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Topic: spoiler and cooling

in Forum: C3 Cooling and Heating Systems


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spoiler and cooling (3/13)
 3/28/07 4:09pm
Gunslinger
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Frederick, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior


Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398

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.
spoiler and cooling (4/13)
 3/29/07 8:52am
my7t1Lifetime Member
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Dorr, MI - USA

Vette(s):
71 Colonnade Hardtop Coupe Torch Red with black interior originally L48 built to push around 360hp


Joined: 8/21/2002
Posts: 2581

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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spoiler and cooling (5/13)
 3/30/07 7:45am
lukesvetteLifetime Member
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HOWELL, NJ - USA

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.


Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812

I never knew the spoiler helped the cooling affect of the car!!phew Learn something new every day....
spoiler and cooling (6/13)
 3/30/07 8:24am
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

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


Joined: 11/8/2003
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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.

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Joel Adams
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spoiler and cooling (7/13)
 4/14/07 9:44pm
kingkong
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Berlin, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
74 Stingray, 454 cu. in.,hardtop convertible,373 posi rear,modified body,shaved door handles, roll bar


Joined: 2/12/2006
Posts: 21

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.
spoiler and cooling (8/13)
 4/14/07 9:55pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

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


Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20126

It's called an "Air Dam"
Most Vette suppliers have them...normally around $40 or so.

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Joel Adams
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spoiler and cooling (9/13)
 4/15/07 12:24am
suncountryLifetime Member
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Moses Lake, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II


Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134

Here is a link to the air dam at Mid America.
spoiler and cooling (10/13)
 4/15/07 7:42am
eddie20875Lifetime Member
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Lanoka Harbor, NJ - USA

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


Joined: 12/21/2006
Posts: 828

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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spoiler and cooling (11/13)
 4/15/07 12:10pm
cilrahLifetime Member
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Port Orchard, WA - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Indy Pace Car 4851 of 6502, Auto, L-48


Joined: 6/20/2005
Posts: 4066

Spoiler? Whats a Spoiler Wink Like said these cars are very dependant on any air they can get for cooling.

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MARK
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spoiler and cooling (12/13)
 5/20/07 3:18pm
kingkong
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Berlin, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
74 Stingray, 454 cu. in.,hardtop convertible,373 posi rear,modified body,shaved door handles, roll bar


Joined: 2/12/2006
Posts: 21

I installed a high flow water pump and the air dam under my '74. Took it out on the highway, overheating problems gone. Thanks guys!
spoiler and cooling (13/13)
 5/20/07 5:27pm
ranger3Lifetime Member
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North Charleston, SC - USA

Vette(s):
1975 L48 AT AC T-top


Joined: 3/20/2004
Posts: 4176

That's great news Wayne. The air dam really makes a huge diference. Glad it worked out.

Scott
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