Front Splitter Extension Canards with Air Channels

[GrayMater22]

Who has installed outer front splitter extension canards with air channels that run up the front fender (ZL1 addons) on their mustang gt (similar to the gt500), and if so did you notice any difference with downforce and high speed stability? I have researched this in depth and based on many aero articles I have read it should make a noticeable difference particularly with the s550 due to the amount of lift created in the front end. I have found very little performance feedback from users who have purchased these.

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[mavisky]

Splitter fences in general work well but are a drag heavy option compared to other alternatives. I actually recessed the ZL1 Addons splitter fences into my custom front splitter.

 

[WItoTX]

Are you tracking your car? If so, it's one of those things that helps bleed the high pressure created by the spinning wheel at high speeds. Ideally, that canard sticks out past the front wheel to allow for plenty of area for the high pressure to bleed out around the wheel.

Another option is to put fender vents above the top of the wheel to bleed that high pressure above the tire. Both help, but it only helps at higher speeds IMO. 99% of the people with them, add them for looks. Because they do look cool.

Ideally, you could redesign the front bumper to stick out past the front wheel, which would give you the most aero and allow the pressure to bleed out of the front wheel well better.

 

[GrayMater22]

Splitter fences in general work well but are a drag heavy option compared to other alternatives. I actually recessed the ZL1 Addons splitter fences into my custom front splitter.

Did you notice any difference at higher speeds? I did speak with one individual who said he could feel more front end stability over 70-75mph.

 

[mavisky]

Did you notice any difference at higher speeds? I did speak with one individual who said he could feel more front end stability over 70-75mph.

Yes, but I added them along with the massive front splitter and additional aero mods. Hard to say how much I could attribute to just the ZL1 add-ons alone as I never tested a before/after with just that one modification.

If you're looking for more front downforce I would look to other options such as a solid chassis mounted splitter. These are more of an "in addition to" modification in my opinion than a standalone modification.

 

[GrayMater22]

Are you tracking your car? If so, it's one of those things that helps bleed the high pressure created by the spinning wheel at high speeds. Ideally, that canard sticks out past the front wheel to allow for plenty of area for the high pressure to bleed out around the wheel.

Another option is to put fender vents above the top of the wheel to bleed that high pressure above the tire. Both help, but it only helps at higher speeds IMO. 99% of the people with them, add them for looks. Because they do look cool.

Ideally, you could redesign the front bumper to stick out past the front wheel, which would give you the most aero and allow the pressure to bleed out of the front wheel well better.

Yes I do track it just for fun, I do not compete. I guess my biggest gripe is the front end seems somewhat unstable (overly sensitive when turning or changing lanes at higher speeds), it just seems these would help by pushing the air from the front wheel wells away from the front tires creating an air curtain down the side of the car to reduce lift and increase downforce and stability.

 

[WItoTX]

I would think hood vents or splitter ramps would be more advantageous, but it's also one of those thing where all the little bits you do add up to a significant change. Do it if is what you want to try.

That said, what springs/spring rates are you running up front? When I jumped from the FP springs, to 400 lb springs, it was a world of difference. Have you done the bump steer kit? I almost wonder if you have some bump steer?

 

[GrayMater22]

I would think hood vents or splitter ramps would be more advantageous, but it's also one of those thing where all the little bits you do add up to a significant change. Do it if is what you want to try.

That said, what springs/spring rates are you running up front? When I jumped from the FP springs, to 400 lb springs, it was a world of difference. Have you done the bump steer kit? I almost wonder if you have some bump steer?

I have the steeda min. drop springs (pro-action shocks and dampers, irs alignment and brace) the fronts are 200lbs, and I know that is too light for track duty, but I hit the drag strip more than I hit a track. I do not have the bump steer kit, the steering is solid up to around 55-65mph, just seems to losen up around 70mph. I was already thinking of going to the sport progressives but I don't want to sacrifice to much squat for lauches. I am very aware that I will never have the best track car or drag car, but still looking for a good balance between the two as this is my daily as well and just like to enjoy running a capable modern muscle car.

 

[Crew4991]

When it comes to front splitters... go big or go home.

 

[GrayMater22]

When it comes to front splitters... go big or go home.

That is freakin hilarious, can’t believe someone actually did that

 

[WItoTX]

I have the steeda min. drop springs (pro-action shocks and dampers, irs alignment and brace) the fronts are 200lbs, and I know that is too light for track duty, but I hit the drag strip more than I hit a track. I do not have the bump steer kit, the steering is solid up to around 55-65mph, just seems to losen up around 70mph. I was already thinking of going to the sport progressives but I don't want to sacrifice to much squat for lauches. I am very aware that I will never have the best track car or drag car, but still looking for a good balance between the two as this is my daily as well and just like to enjoy running capable modern muscle car.

Ahh, yeah that certainly complicates things, being dual purpose. Mine is rock solid though, but I've got a lot more aero.

 

[GrayMater22]

Installed the zL1 splitter/fender extensions today, they look great on the GT in dark matter gray, the primary factory mounts under the splitter hold tight, just be prepared to reinforce the others. Didn’t get over 50 mph on the way home and could definitely begin to feel some downforce increase at about 40-45mph, didn’t want to go to fast as I was coming from Ace with some improved fasteners. Tomorrow will be the true test

 

[tosha]

Installed the zL1 splitter/fender extensions today, they look great on the GT in dark matter gray, the primary factory mounts under the splitter hold tight, just be prepared to reinforce the others. Didn’t get over 50 mph on the way home and could definitely begin to feel some downforce increase at about 40-45mph, didn’t want to go to fast as I was coming from Ace with some improved fasteners. Tomorrow will be the true test

So did you get both splitter an extesions from ZL1?

 

[GrayMater22]

Installed the zL1 splitter/fender extensions today, they look great on the GT in dark matter gray, the primary factory mounts under the splitter hold tight, just be prepared to reinforce the others. Didn’t get over 50 mph on the way home and could definitely begin to feel some downforce increase at about 40-45mph, didn’t want to go to fast as I was coming from Ace with some improved fasteners. Tomorrow will be the true test

I will post some pics tomorrow.

 

[GrayMater22]

So did you get both splitter an extesions from ZL1?

The splitter extensions only extend in front of the front tires to reduce turbulence and has air channels to push air over the wheel wells. If you go to the zL1 add on web page look up GT 500 splitter fender extensions.

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