Front Rubber Spoiler - what are these for?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 1,795
Likes: 1
From: Chicago IL
Front Rubber Spoiler - what are these for?
What purpose do front, SIDE, rubber spoilers serve? I understand the center plastic spoiler serves to direct air to the radiator. I am thinking about getting front end spoiler (mostly for cosmetic purposes) but it requires removing these side rubber spoilers.
Plus, these darn things drag on driveways all the time..
Plus, these darn things drag on driveways all the time..
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,063
Likes: 9,827
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Re: Front Rubber Spoiler - what are these for? (sbkim)
They provide better aerodynamics by reducing air flow under the car. If they were removed the center spoiler would not work as well either besides the car would look a little strange without them. If you are replacing them with a aftermarket spoiler then there should be no problem removing them.
Bill
[Modified by Bill Dearborn, 12:15 PM 10/27/2001]
Bill
[Modified by Bill Dearborn, 12:15 PM 10/27/2001]
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,517
Likes: 1
From: Stockholm
Re: Front Rubber Spoiler - what are these for? (sbkim)
This was discussed recently in the following thread: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=173186
I will remove mine including the center piece the reason is my car is VERY low :D
I will remove mine including the center piece the reason is my car is VERY low :D
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 1,795
Likes: 1
From: Chicago IL
Re: Front Rubber Spoiler - what are these for? (seanr)
Bill,
Thank you for your input. Hopefully, aftermarket front spoiler will be just as effective. Just an FYI, these spoilers are offered by ACI (www.acivette.com)
SeanR
Geez, I feel stupid for not having done a search. I guess great minds think alike ;)
Thank you for your input. Hopefully, aftermarket front spoiler will be just as effective. Just an FYI, these spoilers are offered by ACI (www.acivette.com)
SeanR
Geez, I feel stupid for not having done a search. I guess great minds think alike ;)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 3,326
Likes: 0
From: Taylor TX
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Re: Front Rubber Spoiler - what are these for? (sbkim)
I firmly belive these outer parts exist so GM would give the owners something to modify! Why else would they have made them so easily removable? :D
Seriously, they're to divert air around the sides of the car instead of under the car, creating lift at higher speeds. Personally, they're a nuisance and become quite fugly when bent from scraping the nose. I took'em off and have had no problemo.
Seriously, they're to divert air around the sides of the car instead of under the car, creating lift at higher speeds. Personally, they're a nuisance and become quite fugly when bent from scraping the nose. I took'em off and have had no problemo.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,550
Likes: 0
From: Arroyo Grande CA
Re: Front Rubber Spoiler - what are these for? (sbkim)
Some thoughts not already covered:
First, the spoiler warns you about certain ramps and gutters before you hit metal. I like this warning.
Second, there are aftermarket hood designs intended to release the air pressure that builds up under the front of the car even with the chin spoiler. (Members have reported their hoods bulging at 160 mph + with stock cars.) These hoods frequently have carbon fiber, save weight, and look cool. (See pics of my car at my website for an example.)
Third, when crossing a gutter with water, if the spoiler scrapes the bottom of the gutter at enough speed, water will be directed upwards just like airflow. If you have cut a hole into the radiator shroud and have a cold air setup, water will hit your air filter. What may happen next has been fiercely debated here, but one thing is certain: Some users of bottom feeding air intakes have hydrolocked their engines. Its probably just a question of how fast and how much before it happens.
First, the spoiler warns you about certain ramps and gutters before you hit metal. I like this warning.
Second, there are aftermarket hood designs intended to release the air pressure that builds up under the front of the car even with the chin spoiler. (Members have reported their hoods bulging at 160 mph + with stock cars.) These hoods frequently have carbon fiber, save weight, and look cool. (See pics of my car at my website for an example.)
Third, when crossing a gutter with water, if the spoiler scrapes the bottom of the gutter at enough speed, water will be directed upwards just like airflow. If you have cut a hole into the radiator shroud and have a cold air setup, water will hit your air filter. What may happen next has been fiercely debated here, but one thing is certain: Some users of bottom feeding air intakes have hydrolocked their engines. Its probably just a question of how fast and how much before it happens.
