Quote:
Originally Posted by Axsle
If the air dam is longer/lower at the sides so that the air is diverted around the tires, is that better? Could that help even with a belly pan?
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Yes, if the airdam is longer and lower at the sides, it is better because it diverts air away from the tires AND it will not increase your frontal area.
The reason an air dam can help fuel efficiency is by preventing air from going underneath the car (which is the most un areodynamic part of the car). However, if the airdam is too low, it increases your frontal area, which can hurt fuel efficiency.
Airdams are typically considered the "easiest" way to prevent air from going under the car, therefore, car manufacturers typically skip out on doing a full underbelly tray.
Therefore, there is a fine line between too much air dam and not enough airdam.