Im thinking about removing these before I lower the Z. Whats the meaning of them? Bad idea? Thanks.

http://storesense.megawebservers.com...poiler-thn.jpg

 

I believe they help push air up into your radiator, also keeps air pressure lower under the car to help "suck" it down.

 

I believe it has something to do with the aerodynamics of the car and down force. I dont think it would be a good idea to remove. I could be wrong though.

I know many people have trimmed theirs down by about an inch or so.

 

Yes, they help divert air to the radiator, Do not remove! Some people trim them down without consequence but you do need them.

 

They serve a number of things.
Like the others have said.
Help with the air flow into the radiator and helps with the aero.
Some have removed them or cut 3/4th of an inch off.
Me I will keep mine, They are cheap to replace and also if they scrape they are spring loaded for that reason.
Bill

 

Look at it this way... If it's to low the plastic will just scrape away and "self adjust" to the new height.

 

Trim them if you're annoyed by the scraping sound, but don't remove them entirely. They're crucial to the bottom breathing/cooling C5 design.

I don't mind the scraping anymore...it reminds me to slow down going over speed bumps and entering the driveway. The alternative sound will be much harder to hear...

 

They self adjust.

Here's a shot of one of the previous owner of my car adjusting them.

 

This is a topic that comes up quite often. My advice is that it’s a bad decision for a high performance sports car capable of 170 mph+. You’re affecting performance and handling if you do.

The air deflector in the centre diverts air into the radiator. Without it, you’re relying on venturi effect to pull air in. There’s a reason why fitting forced air induction kits gives extra HP. The engine likes to breath. So if you take it off you’ll probably lose a few HP and the engine will run hotter.

The end caps are fitted for different reasons. Basic aerodynamic theory says that if you put a flat plate into the airflow it causes “form” drag. Once air hits the deflector it will naturally flow to the outer ends. When it breaks off it will cause further drag and turbulence. The end caps are aerodynamic fairings and smooth the airflow allowing it to travel efficiently under the car


At high speeds you want smooth airflow under the floor of the car. Turbulence will cause instability and loss of downforce and performance.

The bottom line is that you can remove them but there’s an impact. If you drive around at the National speed limit and avoid Vegas you’ll never notice. If you take it to the track or run in high temperatures it’s not advisable. And if you do take them off, do the right thing and put them back on before you sell the car.

 

Unless you want to overheat, or at the very least run higher temps, I would leave them. PITA them scraping every time I go in and out of the driveway, but it would be worse to overheat on a trip.

 

GM wouldn't have put it on there just for the heck of it.

 

Thanks for asking this question. My car does not have one and I've been debating as to whether or not to buy one. Looks like the really do serve a purpose.

 

DeeGee... Very interesting. Thanks for the great write up.

The thing is I drive my car a good amount, its not a DD but where theres a nice day out there I drive. The reason why I asked this question is b/c I was thinking about just taking the 2 side off b/c Im lowering my car soon and I didnt feel like making new ramps, which the ramps I have now would definately clear it and I have seen some Vette's on the Forum with out these.

Thanks for the help CF!!