C5 Air Dam.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Encinitas CA
C5 Air Dam.
Hello,
I recently moved into a house who's garage is at a strange angle. When I enter
or leave the garage I'm getting some scraping from the air dam under the front
hood.
I'm wondering what kind of problems will arise if I remove it?
I recently moved into a house who's garage is at a strange angle. When I enter
or leave the garage I'm getting some scraping from the air dam under the front
hood.
I'm wondering what kind of problems will arise if I remove it?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,205
Likes: 40
From: Tucson AZ
Re: C5 Air Dam. (paladine)
If it is just the plastic airdam pieces, there is no real problem as they are inexpensive and easily replaced. If you have "metal" contact, you should consider the mod available from Andy at AAengines. See https://www.corvetteforum.com vendors listing. 
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,029
Likes: 2,719
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Re: C5 Air Dam. (paladine)
The black plastic air dam directs air up through the radiator instead of under the car. Removing it may cause cooling problems at normal speeds, and/or stability problems at high speeds. It is designed to flex when hitting things, so you are probably not doing much harm. If it eventually requires replacement, a new on can be bought for about $40.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,224
Likes: 0
From: Tulsa OK
Re: C5 Air Dam. (BRADS C5)
Ya, don't remove the air dam. They are there to help direct air to the appropriate places. Like someone said, if you are getting significant scraping, get the Frame Savers from Andy @ A&A. He is in the forum mall. I have these and the rocker rail protectors. I HIGHLY recommend them. They do help, especially the rollers up front.
It really won't hurt the air dam if it scrapes. The only problem is that it can look a little rough after repeated scraping. Easily solved by taking a utility knife and slicing off a bit off the front edge. And if really bad, very cheap to replace!
Patrick :seeya
Like someone said, if you are getting significant scraping, get the Frame Savers from Andy @ A&A. He is in the forum mall. I have these and the rocker rail protectors. I HIGHLY recommend them. They do help, especially the rollers up front.It really won't hurt the air dam if it scrapes. The only problem is that it can look a little rough after repeated scraping. Easily solved by taking a utility knife and slicing off a bit off the front edge. And if really bad, very cheap to replace!
Patrick :seeya
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 3,326
Likes: 0
From: Taylor TX
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Re: C5 Air Dam. (paladine)
It depends on which part of the airdam is scraping. There are 3 separate pieces under there. The center one is spring loaded to allow deflection without damage. The two outer ones are screwed onto the front fascia, and will deform over time from scraping.
The center piece diverts air into the radiator cavity. The outer parts divert air around the front tires and underbody to prevent lift during high-speed travels.
I had the same problem as you, and eventually my side pieces got so warped that they just started looking hideous. I removed them, but left the center part alone.
I can now enter/depart driveways at more forgivable angles now and enjoy MUCH MUCH less scraping. I don't do any sustained runs at 100+, so I haven't observed any handling/lift problems.
The center piece diverts air into the radiator cavity. The outer parts divert air around the front tires and underbody to prevent lift during high-speed travels.
I had the same problem as you, and eventually my side pieces got so warped that they just started looking hideous. I removed them, but left the center part alone.
I can now enter/depart driveways at more forgivable angles now and enjoy MUCH MUCH less scraping. I don't do any sustained runs at 100+, so I haven't observed any handling/lift problems.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,146
Likes: 2
From: Florida
Re: C5 Air Dam. (paladine)
paladine,
One of the first things I did when I got my car home was take off the 2 outside pieces to clean up the look of the nose. My car never runs hot and I'm in S. Florida. PS I have driven the car at over 155 and never felt any lift because the 2 pieces are gone. I like the way it looks without them and I have A&A rollers so there is absolutely no scraping. Good Luck on whatever you decide to do.
One of the first things I did when I got my car home was take off the 2 outside pieces to clean up the look of the nose. My car never runs hot and I'm in S. Florida. PS I have driven the car at over 155 and never felt any lift because the 2 pieces are gone. I like the way it looks without them and I have A&A rollers so there is absolutely no scraping. Good Luck on whatever you decide to do.
