[Z06] Really Stupid Question
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 904
Likes: 36
From: Santa Cruz CA
Not dumb at all.
They were a styling option that was supposed to give it a classic look. Most people didn't seem to like them so either ordered the car without them or just removed them if they where already on the car. They are just adhesived on.
The punch line to the joke no one told was that this totally 'styling' option that most performance people pulled off as soon as they could was that in testing it turned out that the BSM's significantly improve laminar airflow over the side of the car at higher speeds.
If you go fast you actually really want these on your car. Worth a few mph, but mostly they smooth the air out and contribute to extra stability at higher speeds. Was actually found out in a wind tunnel test for something else by GM a few years later on accident. If I can find the article I will link it.
And yes it leaves people like me whose car originally had them only to have the original owner remove them and throw them away very annoyed at having to either lump it or pay to get a new set and have them painted and installed.
The punch line to the joke no one told was that this totally 'styling' option that most performance people pulled off as soon as they could was that in testing it turned out that the BSM's significantly improve laminar airflow over the side of the car at higher speeds.
If you go fast you actually really want these on your car. Worth a few mph, but mostly they smooth the air out and contribute to extra stability at higher speeds. Was actually found out in a wind tunnel test for something else by GM a few years later on accident. If I can find the article I will link it.
And yes it leaves people like me whose car originally had them only to have the original owner remove them and throw them away very annoyed at having to either lump it or pay to get a new set and have them painted and installed.
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Instructor
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 239
Likes: 0
From: the woodlands tx
They were a styling option that was supposed to give it a classic look. Most people didn't seem to like them so either ordered the car without them or just removed them if they where already on the car. They are just adhesived on.
The punch line to the joke no one told was that this totally 'styling' option that most performance people pulled off as soon as they could was that in testing it turned out that the BSM's significantly improve laminar airflow over the side of the car at higher speeds.
If you go fast you actually really want these on your car. Worth a few mph, but mostly they smooth the air out and contribute to extra stability at higher speeds. Was actually found out in a wind tunnel test for something else by GM a few years later on accident. If I can find the article I will link it.
And yes it leaves people like me whose car originally had them only to have the original owner remove them and throw them away very annoyed at having to either lump it or pay to get a new set and have them painted and installed.
The punch line to the joke no one told was that this totally 'styling' option that most performance people pulled off as soon as they could was that in testing it turned out that the BSM's significantly improve laminar airflow over the side of the car at higher speeds.
If you go fast you actually really want these on your car. Worth a few mph, but mostly they smooth the air out and contribute to extra stability at higher speeds. Was actually found out in a wind tunnel test for something else by GM a few years later on accident. If I can find the article I will link it.
And yes it leaves people like me whose car originally had them only to have the original owner remove them and throw them away very annoyed at having to either lump it or pay to get a new set and have them painted and installed.
There you go!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 755
Likes: 3
From: Houston Texas
I do not have BSMs. Thankfully! IMO, it looks cleaner without and it is easier to wash and wax as it gives you one smooth panel to dry water, to apply and remove wax, there is no issue of water trapping and leaking out, caking in wax etc
I think it looks good with them on, just really good without.
I think it looks good with them on, just really good without.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,604
Likes: 13
From: Colorado
St. Jude Donor '16 thru '26
