the air dam helps on highway driving
lower air dam
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,176
Likes: 7
From: Jennings LA
lower air dam
the lower rubber air deflectors on my 81 are missing, how much will this help the engine cooling if I put new ones on. it is running about 230 on the highway with a/c on, 220 wiithout a/c.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,575
Likes: 1
From: Tuttle OK
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
I used to run those type of temps with the lower dam on my '80. Finally looked at the ragiator and it looked like the arteries of a 90 year old cheese eating chyampion....clogged
Got a radiator from corvette central (about $250) and a new foam kit from Doc rebuild (about $50) and with a 180 thermostat, I run about 180-200 on 95 degree days here...
Got a radiator from corvette central (about $250) and a new foam kit from Doc rebuild (about $50) and with a 180 thermostat, I run about 180-200 on 95 degree days here...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,575
Likes: 1
From: Tuttle OK
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Originally Posted by gator79
I have a new radiator and fan clutch. also thinking about electric fans
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,176
Likes: 7
From: Jennings LA
that part is sealed good, my temp probe is in my thermostat housing, some say that it is hotter there than in the heads, I am not running a thermostat, removing it may no difference in temps
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,407
Likes: 2
From: Carmichael CA
Originally Posted by gator79
that part is sealed good, my temp probe is in my thermostat housing, some say that it is hotter there than in the heads, I am not running a thermostat, removing it may no difference in temps
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 2
From: Allen TX
Definetly install a new front air dam if you are missing yours. Corvettes are bottom feeders when it comes to cooling. I would also hold off on the electric fans until you figure out your cooling problems.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,637
Likes: 27
From: Norwalk Ct
When I put my fabricated spoiler on I was amazed by the difference.
It has been in the 90's and humid round here recently and my car has been on two recent 25mile + trips to shows and the car has barely gotten over the first mark on the temp gauge.
Nick
It has been in the 90's and humid round here recently and my car has been on two recent 25mile + trips to shows and the car has barely gotten over the first mark on the temp gauge.
Nick
Last edited by lvrpool32; Aug 22, 2005 at 12:46 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,542
Likes: 43
From: Plano TX
My 80 has the same front end and I haven't had the lower pieces on for years.
The biggest issue with ours is a good radiator. I replaced mine and it was much better on the highway but 200 to 210 with AC and driving slow in traffic. I finally replaced all seals around the radiator and made sure that when the hood closes there is a seal with pieces of foam. Now car has been 180 for last 6 years. You would not believ ehow important it is to seal every hole or the fan will not suck through the radiator.
Dave
The biggest issue with ours is a good radiator. I replaced mine and it was much better on the highway but 200 to 210 with AC and driving slow in traffic. I finally replaced all seals around the radiator and made sure that when the hood closes there is a seal with pieces of foam. Now car has been 180 for last 6 years. You would not believ ehow important it is to seal every hole or the fan will not suck through the radiator.
Dave
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,743
Likes: 37
From: Stockton Ca
My 74 had the crappy 3 core rad. I had it rebuilt w/4 core and had a petcock added for easier draining. No contest. Before that I tried oil cooler helped 5o, eliminating the fan clutch to run 100% 7 blade fan and the 1.6 rrs made a big difference. The stk 3 core is not up to running w/A/C. After the 4 core rebuild, I added dual spals. In a traffic jam a C5 driver asked my temps 190, his were 230. He was stressed!
Rick
PS. Adding the extra core during rebuild was very cheap!
Ask your local rad man.
Rick
PS. Adding the extra core during rebuild was very cheap!
Ask your local rad man.
