The "splitter" (*) was actually the structural part behind this cow-catcher/snowplow:
~3.5 inches of clearance. It scrapes once in a while.
It is a more durable version of this project, first tested on the Firefly in 2009:
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ly-b-9732.html
* - a small splitter may actually help reduce drag on an air dam like this, in some cases. A CFD analysis of a similar air dam applied to a 1st gen Miata showed a slight improvement (and slightly reduced front lift).