Air Deflector - Trim or Remove?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 576
Likes: 48
From: Woburn MA
Air Deflector - Trim or Remove?
Lowered my C5 about an inch. Now the plastic air deflectors scrub even on the most gradual driveways.
I'm considering triming them but got to thinking about removing them altogether.
Any opinions on the removal verses trim option.
Thanks Tom
:cheers:
[Modified by BostonVette, 5:38 PM 7/9/2002]
I'm considering triming them but got to thinking about removing them altogether.
Any opinions on the removal verses trim option.
Thanks Tom
:cheers:
[Modified by BostonVette, 5:38 PM 7/9/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 5,529
Likes: 1,943
From: Austin Texas
Re: Air Deflector - Trim or Remove? (ncvetteman)
Sorry--Bzzzzzzt:
It does not push the air up the radiator, it creates a partial vaccuum behind the air dam, and that pulls air from the back side of the radiator.
It does not push the air up the radiator, it creates a partial vaccuum behind the air dam, and that pulls air from the back side of the radiator.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 3,326
Likes: 0
From: Taylor TX
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Re: Air Deflector - Trim or Remove? (BostonVette)
I ditched the two side ones and scraping has been dramatically reduced. I left the middle one though. I haven't observed any ill effects, but I don't do prolonged high-speed travel either.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,569
Likes: 0
From: Greenville NC
Re: Air Deflector - Trim or Remove? (MitchAlsup)
Sorry--Bzzzzzzt:
It does not push the air up the radiator, it creates a partial vaccuum behind the air dam, and that pulls air from the back side of the radiator.
It does not push the air up the radiator, it creates a partial vaccuum behind the air dam, and that pulls air from the back side of the radiator.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 576
Likes: 48
From: Woburn MA
Re: Air Deflector - Trim or Remove? (lotzahp)
Thanks Guys,
I think I'll keep the center dam after some trimming and remove the outside ones.
I'll be watching the temp gauge for any increase, thanks for the alert.
Tom
[Modified by BostonVette, 5:36 PM 7/10/2002]
I think I'll keep the center dam after some trimming and remove the outside ones.
I'll be watching the temp gauge for any increase, thanks for the alert.
Tom
[Modified by BostonVette, 5:36 PM 7/10/2002]
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,802
Likes: 61
From: Wichita KS
Re: Air Deflector - Trim or Remove? (BostonVette)
I read in the book C5 Corvette that the side air dams were added to get the .29 cd rating. They do so by guiding air around those big fat front tires.
[Modified by CCrane00, 8:58 PM 7/10/2002]
[Modified by CCrane00, 8:58 PM 7/10/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,112
Likes: 2
From: Sindelfingen Germany
Re: Air Deflector - Trim or Remove? (BostonVette)
I´ve lowered about 3/4 inch and after this I cut all three parts about 3/4 inch. Happy now. It is very easy to cut, just take a carpet knife. Before you take them off completely, maybe you try the cutting method.
Frederik
Frederik
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Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,556
Likes: 2
Re: Air Deflector - Trim or Remove? (C5 Frederik)
I would think you might be losing some of the performance advantages of lowering by cutting the spoiler.
The closer to the ground that spoiler is, the more aerodynamic your car becomes-better mileage, top speed, and high speed handling should be improved...
The closer to the ground that spoiler is, the more aerodynamic your car becomes-better mileage, top speed, and high speed handling should be improved...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,266
Likes: 1
From: Kennesaw Ga
Re: Air Deflector - Trim or Remove? (Buckmaster)
Leave them. Even as flexible as they are they do have a purpose for overall air flow. Also, even if they rub a bit, it is a good guide to let you know how steep the incline in fact is so you can judge if you want to proceed up the slope. My $.02 :D
Not that he is stupid :D
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 3,630
Likes: 8
From: Virginia Beach Virginia
Re: Air Deflector - Trim or Remove? (Buckmaster)
Tommy, do not trim or remove the center spoiler or you will definitely see an increase in your engine's temp. It's there to direct more air flow into your engine (remember, the Vette is a "bottom-breather").
Also, you may want to have your alignment checked. Many other posters who have lowered their Vettes have had to get an alignment on all four tires. Changing the height of the vehicle you have also changes the setup of the suspension and it can cause some unwanted wear on the tires.
Personally, I'm not a fan of lowering the Vette...I think it's low enough and I figured the engineers (though they had to compromise a bit) know a lot more than I will know when it comes to establishing a ride height. Anyway, good luck...but don't mess with that center air dam underneath.
[Modified by Mark S., 7:52 AM 7/11/2002]
Also, you may want to have your alignment checked. Many other posters who have lowered their Vettes have had to get an alignment on all four tires. Changing the height of the vehicle you have also changes the setup of the suspension and it can cause some unwanted wear on the tires.
Personally, I'm not a fan of lowering the Vette...I think it's low enough and I figured the engineers (though they had to compromise a bit) know a lot more than I will know when it comes to establishing a ride height. Anyway, good luck...but don't mess with that center air dam underneath.
[Modified by Mark S., 7:52 AM 7/11/2002]
Racer
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 468
Likes: 0
From: Lawrenceville GA
Re: Air Deflector - Trim or Remove? (Mark S.)
I'm lowered about 3/4 to 1 inch all around and scrape in my own driveway (which isn't very steep). I totally agree with the posts here about the spoiler being there to 1) direct air to the radiator, and 2) divert air out from under the car. Leave the spoiler...when it gets too ragged out, replace it. I think the replacement spoilers are under 100 bucks.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 16
From: "Once you have flown, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward; for there you have been
Re: Air Deflector - Trim or Remove? (Black2001Z06)
lowered and trimmed.... with that statement made, I believe that removing the air dam does adversely change the aerodynamics at warp factor speeds. The cooling issue is debatable.. I've read posts here where the air dam was removed and the car driven in the hottest of climate without a huge difference in coolant temp or other problems. So do what makes you happy.. if you can live with scuffing, leave it stock. Want less scuffing trim it a little (i cut an inch off mine), and if that isn't enough for you, take it off... if your temps look out of whack put the middle one back on! :seeya
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,205
Likes: 40
From: Tucson AZ
Re: Air Deflector - Trim or Remove? (BostonVette)
Removal will affect air flow and cooling effectiveness; don't do it. Let them "scrub" and get an extra set from Ken to have around if/and or when you need them. :smash: :yesnod: :)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 21
From: Roswell GA
Re: Air Deflector - Trim or Remove? (carpe dm)
From Ken Fitchner:
LH Front Spoiler $ 8.95 $ 6.71 1 $ 6.71
RH Front Spoiler $ 8.95 $ 6.71 1 $ 6.71
Center Front Spoiler $ 51.66 $ 38.75 1 $ 38.75
Consumable items.
[Modified by KingTut, 11:02 PM 7/11/2002]
LH Front Spoiler $ 8.95 $ 6.71 1 $ 6.71
RH Front Spoiler $ 8.95 $ 6.71 1 $ 6.71
Center Front Spoiler $ 51.66 $ 38.75 1 $ 38.75
Consumable items.
[Modified by KingTut, 11:02 PM 7/11/2002]
