Air Dam
07-23-2008, 07:39 AM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Air Dam
Hi folks
Here's another question for you. My car seems to float a bit at high speeds (90 to 100 mph). Would a bigger air dam or spoiler in front give me more positive steering? If I was to buy a spoiler and have it painted, is it a pita to intsall?
Thanks!
Here's another question for you. My car seems to float a bit at high speeds (90 to 100 mph). Would a bigger air dam or spoiler in front give me more positive steering? If I was to buy a spoiler and have it painted, is it a pita to intsall?
Thanks!
07-23-2008, 08:22 AM
#2
Team Owner
Member Since: Jun 2000
Location: Southbound
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A larger spoiler would create a bit more downforce on the nose. Steering may get better and cooling would probably improve a little, but how much 90-100 mph cruising do you do? At speed, the nose tends to lift on all C3s. The 80-82 noses are marginally better, but not optimum. Second consideration is under car clearance for the larger spoiler. Folks tend to whack them on things.
If you go with the install, I wouldn't go any bigger than the 78 Pace Car chin. 78-79 assembly instruction manual shows the installation.
If you go with the install, I wouldn't go any bigger than the 78 Pace Car chin. 78-79 assembly instruction manual shows the installation.
07-23-2008, 09:03 AM
#4
Burning Brakes
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My 1st vette did the same thing. The stock hood seems to trap air. The vette I have now has a 2-3" hoodscoop that seems to help. I think it lets the air escape.
07-23-2008, 01:18 PM
#5
My 76 air dam was missing so I just finished installing the stock piece with a 4" additional piece of aluminum. It is approx 5" off ground. Haven't driven the car much since installation. I simply painted it black. You really wouldn't know it was even there. I wouldn't expect it to help much with lift and a feeling of wandering or floating. I think that's just too much of a symptom of the overall body design. I'll post pix some time.
Jay
Jay
07-23-2008, 03:43 PM
#6
Melting Slicks
You could add an air dam and that would work, but you could also lower the front of the car and put a slight rake into it. I have a 76 with an 80 rear end (don't know how much this helps .... I originally did if for appearance years ago) and the front end is lowered so that the car sits at a rake. I've been up to 115-120 mph quite a few times on a road coarse with no noticable float to the car.
Either method should work, just go with the one that suites your taste the best.
07-23-2008, 07:55 PM
#7
Team Owner
07-23-2008, 08:33 PM
#8
Racer
A larger spoiler would create a bit more downforce on the nose. Steering may get better and cooling would probably improve a little, but how much 90-100 mph cruising do you do? At speed, the nose tends to lift on all C3s. The 80-82 noses are marginally better, but not optimum. Second consideration is under car clearance for the larger spoiler. Folks tend to whack them on things.
If you go with the install, I wouldn't go any bigger than the 78 Pace Car chin. 78-79 assembly instruction manual shows the installation.
If you go with the install, I wouldn't go any bigger than the 78 Pace Car chin. 78-79 assembly instruction manual shows the installation.
Mike
