pec98

Has anyone removed their air dam? I have been thinling of removing it from my Toarch Red C 5 . What do you think ? LETS SEE SOME PICTURES . If you took yours off .

dwspas

Don't do it. The front Air Dam is functional and deflects air to the radiator. Without it your asking for cooling problems.

Purerock105

As crappy as many(mine) look, it is still a functional piece. I took mine off just to see what it would look like and noticed the coolant temp rising.

pec98

Thank..... I think I'll keep it on .

Mtlfusion

You do not need to keep it on, it is only of use at high speeds. If you commute with it everyday and dont drive above 160+ km/h for long periods of time nothing wrong will happen.

johnson-rod

I take mine off each winter and never notice any engine problems.
There is a little more wind noise underneath the car.

Phanni

Removing it is pretty simple, but do not remove the lower radiator support. I doubt it wil change the cooling much in your car, but I'd the temperature gauge closely.

Vetteman Jack

It is there for a reason. Some members have trimed the air dam a bit to help with clearance problems though.

jrose7004

I'd leave it on!

DeeGee

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 C5 is a “bottom feeder” in other words the cooling air which feeds the radiator is drawn in from below. The air deflector in the centre diverts air into the radiator. If you’re in any doubt about the effect of reducing flow into the radiator, pop a plastic shopping bag up there and watch the temperatures rise. To that end it’s important to keep the intake clear of debris. Without it, you’re relying mostly 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.

Heres how to replace the air deflector if you go that way:
Air Deflector Replacement - Front Bumper Fascia
Removal Procedure



1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Remove the center air deflector bolts.
3. Remove the air deflector from the vehicle.
Installation Procedure
1. Position the center air deflector between the side valances.
Notice
Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
2. Install the center air deflector and attaching bolts.
Tighten
Tighten the air deflector bolts to 7 N•m (62 lb in).
3. Lower the vehicle.

The aero pieces just screw on

dberry08

It was a different car, but when the air dam was taken off my Thunderbird turbo coupe I had to constantly watch the engine temp and had several times when I had to pull over to let the car cool down. Might be different with the vette...

killain

Contact Gene Culley for a great price on a new dam, It is necessary ! I bought a extra set just because the part is nearing a point ( I think) were it will be discontinued by GM, if not already.

jnaugle775

Keep it on very bad Idea to take it off. If anything it should be bigger meaning lower to the ground. You will have over heating issues and will add to lift issues at higher speeds

Mr E Here

Replacements are available via Mid America Motorworks, who is making them to OEM spec's. I just received mine this week and will be installing next week.

For the C6: http://www.mamotorworks.com/corvette...-166-7549.html