Guest smith356 Posted February 21, 2007 Share Posted February 21, 2007 Hi everyone. It's been a while since I've posted. I'm currently down in Florida, escaping the cold Illinois weather. A couple of weeks ago, on my way down, I had the misfortune of coming upon a semi just as it threw a big hunk of debris right in front of me. It went under and bounced around. Doing 75 and on 3 busy lanes, I had to wait for an exit. During that time, I heard some pretty scary noises. After pulling over, I discovered the plastic piece ( air dam ? ) that's below the front bumper, stretching across the front, had been torn loose and was only hanging on by the ends near the fenders, and dragging on the ground, trying to get under the tires. It was trashed, so I removed it and threw it away. After a couple of weeks, I'm kind of getting used to it. Question is, what is the purpose of that thing ? Functional or cosmetic ? I welcome your thoughts ! JimBy the way - 205K now and going strong ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
padgett Posted February 21, 2007 Share Posted February 21, 2007 May run hotter in warm weather on the Interstate. Purpose is to lessen the high pressure area under the engine which restricts airflow through the radiator. Since the Reatta radiator is about 10% smaller than most other cars with 3800s this can be an issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest F14CRAZY Posted February 21, 2007 Share Posted February 21, 2007 never thought of that one Padgett but it makes sense. I was thinking it was just cosmetic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2seater Posted February 22, 2007 Share Posted February 22, 2007 I you want to measure the pressure differential from the front to the rear of the radiator a simple water manometer hung inside the car works pretty well and is interesting to see what happens. I lowered the piece referred to above by 1/2" and it did make a difference in the pressure differential from front to rear of the radiator, which will help flow. The piece does serve a mechanical purpose and does serve a cosmetic purpose as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest crtnrds Posted February 22, 2007 Share Posted February 22, 2007 So you're saying that lowering the air dam helps the air flow better thus lowering water/engine temp? How did you lower the air dam? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest EDBS0 Posted February 23, 2007 Share Posted February 23, 2007 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> How did you lower the air dam? </div></div> Some times it just is lower. Here is a Canadian snow plow version. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest maybe2fast Posted February 23, 2007 Share Posted February 23, 2007 wow ^ what is that and what is the story? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2seater Posted February 23, 2007 Share Posted February 23, 2007 It seems to help air flow through the radiator although I never really had a temperature problem. It was more of an experiment than anything else. I just made spacers with longer screws. Air dams and such only help when moving, so urban driving in traffic doesn't really do much. The water manometer test I mentioned will show you what effect speed, wind direction and following other cars does to air flow. That chin spoiler in the other post looks decent from the front although I amm curious how it looks from the side. I wouldn't be able to get the car in my driveway with that installed, but it is probably pretty effective. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest EDBS0 Posted February 23, 2007 Share Posted February 23, 2007 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">wow ^ what is that and what is the story? </div></div>Had nothing to do on a Saturday morning and threw it together with fiberglass and polester resin. Uses stock mounting points.<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> That chin spoiler in the other post looks decent from the front although I amm curious how it looks from the side. I wouldn't be able to get the car in my driveway with that installed, but it is probably pretty effective. </div></div>It is very good at plowing snow (really it must come off in winter) it plows gravel and drags on most speed bumps and under heavy braking on the highway it will drag on some dips.2seater; you probably could get it into your driveway. I suspect that I could. It requires a leap of faith...you stab the gas just before you think it will drag and that lifts the front. There are some serious rub marks on the front lip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2seater Posted February 24, 2007 Share Posted February 24, 2007 "Had nothing to do on a Saturday morning and threw it together with fiberglass and polester resin. Uses stock mounting points."Uhh, pretty nice work for "throwing it together"2seater; you probably could get it into your driveway. I suspect that I could. It requires a leap of faith...you stab the gas just before you think it will drag and that lifts the front. There are some serious rub marks on the front lip. Yep, I understand the technique, just not too good at the timing <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest F14CRAZY Posted February 24, 2007 Share Posted February 24, 2007 Reminds me of how an Enzo has a switch to lift the front of the car a few inches just for this purpose Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest smith356 Posted February 26, 2007 Share Posted February 26, 2007 Just got back from Florida - it's so wonderful to be cold again !! I didn't notice any difference in temp gauge coming back, without the air dam - but I'll be replacing it, just because it's supposed to be there...... Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Jack91 Posted February 27, 2007 Share Posted February 27, 2007 I took an air dam off an S10 4by4 to make it easier to hook and unhook a snow plow.I had to put it back on because of road grit and dirt coming into the engine compartment.So iguess it is there for this reason also.--Jack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest EDBS0 Posted February 27, 2007 Share Posted February 27, 2007 Check with bwarren;I saw his Reatta several years ago and he had a very good looking air dam installed on it. Looked completely stock yet much better than stock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bwarren Posted February 27, 2007 Share Posted February 27, 2007 When I bought my car, the lower air dam was missing. Being that I tend to be on the frugal (cheap) side, I used the lower section of a second generation Ford Taurus front fascia. With a little work, I was able to fasten it to the original hardware. I snatched the air dam from the discarded parts pile at a local auto body shop, price was right (free). I'm not convinced it looks better then original, but does look better then nothing. I don't have any pictures that make it look great, but I have attached one that gives you an idea. Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bwarren Posted February 27, 2007 Share Posted February 27, 2007 Another picture from the side. I need to get a better close up, but that will have to wait till spring. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest EDBS0 Posted February 28, 2007 Share Posted February 28, 2007 Thanks Brian, it looks fantastic. AND I love the matching side moldings, Robert Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now