Belly pan vs air dams
 

I'm considering where to start modding my new to me $600 Saturn and I think I'll start with basic aero

The car is already missing the air dam in the front and I'm considering making either a partial belly pan or doing some air damming like you see on a lot of semi trucks to essentially make the car aerodynamically lower than it is.

It does strike me that the air dams would be easier and cheaper to make as well as not making service harder

Thoughts on these two?

Thanks in advance

I'd go with an air dam for the reasons stated. I don't think the full pan is really worth that much more fuel savings wise unless you do a ton of highway driving.

Why not both? There's still air under the car with an air dam, just less. A partial bellypan might become 'low hanging fruit'.

A[n easily fabbed] flat [horizontal] plate that starts as a diverter that extends to the front axle line would lower the stagnation point, possibly/potentially improve radiator airflow and allow airflow out of the engine compartment.

With plate covering exhaust exit airflow ducting to wheel well would be necessary I think.

"$600" doesn't tell much.What year (1990-2009)? Prolly not the Sky roadster. :) Maybe the SC coupe? I don't find a good illustration of the radiator area.

The inner fenderwell and the center-rear around the exhaust would be good location for an adjustable shutter that would substitute for a grille block.

Thanks for the responses.

One consideration is that I live in Arkansas and as such retention of a properly functioning AC is a must so good airflow through the condenser at idle is still critical. If it comes down to a choice of 30++ mpg or melting I’ll go back to dailying my 10mpg Cadillac again lol.

Most of my 50ish mile daily commute is on interstate with no traffic impediments

The cars details are in my sig.

Saturn aero
 

With the best world-class wind tunnel of the day, I'd be very surprised if GM hadn't optimized the OEM airdam on the Saturn, since it was in direct competition with the foreign import market.
And when it comes to AC performance, I can't think of any auto maker which excels in cabin comfort, so the same factory airdam was probably designed considering AC parameters as well.
Just thinking out loud.:)

Even though an air dam might sound cost-efficient enough, I am also favorable to a full-lenght belly pan as it might provide some protection to the undercarriage from road debris.

LOL with a traffic sign skid plate you can send a crappy FWD car over all kinds of obstacles at a gambler500 event

Dooo eeeet!