and reordered a new one with the center "open" design (Maxton Designs @ www.maxtondesign.com),
and now I am back to running standard temps again. Love the look, and yes, it is a challenge to avoid rubbing, but it is part of the game, I guess.
and now I am back to running standard temps again. Love the look, and yes, it is a challenge to avoid rubbing, but it is part of the game, I guess.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,047
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From: Bellevue Ky.
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019
I run a proper splitter on my car on track, then remove it for street driving. No temp issues on a stockish motor and no scraping issues on the street. My splitter is custom mounted to the frame and is made to easily be adjusted and removed.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 9,681
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From: Akron Ohio
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
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St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
I had installed my first front splitter and quickly learned that the center NEEDS to be open to get proper air flow. I had seen temps go up to 240 degrees and reordered a new one with the center "open" design (Maxton Designs @ www.maxtondesign.com),
and now I am back to running standard temps again. Love the look, and yes, it is a challenge to avoid rubbing, but it is part of the game, I guess.
and now I am back to running standard temps again. Love the look, and yes, it is a challenge to avoid rubbing, but it is part of the game, I guess.
If the OP just wants something cosmetic, then its not a problem, but just putting that out there for anything thinking they will gain something from a splitter with a hole in the bottom.
7th Gear
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 7
Likes: 6
From: Cypress, TX
The problem with the open bottom is that if you want any downforce you wont make any. The bottom needs to be sealed and flat.
If the OP just wants something cosmetic, then its not a problem, but just putting that out there for anything thinking they will gain something from a splitter with a hole in the bottom.
If the OP just wants something cosmetic, then its not a problem, but just putting that out there for anything thinking they will gain something from a splitter with a hole in the bottom.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,886
Likes: 20
From: Olathe, Kansas
I have the stock air dam and I run at 180 degrees consistently.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,886
Likes: 20
From: Olathe, Kansas
7th Gear
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 7
Likes: 6
From: Cypress, TX
Same temps as before, I had added a splitter, 200-220 average. I am in the Houston Area, and it can get hot in our rush hour traffic.
I have seen as high as 235, but it drops back down to 225ish. These are my oil Temps, the Coolant temps remain as usual, always 220ish.
You can purchase from https://maxtondesignusa.net/collecti...et-corvette-c5.
It takes about 5-6 weeks(pre-order) to get it, but it looks great
I have seen as high as 235, but it drops back down to 225ish. These are my oil Temps, the Coolant temps remain as usual, always 220ish.
You can purchase from https://maxtondesignusa.net/collecti...et-corvette-c5.
It takes about 5-6 weeks(pre-order) to get it, but it looks great
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Akron Ohio
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
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St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
That looks really cool! But its not making any downforce. Great cosmetic piece though, and it seems to have solved issues others have.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,318
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From: Central TX
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I like the Maxton and Carbon 7 splitters but I'm afraid neither would live very long, at my car's ride height.
That's a nice car you have, 9D9*C5. Is that a vert?
That's a nice car you have, 9D9*C5. Is that a vert?
7th Gear
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 7
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From: Cypress, TX