New C7 Owner Question
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 34,840
Likes: 12,283
From: NE South Carolina
Tech Explanation; for Inquiring Minds:
Air Dams reduce the amount of air going under the car. That reduces the drag as it goes over the rough underside suspension, engine, etc parts. Overcoming drag is what takes energy. The amount of drag is proportional to the car speed squared.
The GM chief aerodynamicist stated drag has a significant effect at highway speeds. He also said at speeds above 100 mph an air dam creates downforce as more air is directed above the front of the car and less under (or reduces lift, depending on the car.)
Some who don’t like the air dam “looks” or listening to it scrap on driveways (they are designed to scrape and bend) justify removing by saying they don’t go 100+ mph. However it is added to help with mpg at highway speeds. GM may not care how much gas you save but it helps their corporate fleet mpg goal!
The side air dams deflect some air around the front tires, a significant contributor to drag. They do not provide any lift reduction or downforce so they are on all C7 models.
I try to separate the simple reason from the tech facts that cause some to roll there eyes!
I know some appreciate the tech explanations and where MATH is not considered a 4 letter word! For those who don’t, just skip that extra section, like I do the cooking section of the newspaper.
Last edited by JerryU; Oct 19, 2017 at 10:14 AM.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 258
Likes: 105
From: Corvallis, Oregon
Thanks Jerry, great info. I'm wondering how this factors into the idea that removing the air dam increases air flow to the brake cooling ducts on Z51s, etc? Interesting stuff: air dam reduces drag at hwy speeds and increases downforce at 100+, but also restricts air flow to the front brakes via the ducts on Z51s, GSs, and Z06s, as I understand it...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 2,274
Likes: 621
From: Los Angeles CA
Actually, on the base A8, one of the rear quarter vents is functional for cooling the tranny. On the M7 base both are not functional.
As others have said, the Z-51 (visually) is slightly different by:
1. The air dam in front.
2. Slotted rotors.
3. Wheels (but these can be ordered from the factory)
4. Rear spoiler (but this can be ordered from factory)
5. Rear vents are functional on the Z51, not on the non-Z51.
1. The air dam in front.
2. Slotted rotors.
3. Wheels (but these can be ordered from the factory)
4. Rear spoiler (but this can be ordered from factory)
5. Rear vents are functional on the Z51, not on the non-Z51.
