Do I need a front Splitter if I get a functional Spoiler?

[Geotoxic]

So I've been eyeing the 350R spoiler (Anderson Composites/Trufiber/Carbon Dynamics). Ford has said that the 350R spoiler is functional and "track-tested" and since these copies are pretty similar I'd assume the aerodynamics would be effective as well.

Would I need to get a larger front lip/splitter in order to keep the front end down? Would having a functional spoiler work against me?

As much as I love the look, I don't want something that would affect handling negatively.

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[RoninRed]

Engineering student here... If my understanding of the functionality of the splitter and the wing are correct, I doubt they would be working in tandem. I think the downforce of the backend is all that's necessary as the splitter adding downforce upfront would be counter productive if speed is your goal. If it's traction, then maybe there would be a difference but not a noticeable one, as the effects of a splitter are typically only noticeable at high speeds. I'm assuming this is a street car and not something you'd take to a track primarily, and even then the speeds at which you'd have to be turning in which to notice the difference are minuscule.

The TLDR version is: honestly it's up to preference. The wing will help, but the front splitter is mostly a cosmetic thing. And unless you're racing the Daytona 500, you won't notice the difference.

 

[Khyber]

not really unless you plan on hauling ass at a race track 24/7 to where downforce even becomes a factor.

but for a DD, it's all for looks.

 

[JAS550]

Splitters maximizes the high pressure stagnation point at the front of the car, and
accelerates the airflow through the restricted gap between the splitter and the ground surface. creating a low pressure under the car. What it does is "suck" the car to the ground. Splitters actually add a lot of down force on the forward part of the car. So yes, to a degree, it does work in tandem with the rear wing. Although a splitter is only really effective above 75 MPH. So unless you are at the track taking corners at highway speeds, then its nothing more than for looks.

 

[RoninRed]

Splitters maximizes the high pressure stagnation point at the front of the car, and
accelerates the airflow through the restricted gap between the splitter and the ground surface. creating a low pressure under the car. What it does is "suck" the car to the ground. Splitters actually add a lot of down force on the forward part of the car. So yes, to a degree, it does work in tandem with the rear wing. Although a splitter is only really effective above 75 MPH. So unless you are at the track taking corners at highway speeds, then its nothing more than for looks.

This is what I meant by in tandem, because the front splitter pressure would be counter productive for speed and MPG on the highway where downforce on wheels that aren't receiving power would just slow the vehicle down. Front splitters keep the front end from whipping out on you when cornering. Of course this all applies only to RWD and some AWD vehicles. Whereas a wings downforce becomes effective at lower speeds, say... 45-50 mph? And since the downforce of those is causing the wheels which are load bearing to stick to the pavement, it would increase traction and wouldn't have as much play on the road.

The opposite of all this would be true on a FWD vehicle as the front tires are load bearing and would need the downforce to create more traction. This is why I laugh to myself when I see a ricer on the highway with one of those big wings.

 

[Aarron_M]

The opposite of all this would be true on a FWD vehicle as the front tires are load bearing and would need the downforce to create more traction. This is why I laugh to myself when I see a ricer on the highway with one of those big wings.

You realize that FWD's are often heavy in the front, and downforce in the rear actually balances them out better, and is functional?

Yeah, some shitty ebay universal spoiler is often done for the ricey look, but believe me, there are fwd's that benefit from rear wings.

 

[RoninRed]

You realize that FWD's are often heavy in the front, and downforce in the rear actually balances them out better, and is functional?

Yeah, some shitty ebay universal spoiler is often done for the ricey look, but believe me, there are fwd's that benefit from rear wings.

Yes but again, that's only productive if you're tracking the car, cornering at high speeds; not on a straight away such as a highway where less downforce is desired for many many reasons.

 

[Geotoxic]

Thanks for the replies guys. I knew I can count on the knowledge of those on mustang6g (:

 

[Aarron_M]

Yes but again, that's only productive if you're tracking the car, cornering at high speeds; not on a straight away such as a highway where less downforce is desired for many many reasons.

But no one laughs when they see a spoiler or splitter on a rwd car.

And downforce would be desirable at highway speeds for stability. Sure, it would compromise fuel efficiency, but there are reasons it's beneficial. I've lived in CO, where the speed limit is 75, and you can easily see 100mph+ when passing. And I've lived in Germany, where I've had those little fwd's up to speeds above 150mph.

None of it is absolute, and a lot of it is personal preference, even if it has its compromises.

 

[Sal33n]

Spoiler on the back for down force on lighter rear end, splitter on the front to smooth airflow underneath and make low pressure underneath to help car stick. Only really applicable to high speed. You actually can learn something from watching NASCAR besides left turns.

 

[JAS550]

I do want to add that the performance pack splitter is actually functional. It mitigates front end lift and provides a little bit of down force. The non-PP cars have a rubber flap that hangs down, which is also called an air damn. The air damn performs the function much like a splitter would but to a lesser degree. So technically your car would be just fine without an aftermarket splitter. It only helps when you are really pushing the car to its limits around corners. But hey, I personally like the look of splitters and plan on buying the APR one for looks even though I will never "need" it.

 

[RoninRed]

I do want to add that the performance pack splitter is actually functional. It mitigates front end lift and provides a little bit of down force. The non-PP cars have a rubber flap that hangs down, which is also called an air damn. The air damn performs the function much like a splitter would but to a lesser degree. So technically your car would be just fine without an aftermarket splitter. It only helps when you are really pushing the car to its limits around corners. But hey, I personally like the look of splitters and plan on buying the APR one for looks even though I will never "need" it.

Me too prob. It looks sweet

 

[CommyO]

I do want to add that the performance pack splitter is actually functional.

People keep mentioning the pp splitter. Neither the GT or EB specify a different splitter in the options the last time I customized on Ford.com. Also, I have the pp and have the two flaps underneath.

 

[JAS550]

People keep mentioning the pp splitter. Neither the GT or EB specify a different splitter in the options the last time I customized on Ford.com. Also, I have the pp and have the two flaps underneath.

Only the GT PP has the different splitter with belly pan and its not an option, its part of the actual package. The rest of us, including the EB PP has the same splitter.

 

[Sal33n]

Only the GT PP has the different splitter with belly pan and its not an option, its part of the actual package. The rest of us, including the EB PP has the same splitter.

Except for those of use who have the CS. We have a bigger splitter than the pp but don't get the same belly pan as the pp.

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