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How Does a Front Splitter Help Your Muscle Car?

There is no doubt that front splitters and other aerodynamic aids really look the part on something as sporty as a Corvette or Camaro. So if you want to make your muscle car look even more aggressive when you're out on the open road, you may be thinking about introducing this aftermarket component. Yet, there's more to a front splitter than simply looks, and it can definitely help you control your vehicle through those twisty canyon roads. How does a front splitter help with overall performance?

Understanding the Splitter

In real terms, the splitter is quite a simple device and is a custom-made piece of bodywork that is positioned toward the bottom of your car's front lip. It's typically held in place by small metallic rods, which you will anchor to the front bumper mechanism. Once in place, the splitter will extend outward while remaining parallel to the ground. But how can a front splitter help your muscle car perform?

Key Benefits

Coping with Resistance

As you know, a vehicle must deal with air resistance whenever it moves forward. As speed increases, this resistance becomes significant. And, if a vehicle is not designed with performance in mind, such resistance can turn into much higher fuel bills at the pump. The engine will have to work a lot harder than usual to push the vehicle forward at increasing speed. To deal with this resistance, most modern-day cars have that sleek appearance when they roll off the production line.

Providing Stability and Reducing Drag

Still, a great deal of air will force its way below the car and up and over the hood and roofline. As this air pushes below, it will tend to raise the vehicle up, which means that the tires may have less contact with the road, further reducing traction and hampering performance. The driver may also notice that the car feels loose or unstable, especially when maneuvering at speed on those canyon roads.

Splitting the Air

If you fit a front splitter, aero effects will improve. The splitter will effectively "split" the incoming air so that more of it flows over the splitter than under. The air that is flowing over the splitter tends to build up pressure, which will, in turn, push the front of the vehicle downward. This "upper" level air will then flow through the aerodynamic vents fitted into the bumper or hood and over the top of the car.

Maintaining the Pressure Differential

Meanwhile, the "lower" air flow will continue underneath the car with no restriction. It will be moving at a higher velocity than the air above, as it has been unimpeded by the splitter. This means that there will be a marked difference in pressure between the air that flows over the vehicle and the air that flows underneath, and this disparity can significantly improve optimal downforce.

Carbon Fiber Durability

Most of the best front splitters for your car today are Carbon Fiber composite. They will often contain polypropylene as well as the highest quality carbon fiber and be made to last according to recommended durability standards. After all, due to their position, they can be quite vulnerable to rough roads and speed humps, so they need to be both flexible and strong for the long haul.

Best Effect

However, you must fit the right type of splitter and ensure that it is securely attached according to the manufacturer's recommendations. If your vehicle is correctly configured with proper suspension and ride height, you should certainly notice a big difference when you get out on the open road.

Making Your Selection Talk with Extreme Online Store about a front splitter for your car. We will help you to match this vital aerodynamic aid with your model.