You know front splitters are designed to improve performance, but what exactly do they do? There’s more to these aerodynamic enhancements than you might realize. Learn more about how they generate downforce, the types of materials used to create them, and what you should consider before adding one to your car.
Pressure Difference Produces Desired Downforce
A front splitter boosts downforce due to the pressure differences it creates.
That simple flat blade protruding from the front of your car is actually a remarkably efficient downforce-generating instrument. The secret is in the large pressure differential it creates. As your vehicle moves forward, this component splits the air into two zones—a high-pressure zone with slower-moving air on top and a low-pressure zone with faster-moving air on the bottom.
As the stagnant air pushes down on top, the faster air on the bottom essentially creates a vacuum, drawing the vehicle down. In reality, the bottom surface of the splitter is doing more of the work in generating downforce, similar to a rear wing.
How Do Front Splitters Fit With Your Overall Aerodynamics?
Before installing a front splitter, consider the overall aerodynamic balance to ensure a safe and predictable vehicle.
You want more front downforce, so you should install a splitter, right? Not exactly. When adding aerodynamic components, you need to consider the overall balance. Adding a splitter without sufficient rear-end aerodynamics can lead to oversteer and hurt performance while creating a safety issue. For example, if you have a rear diffuser, you may be better off installing dive planes instead of a splitter. But if you have a rear wing, a splitter will likely be the right choice for balanced, total-vehicle downforce. Ultimately, you want a safe and predictable vehicle at all rates of speed.
What Are Some Front Splitter Options?
Choose front splitter options that make sense for your application and budget. You have options with Verus Engineering.
Not all splitters are created equal and may include more than a simple blade. Here are some things to consider.
- Material: Our splitters feature a carbon polyweave material that offers more durability for street driving while still being a material used in high-level motorsport applications. Alternatively, depending on your budget, you may choose a less expensive yet still durable hard plastic option.
- One-piece or two-piece splitters: You’ll find splitters in one or two pieces; the difference is the cost. A two-piece splitter costs less to ship, which results in lower prices for you. Chances are you’ll find two-piece options still deliver the performance you want.
- Additional options: You may come across splitters equipped with diffuser tunnels and other options to help promote performance. Do your research, and make sure your splitter has options that benefit your vehicle and your performance goals.
Choosing a trusted aftermarket supplier is essential. Was the splitter designed using advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software and tested on the track? Is it designed specifically for your model? Working with a team like Verus Engineering reassures you that your component is meticulously designed, fine-tuned, and track-tested before being made available.
Find The Best Front Splitters From Verus Engineering
Get the downforce boost you’ve been looking for with durable, expertly designed front splitters from Verus Engineering. We have everything you need for a balanced and efficient aerodynamic setup, including splitters and rear wings. Browse our online store to see what we have to offer.
What Does A Front Splitter Do?