Split Lip

Front splitters, canards and undertrays are often seen on the demo cars we all love and we find our selves wanting them even though we don't really understand the effects they will have on the car. When you get this far into tuning you probably do have to understand that practicality has already gone completely out the window. Low ride height has resulted from stiff coil-over suspension and we are searching for those lap time minimising devices that can shave the odd 1/10th or reduce drag for outright speed.

For cruising around the street I wouldn't recommend these devices. Apart from the fact they are probably illegal child mauling additions, soon after addition the ability to negotiate the local shopping centre speed bumps and driveways become a nightmare and you find yourself driving to the track and thats it. Which may not be all bad if you go often enough.

Downforce and airflow, Cd and drag are all the keys in aerodynamics and the addition of well designed canards and splitters that aid and don't hinder airflow should all make a definite difference. Can you feel the effect on the street? Maybe on the C1 or your favourite blasting road, but anywhere else you probably wont be going quick enough. How efficient is the Fd anyway? I guess anything can be improved and slapping a flat piece of carbon under the car is an easy way to see whats going to happen. Usually the simple addition of the front underpanel creates an oversteering machine, so balance is all important. These race items can have a real effect on suspensions settings. Spring rates and rollbar changes could all be required, to balance the way the thing handles. But in reality, street use will never really warrant a splitter and diffuser. If you want to get a defect notice from the cops for dangerous bodywork or go to jail for chopping off some little girls foot as you drive past, go right ahead. I'm getting mine for the latter reason. They just look damn cool!

Russ