Front splitters

[nick3814]

One more photo of my handy work as the other view was a bit dark []

 

[944Turbo]

looking good - I didn't think the gap was any bigger than the ones there already so didn't worry too much about mesh - guess it is lower though and now I have typed that I expect to find a rock buried in there [&:] Tony

 

[mr brightside]

Interestingly although not relevant in these circumstances, VW say the Mk1 Golf GTI chin splitter produces 60Kg of downforce at about 50 mph or so, more than i would have thought and makes me think fitting a splitter to any car to be a good move.

 

[tref]

I drove a Mk I GTI without the factory fitted spoiler for ages (they tended to, er, fall off!) when I fitted it, it was primarily for cosmetic and originality reasons - I wasn't expecting it to make a difference, despite the fact I knew VW fitted it for a reason. In fact, my partner and I both commented that the car felt transformed - nothing measurable, but it felt like new shocks had been fitted... For my patner it was a "blind trial" not know what the change was. But I wouldn't expect it to make a difference to a 944[]

 

[DavidL]

Thought I'd resurrect this as I've spent the afternoon fitting mine. It may have gone on upside down the first time! I'm struggling to see how the batwing refits - there is a big gap without it with the radiator just above it so I'm not keen to leave it like that. Anyone got any pics of both fitted? I also noticed some very flat bits of radiator fin on what I know is a newish rad. Has anyone fitted any sort of mesh behind the front PU (what does PU stand for?) to allow air flow but not debris flow?

 

[944Turbo]

I cut a bit out of the batwing in the centre (its bloody tough) about 10mm wide. I then screwed up into the 'legs' of the new splitter. those legs i had supported with some aluminium attached onto the vertical parts of the PU intake. Will try and get some pics tomorrow. PU stands for the material its made from - Polyurethane? A/C condensor is in front of the rad, if you have AC that is Tony

 

[james palmer]

have you any pics of SEAT ones?

 

[DavidL]

James try the ebay link on page 2 I think that still works.

 

[os951]

Self made splitter & mirrors to friends 951

 

[Eldavo]

Do the Seat ones only fit fancy 951s or has anyone had any luck with them on an n/a?

 

[DavidL]

They will fit all the turbo/S2 shape front end but I'm not sure about the other one. Dimensions should be similar I would have thought - it needs a little bending to shape anyway.

 

[422hp944]

I'm delighted this thread has been ressurected otherwise I wouldn't have known about this particular splitter! Well done Nick...It looks great I must say

. So good infact I called my local Seat dealership in Dublin to order one......31 Euro's inclusive!!!

 

[Hilux]

Porsche designed our cars (Turbo/S2 fronts) with under trays. This will impact on the air flow both under the car and through the engine bay. IMHO it would be less than preferable not to maintain an under tray of some sort. Andrew Sweetenham (renown 944 racer) states that front splitters do make a positive impact on the cars handling. That's good enough for me.

I drove a Mk I GTI without the factory fitted spoiler for ages (they tended to, er, fall off!) when I fitted it, it was primarily for cosmetic and originality reasons - I wasn't expecting it to make a difference, despite the fact I knew VW fitted it for a reason. In fact, my partner and I both commented that the car felt transformed - nothing measurable, but it felt like new shocks had been fitted... For my patner it was a "blind trial" not know what the change was. But I wouldn't expect it to make a difference to a 944

Try driving a 944T down a German Autobahn at 150mph for a while and then see if it doesnt affect the dynamics and aerodynamics. [] At 130+ mph with all kit fitted the car is magically sucked to the ground and completely stable and I cannot imagine it would be the same without it. There are other flat floor panels on a 944 alongside the sump panel and the side skirts also so I can only see that Porsche designed it that way. I had a Ginetta that used to have instant power steering at those speeds. I meant to improve the airflow under the car and fit a splitter but managed to roll it before I got around to it [&:] I also have a Golf Mk1 now and will be definitely be fitting a splitter as it already does stupid three figure speeds if you want it to (which is interesting) and I`ve got a bigger engine to go in it this winter [8D]

 

[TTM]

Tony and others, did you notice any improvement in front end stability when driving at speed with this splitter?

 

[DavidL]

Thom, I can't say I have but then I don't tend to do even motorway speeds very often. Most of my driving is A and country roads. I do like the look but not the lack of protection underneath (can't bring myself to cut up the batwing) so I'm buying an ESS style one and will have that sprayed and fitted.

 

[AndrewS]

When I first fitted one to my '89 Turbo in 2000, the difference was very noticeable when pushing on through Craner Curves (Donington). On the Porsche cup race cars, you ended up with understeer on high speed corners if it broke off during a race - that's how they came about originally. A worthwhile fitment in my opinion, but not necessarily for road use. Regards, Andrew

 

[TTM]

Well, I picked mine from the local Seat dealer this afternoon for a whopping 25.95€ [] Some fiddling planned for the weekend I suppose! Thanks much to Neil for telling us about this splitter []

 

[944Turbo]

ORIGINAL: TTM Tony and others, did you notice any improvement in front end stability when driving at speed with this splitter?

Not really, but then I never noticed a problem before. I have yet to try it on track. Tony

 

[poprock]

Can anyone give a comparison of the various ‘standard’ undertray/splitter versions that are available? I know of Rich’s self-produced ones at £140, Promax’s version at £195 and the ones from SAR/EMC at £235. Are the more expensive ones any better made, or better fitting?

 

[Vic Rattlehead]

Another vote for the Promax splitter. Very good quality and everything lined up perfectly. This splitter replaced the whole batwing. Took about 1 and a half to fit.