sooo i just found this thread and honestly i feel u on the struggle... nobody wants to drop thousands and then have the weave look like trash next to the factory parts right? if ur looking for the best bang for ur buck from a market research perspective, i think u should check out Vicrez CT5-V Blackwing Carbon Fiber Front Splitter VZ102213 and the matching Vicrez CT5-V Blackwing Carbon Fiber Rear Spoiler VZ102214.

basically, everyone mentions the big names like Savage or RW, but Vicrez usually runs about $200-$300 cheaper for almost the same quality. like, ur looking at maybe $650-700 for a front splitter instead of $900+. i mean, it might not be a 100% molecular match to the OEM weave, but to the naked eye? it's actually reallyyy close. plus, they usually have 10-15% off codes if u just sign up for their emails, which helps the budget even more!!

just a quick tip tho: regardless of which brand u pick, u gotta budget for a good ceramic coating. even the cheaper kits hold up well if u protect the clear coat from yellowing early on. i guess it really depends on your needs, but if ur trying to keep costs down without looking tacky, that's definitely a decent option to look into. gl with the build, the blackwing is such a beast!! 👍

In my experience, if you're looking to balance that aggressive look without the insane dealership markup, you should really look into RW Carbon CT5-V Blackwing Carbon Fiber Front Splitter and their matching spoiler.

I've spent years tinkering with aero bits, and honestly, the technical side of carbon fiber comes down to the weave density and the UV protection in the clear coat. OEM uses a 2x2 weave, and while Savage Cadillac was mentioned, I've found that RW Carbon CT5-V Blackwing Carbon Fiber Trunk Spoiler is a solid budget-friendly alternative that hits about 95% of the factory match.

Here is how I'd approach it to save some cash:

1. **Focus on the Low-Visual Areas:** You can go aftermarket for the side skirts since they're lower to the ground and less prone to scrutiny.
2. **Prioritize the Front:** The splitter takes the most abuse. Going with a high-quality aftermarket piece like the Vicrez CT5-V Blackwing Carbon Fiber Front Lip might save you $1k over OEM, plus it's easier to replace if you scrape a curb, you know?
3. **Check the Clear Coat:** Cheap kits yellow in six months because they use polyester resin instead of epoxy. Always ask for 'pre-preg' carbon if your budget allows it.

I mean, I've tried many different brands over the years, and while the fitment isn't always 100% like the factory bolts, a little bit of heat gun work usually gets it sitting flush. Just don't skimp on the 3M tape for the spoiler or it'll literally fly off on the highway lol. Good luck with the build!

Sooo when I first got my Blackwing, I obsessed over the same thing cuz I didn't want it looking like a cheap project car. I eventually went with a mix, but honestly, you gotta be careful with the weave matching. I think the OEM carbon packages are technically the only way to get a 100% perfect visual match, especially for that V-series specific 2x2 twill. Not sure but IIRC, Savage Cadillac's stuff is pretty close, though some guys on the private forums mentioned the clear coat on aftermarket parts can sometimes yellow faster than factory.

Here's what I'd suggest checking:
- Stick to the OEM front splitter if you can swing the price; it takes the most abuse.
- RW Carbon is solid for the spoiler, but the mounting hardware can be finicky.
- Make sure to check the weave direction before installing anything!

Basically, if you're a perfectionist like me, the factory stuff is the safest bet, even if it hurts the wallet lol. Peace!

> Does anyone have experience with the fitment and durability of specific kits?

Just sharing my experience: I went through this last year and was basically terrified of my front splitter shattering on a speed bump lol. I was highkey paranoid about the safety aspect because if one of those aftermarket pieces flys off at 100mph, it's game over for whoever is behind you.

I actually ended up going with the Anderson Composites CT5-V Blackwing Carbon Fiber Front Splitter and their matching Anderson Composites Carbon Fiber Rear Spoiler because they use a vacuum-infused process that feels super sturdy. Honestly, I'm sooo happy with how it holds up at high speeds... no vibrating or weird whistling sounds! I did have a pro shop do the install though, cuz I didn't wanna risk any structural failure. Peace of mind is worth the extra cash imo!!

Just sharing my experience: I went through this same headache last year because I'm highkey paranoid about fitment issues. I didn't want to drill into my bumper only to find out the weave was crooked or the clear coat would yellow in six months. Honestly, I think the technical side of matching the 2x2 twill on the Blackwing is way harder than it looks... IIRC, the OEM stuff has a specific depth to the resin that some aftermarket brands just can't quite replicate.

I ended up looking at a few things before deciding:
* UV protection on the clear coat (super important if it sits outside)
* Pre-drilled holes vs. self-tapping screws
* How the weave directions meet at the seams

I'm not 100% sure if the RW Carbon stuff perfectly matches the factory shade under direct sunlight, but I've heard mixed things. Personally, I stayed cautious and leaned toward pieces that used factory mounting points. It's kinda stressful, but taking it slow saved me a lot of 'cheap car' vibes. gl!

honestly, i’ve seen a lot of guys focus on the initial fitment, but as someone who's lived with carbon aero on multiple V-series platforms for years, u gotta think about the long-term degradation. before i weigh in tho, r u planning on tracking this beast or is it mostly a street car? and do u have PPF on the car yet? basically, here is what i learned from my current setup after 15k+ miles:
1. the front splitter is essentially a sacrificial wear item if ur doing high-speed runs. road-rash pitting is inevitable, so i learned the hard way that not applying a heavy film immediately was a mistake.
2. thermal cycling is the real enemy. i’ve noticed that pieces near high-heat zones like the ducting can eventually show 'milking' or hazing due to the constant temp swings affecting the resin stability.
3. mechanical fastening is just as important as the weave. i had to retrofit my kit with stainless U-nuts because the standard plastic pins couldn't handle the downforce loads over time. makes a huge difference for ur long-term satisfaction tho.

Gonna try this over the weekend. Will report back if it works!