73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks > Performance
Air Deflector Theory
Stewart G Griffin:
i think even with the large frontal area of the trucks, the air dams net gain of directed air around/under the truck out weighs any increase in the overall frontal area? i don't think the factory would have put it on there if there was no gain?
i hear that you can make big gains by blocking off the grill. Remember a few years ago the silverados had shutters on the grill that would open/close depending on your speed and cooling needs?
JohnnyPopper:
That makes sense Stewart. How would you block off the grill? Plexiglass behind it? Would the lack of air flow cause overheating?
VileZambonie:
--- Quote from: 75gmck25 on June 22, 2021, 12:37:34 PM ---I ran across one of those "what changed each year" articles for square bodies and it said the front deflector under the bumper was not available until '81. That was the same year they made some other front end changes, so it makes sense.
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I don't think anyone reproduces the 80 and older air dam but it definitely existed, that article is not correct.
Stewart G Griffin:
--- Quote from: JohnnyPopper on September 13, 2021, 02:57:07 PM ---That makes sense Stewart. How would you block off the grill? Plexiglass behind it? Would the lack of air flow cause overheating?
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i think chloroplast and zip ties might work good. But you have to be very careful so as not to block off too much air. i don't think we would want to block the grill off completely.
SilverMiner:
--- Quote from: JohnnyPopper on March 14, 2021, 08:57:25 PM ---Thx VZ, the earliest I could find was for a '81, so I made the leap and bought it. Doesn't really fit my '78 bumper profile perfectly.
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I'm the owner of a 1980 K10 Suburban, and my original air dam does not attach to the bumper. Rather, it is tied to the the lower radiator support. It appears to be designed to force air both above in front of the radiator as well as below the front 4x4 axle. I can't find any GM part number for that deflector prior to 1980. Judging by the photos in old brochures, the 1981 and newer air dams are different, but it is difficult to tell.
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