Airdam vs. Bellypan?

[stevet47]

What would be more beneficial an airdam or a bellypan? I would think belly pan would be better because it would smooth out the flow without creating any additional frontal area, while the dam just forces the air out of the way, but I thought I'd ask the experts.

Thanks!

[SVOboy]

Time/cost-benefit would yield airdam, but if you really like FE, go for the bellypan and lower the car.

[theunchosen]

Lower and belly pan. Some driving becomes a hazard though as some roadways and entrances to various road-side entities have a large change in pavement height.

Air dam creates extra frontal area. You can also do the belly pan in sections to make it more convenient(front middle and then the back using the wheel wells to divide sections).

[stevet47]

If I weren't able to lower the car would an airdam be suggested then? I would be doing this to a Honda Fit which is already relatively low. I would think that even without lowering, a bellypan would still be superior.

[theunchosen]

If you are in for it Belly pan is superior because it does not present as much frontal area for the same effect.

Lowering is just an added bonus. The lower the car is the more overlap of frontal area between the tires and the car(less tire sees the air) as well as it decreases the amount of air able to get under the car and cause havoc.

[tasdrouille]

I'm a big fan of airdams. Nothing's easier to install and remove when needed or to repair. They trade a bit of frontal area for an improved Cd. When extended low on their extremities to completely hide the front tires they may net better results than a simple flat belly pan.

[cfg83]

tasdrouille -

I have a question. In the picture below, assume that there are side fairings extending to the wheel-well that guide the air to the outside of the tires :



The *best* position for the airdam would be #1, yes? However, would #2 or #3 work as well or maybe less efficiently? Would there still be a benefit?

CarloSW2

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[stevet47]

Good question. I am curious about that too.

[Frank Lee]

One thing about 2 or especially 3 is that, the closer the dam is to the front tire contact patches, the less it will hit obstructions on the ground especially ramps.

[tasdrouille]

Carlos, although #1 surely is best, #2 and #3 are worthwhile too. I've seen a lot of #3 type airdams on production cars. The reasons are probably cosmetic.

My previous car had a #2 type and it worked pretty well.