Carbon fiber aero upgrades are the real deal. You may have seen carbon fiber spoilers, side skirts, or hood replacements, but they offer more than just good looks. The carbon fiber upgrade market is firing on all cylinders for one reason: they deliver on the track. We’re going to show you what sets carbon fiber apart from stock components and why you should consider a carbon fiber upgrade on your performance build.
What’s the Difference Between Real Carbon Fiber and “Carbon-Look” Parts?
To the untrained eye, differences between carbon fiber and “carbon look-a-like” parts can be undetectable, but because carbon fiber is lightweight and made with a complex production process, there are some simple ways you can tell the difference.
Real carbon fiber offers a deep, glossy appearance with 3-dimensional texture because it is embedded in resin. Carbon-look parts have a flat printed pattern that doesn’t have the depth that layered carbon fiber has. Real carbon fiber is stiff, light, and rigid. If you tap it, it should make a clear, hollow sound. The carbon-look parts will have a heavy metallic sound because it’s not as lightweight. These are just a few ways you can tell the difference between real and fake carbon fiber car parts. Let’s take a look at how carbon fiber parts are made and how it impacts performance.
What Does Pre-Preg Carbon Fiber Mean?
Pre-Preg is a carbon fiber production term that means that the carbon fiber is “pre-impregnated” with a resin system. This system typically contains a synthetic resin and hardening mixture to begin the curing process. This helps make carbon fiber lightweight, stress-resistant, and high-quality for automotive applications. This is the process that nearly all carbon fiber vehicle upgrades undergo to provide sprung weight reduction and longer lasting performance.
Is Carbon Fiber about Weight Savings or Appearance?
It’s both, which is great news for enthusiasts who want to upgrade their track car. Carbon fiber rear spoilers are sleek, stylish appearance upgrades that offer superior aerodynamics to give you an edge on the track. Other carbon fiber upgrades like front lip spoilers, rear diffusers, and hood replacements offer weight savings that can stack up performance benefits when paired together. If you want a machine that can cut through the air like a knife, carbon fiber is the easiest way to reach your performance goals without working on your engine or exhaust system.
Do Carbon Aero Parts Actually Improve Performance?
Yes, carbon fiber aero parts deliver many performance benefits that enthusiasts will love. Carbon fiber rear diffusers and front splitters make the vehicle more aerodynamic while also offering weight savings that deliver increased downforce, reduced drag, and greater stability going into the corner. Other carbon fiber components can bring down the total weight of the vehicle while also offering aerodynamic support like rear spoilers that can make a difference when you’re shooting for that best lap time.
Why Do Premium Carbon Parts Cost Significantly More?
The carbon-fiber production process is complex and made with skilled labor that takes time and expensive raw materials to make this high-quality product. The complex weave patterns, resin systems, and curing methods make carbon fiber a premium product that requires meticulous craftsmanship. For this reason, carbon fiber parts aren’t mass produced, making for expensive per-unit pricing. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t purchase carbon fiber parts for your vehicle. Depending on your performance goals, carbon fiber can be a quick solution to weight and drag reduction, which can give you a smoother handling experience.
Learn more about Acura Integra Type-S Carbon Fiber Aero Kit by Seibon
Shop Carbon Fiber Upgrades at Vivid Racing
The advantages of carbon fiber aero parts are hard to beat. These competitive benefits can help you achieve your performance goals and enhance your track experience. If you’re interested in carbon fiber upgrades, we have a ton to choose from. Shop carbon fiber diffusers, hoods, body kits, front and rear lip spoilers, wings, side skirts, and scoops for performance and aesthetic upgrades.
Check out our blog for more informative articles, upgrade recommendations, and new release updates to keep in the know about the latest performance parts. Contact our service team if you have any questions about our parts so we can make your shopping experience easier.
