Front air dam options?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Front air dam options?
One of the few things I don't really care for on the stock C5's is the floppy air dam up front. I am not talking about the solid spring loaded deflector...that's cool and a good design. I am talking about the soft air deflectors on the sides that are held in with those lame plastic push pins. I know they make sense for OEM gear because a lot of people don't know about angled approach to steep ramps and how to park. Is there something more solid and better looking for those of us who know how to protect it?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,386
Likes: 0
From: Just a little outside San Antonio, Texas
If I understand what you're referring to, the left and right front air dam that are on each side of the flexible are dam are not held in with push pins. They're held in place with 10mm screws. I had to remove them to install my Vararam intake.
The side air dams are there to reduce air turbulence under the car. The center air dam also reduces air turbulence but also directs air into the radiator shroud for engine and tranny cooling.
They are "floppy" because they are mounted to the bottom of the front facia which, I believe, is part of the car's front crumple zone (impact abatement).
The side air dams are there to reduce air turbulence under the car. The center air dam also reduces air turbulence but also directs air into the radiator shroud for engine and tranny cooling.
They are "floppy" because they are mounted to the bottom of the front facia which, I believe, is part of the car's front crumple zone (impact abatement).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,984
Likes: 0
From: Central Coast CA
The floppy design is much better than the very stiff design of the C4's. You want something that moves a bit when in contact with road hazards. I think they are great.
The C6 uses a stiffer design but not as stiff as the C4's.
The C6 uses a stiffer design but not as stiff as the C4's.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Thanks guys...I had a case of "ready, fire, aim". Yes, screws are there and my main issue was that they dip away from the body where they make the 90 degree bend. I simply added two stainless steel metal screws between the stock screws and it totally straightened things up.
I will be sure to take a closer look at stuff next time before I waste your time guys. Thanks again for the help. I have found this forum to be so courteous, knowledgeable and helpful. Improves my Corvette experience by a factor of 2.
I will be sure to take a closer look at stuff next time before I waste your time guys. Thanks again for the help. I have found this forum to be so courteous, knowledgeable and helpful. Improves my Corvette experience by a factor of 2.
