Front Splitter

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Looking to improve the non-existent aerodynamics on my Chimaera - especially high speed stability.

Pretty sure TVR did no proper testing and the 'bit of half drainpipe' bolted under the nose is a complete compromise so,

Anyone running a splitter and if so what are they like?


Thanks

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Yex 450 said:

I didn't see the pothole the other side of a speed bump a few weeks ago and the thing was ripped off

Yep I think this is common, hence it being a massive compromise. You're never sure if it's still attached or not!

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Chimp871 said:

What do people use for materials?

Modified gutter, ally strip etc..

Both of those I think!

Keen on something like on this Tuscan - proper solution!

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bobfather said:

You don't need to worry about technology here

Thanks bob father - I do appreciate that the ally strip method would work - but my car is a little lower than most so it just wouldn't last!

Also do like the look of a tasteful 'proper' splitter

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https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=10...



Chap here has fitted one from a Seat Leon Cupra R

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wseed said:

Would this stuff be any use?

Seen that stuff before and always decided against it - but I suppose you'd get the perfect fit and curve.....

But would it actually be giving and aerodynamic benefit?


Adhesive stuff - looks good probe doesn't work

Half drainpipe - work but looks silly.


My issue is I want something that looks good and works

Current favourite would be cupra R or MGF splitter

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QBee said:

Intrigued by the Cupra R splitter. Plenty of them on EBay at £46 brand new. Might just get one, as the car is in for service and a few other bits shortly, and it would be good to get a second opinion from my TVR guy.

Yeah for £46 it's worth a pop

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QBee said:

Thanks for the photos. Very interesting. I won’t be going that far. Mine is a road car with a few track days a year thrown in
Your comment that the Cupra one would only work above 70 mph is superb news.
My car handles very nicely at road speeds, I am just keen to improve front end sticking power at track cornering speeds.

Yep agree this is perfect - I find that on the AutoBahn, only above 80/90mph the front becomes very light and twitchy so the Cupra R seems ideal!

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Tony91 said:

Just fitted the Seat Cupra R front splitter part number 1ML805903
Fits well

Excellent work Sir - This is exactly what PH should be about. Great job and I'll be doing exactly the same on mine soon.

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phazed said:

Garage Envy.

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debaron said:

Excellent work Sir - This is exactly what PH should be about. Great job and I'll be doing exactly the same on mine soon.

As the OP I did indeed fit the Cupra splitter and yes immediately noticed better front end stability at speed. Broke one over the years and fitted another.

Prices gone up but everything has I guess....


Pic

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This is the one:

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PabloGee said:

I have been trying to find an original Leon Cupra R mk1 splitter, but all the breakers are either ignoring me or telling me it's sold.

So I bought this ebay version.

Good man - appreciate you keeping us updated with your efforts for the good of others!

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Excellent work - looks really good. You spent a while getting it right and it shows.

Agree with the high gloss finish - not the right look.

Have to say it's 1000% easier with the original Seat part but seems these are now unobtainium so I'll be extra careful when going over speed humps.

Now have a cold beer - you've earned it.

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BritishTvr450 said:

I remember years ago there was mention that the TVR splitter was really designed ( if that’s what you can call it ) to create a low pressure zone so air wouldn’t go up into engine bay possibly resulting in forcing the bonnet upwards,

I can well believe this. A bodge to fix a bodge!

Let's be honest the whole bonnet hinge and mechanism is crap. I'd dearly love to find the right gas struts and re-engineer the front hinges but alas will have to wait til after the LS has gone in and I've engineered a folding roof.

So expect a solution some time in 2036....!

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PabloGee said:

And the material feels softer and more bendy, which might do it a favour.

PabloGee said:

The mottled finish looks a bit like faux leather, honestly a bit cheap

Yes absolutely will.

If it makes you feel better the SEAT one has the same mottled finish and is also quite bendy so less inclined to splinter when met with a driveway/sleeping policeman/medium sized rodent etc