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today i have put that small spoiler underneath (radiator)... although i was told i didn't realize that it could make such a different... my estimate temp got down by atleast 20degree F..
art-corvette
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Moses Lake, WA - USA
Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134
Vette(s): 1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II
These corvettes have marginal cooling and need all the help they can get. Everything I have read says you need the spoiler, foam seals around the radiator and the fan shroud. All of this forces the air through the radiator and prevents any bypass around or recirculation. I had cooling issues here in the desert so I replaced the seals that were missing and increased the radiator core thickness. I can now run 75 mph down the freeway mid summer and not overheat.
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Send PMFrederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
It's not just directing air up to the radiator (though it's the prime reason), the spoiler also keeps as much air as possible from passing under the car creating drag and turbulence, which requires more power to overcome.
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I agree. I've had cars in my shop with similiar small grilles overheat going down the road. Any car with such small amount of air going through the grille need all the help they can get. Espically when running the air. The spoiler made all the difference. Terry
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Send PMHOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
I never knew the spoiler helped the cooling affect of the car!!
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 22715
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
That's the main reason it is there. When the '68 cars were being developed, they couldn't keep the engine temps down, so they put on a small spoiler...that helped, but what really did the trick was Zora going under there and cutting the 3 holes out of the lower valance panel in front of the spoiler. This allowed the spoiler to direct the airflow directly over(thru) the radiator, increasing the cooling effect. The first '68 cars had these holes cut with saws...not very pretty. Without the holes in the valance, the spoiler contributes very little to the cooling.
Without the spoiler, the air pretty much just passes under the car, and doesn't go thru the radiator.
Without the spoiler, the air pretty much just passes under the car, and doesn't go thru the radiator.
Joel Adams
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Can anyone tell me the exact part name of this spoiler that goes under the radiator? I think I may need one for my '74. Who sells it?
Thanks.
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 22715
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
It's called an "Air Dam"
Most Vette suppliers have them...normally around $40 or so.
Most Vette suppliers have them...normally around $40 or so.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
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Moses Lake, WA - USA
Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134
Vette(s): 1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II
Here is a link to the air dam at Mid America.
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Send PMLanoka Harbor, NJ - USA
Joined: 12/21/2006
Posts: 2191
Vette(s): 1975 metallic blue coupe with t-tops,L48, t/t steering, black leather interior. 1990 L98, white/red leather interior, auto,a/c
from what i have read and even though i am installing electric fans, i
will be installing a new air dam on mine. have read with the fans seals
aren't as important but if i can reduce the wear and tear on fans i
will.
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in Forum: C3 HVAC, Fuel, Emissions, and Exhaust
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