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Old 07-23-2009, 12:47 PM   #1 (permalink)
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Air Dam vs Bumper mod

would i be better off installing an air dam or extending the front bumper down and forward so that the air goes up and over instead of out the side? I think if i used the air dam i would get more lift at higher speeds.

http://file.kbb.com/kbb/vehicleimage...sol88ls961.jpg

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Old 07-23-2009, 12:51 PM   #2 (permalink)
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Extending the bumper would be best, but of course, more difficult.
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Old 07-23-2009, 12:53 PM   #3 (permalink)
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Any ideas for how to extend the bumper? nt

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Old 07-23-2009, 03:58 PM   #4 (permalink)
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I would suggest an upper grille block with an air dam to direct more air into the opening below the bumper. It has been my experience that an air dam will reduce front end lift because it reduces air flow under the car.
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Old 07-23-2009, 04:44 PM   #5 (permalink)
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There are other considerations as well. An air dam could be closer to the centerline of the front wheels therefore be a little lower and a little less vulnerable to damage at driveway approaches, etc. An air dam even near the front axle line will decrease lift at freeway speeds from the stock set-up. Extending an air dam from the front of the bumper will decrease lift even more and be more slippery overall but vulnerability is a consideration.
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Old 07-23-2009, 05:31 PM   #6 (permalink)
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I agree that driveway vulnerability is an important consideration. My 93 Trans Am's air dam is well under the nose and so low that I can't get a floor jack under it but it has never hit a driveway.
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Old 07-24-2009, 11:25 PM   #7 (permalink)
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...to CONTINUE this line of thinking--when there's nothing there now, which is more beneficial? (A) a BIG air-dam or (B) a small air-dam like the OEM's use?

...any "ratio" of their true FE effectiveness?

...I know which is easier to buy and install: what's already been made and is easily bought at a junk yard!
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Old 12-14-2009, 10:54 PM   #8 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SVOboy View Post
Extending the bumper would be best, but of course, more difficult.
I definitely agree with this idea. However, extending the bumper would be a complicated job. But I want to try it real soon..

Last edited by mikeross; 12-18-2009 at 04:19 AM..
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Old 12-14-2009, 11:07 PM   #9 (permalink)
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How are you going to extend the bumper? With an air dam?
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Old 12-16-2009, 03:38 AM   #10 (permalink)
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I do not know what the car has under the plastic, but the same year Bonneville had an extra plastic 'spoiler' that mounted about a foot back from the leading edge. Since the cars are identical underneath the sheet metal, I bet you could find one and use stock plastic clips to hold it in place.

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