is a front spoiler really necessary?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 963
Likes: 57
From: Vancouver, BC
is a front spoiler really necessary?
my car is completely missing the stock front spoiler, either it was ripped off or removed when the flares were installed. my car is in the shop and will be getting some glass work done, thought I might just buy a spoiler and have that done at the same time. Does it really matter if the car has a spoiler or not? Will I notice any difference or would it be just cosmetic. I don't think I will drive over 100mph in the car anyway.
thanks!
thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,114
Likes: 598
my car is completely missing the stock front spoiler, either it was ripped off or removed when the flares were installed. my car is in the shop and will be getting some glass work done, thought I might just buy a spoiler and have that done at the same time. Does it really matter if the car has a spoiler or not? Will I notice any difference or would it be just cosmetic. I don't think I will drive over 100mph in the car anyway.
thanks!
thanks!
So its worth having to save the engine from over heating.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 9,244
Likes: 943
From: Lake Tahoe, CA
It's designed into the car for air flow to keep the engine and bay cool regardless of speed from I've read on CF from members far smarter than I. I'm rebuilding my 70' and mine was missing, I'll differently be putting it back on. Last thing I want is an overheating engine. 
Last edited by caskiguy; Oct 11, 2018 at 11:28 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
You do NOT need a "spoiler". You DO need an "air dam". A spoiler is for aerodynamic needs. The air dam is there to deflect air flow upward and through the radiator so the cooling system can do its job. Whatever you install there NEEDS to do the job intended by the air dam. If it looks cool in the form of a spoiler and still directs air up and through your radiator, so be it.
P.S. Some folks swear that a spoiler is needed on a C3 so that it will remain stable at exceedingly high speeds. I, personally, don't care because I don't have any need or desire to drive above 100 mph. But I do want the engine to run at reasonable temperatures.
P.S. Some folks swear that a spoiler is needed on a C3 so that it will remain stable at exceedingly high speeds. I, personally, don't care because I don't have any need or desire to drive above 100 mph. But I do want the engine to run at reasonable temperatures.
Last edited by 7T1vette; Oct 11, 2018 at 11:30 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 963
Likes: 57
From: Vancouver, BC
I was looking at the 68-72 fibreglass spoiler from custom image, the one from corvettemods with the 2 holes in the middle and just putting the stock one back on. Good to know that it does serve a purpose and I would potentially run into overheating issues.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 963
Likes: 57
From: Vancouver, BC
I dont think I'll run into problems cooling wise but who can say for sure. around here it gets to about 75 Fahrenheit during the summer months. the standard lip as pictured above would probably be my cheapest option from what I've seen online.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 831
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From: Arlington TX
Just my opinion and educated observations...
That air dam is there to create a high pressure zone below the headlight access points underneath/in the front bumper. The majority of the air that enters the front, flows across the radiator and into the engine bay comes directly through the front grill and is deflected up and through the radiator due to the high pressure zone created by the air dam.
You don’t NEED the air dam. You NEED air flow. The air dam is just one way to facilitate this.
Technically, you could remove the air dam, seal the access holes for the lights, and air would flow just the same, maybe better across the radiator and into the engine compartment.
This uses the same principle as a cowl induction hood. Manipulating air pressure to control the flow of fresh air.
-Stroke
That air dam is there to create a high pressure zone below the headlight access points underneath/in the front bumper. The majority of the air that enters the front, flows across the radiator and into the engine bay comes directly through the front grill and is deflected up and through the radiator due to the high pressure zone created by the air dam.
You don’t NEED the air dam. You NEED air flow. The air dam is just one way to facilitate this.
Technically, you could remove the air dam, seal the access holes for the lights, and air would flow just the same, maybe better across the radiator and into the engine compartment.
This uses the same principle as a cowl induction hood. Manipulating air pressure to control the flow of fresh air.
-Stroke
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 963
Likes: 57
From: Vancouver, BC
Honestly it doesn't even get that hot up here in Canada where I live lol. I think I should be okay but I will reconfirm with the shop who is doing my engine rebuild for me.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
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