Front Clearence ?

[Sparki]

What should the front clearence be at the air dam ? I measured 3 iches on the drivers side at the curved part of the air dam - is this correct ? so low/ good for snow plowing I guess and scraping ever driveway one drives into - worst part of the car that scraping sound.

[skyguy]

The air dams on all my C4s, C5s, and C6s scraped on most inclines and speed bumps. The dam is flexible and really not damaged when scraped. A small annoyance to endure to get stability over 150 mph!

[markw8]

It seems C6s are worse for this than C5s.

Mark

[Sparki]

Originally Posted by skyguy

The air dams on all my C4s, C5s, and C6s scraped on most inclines and speed bumps. The dam is flexible and really not damaged when scraped. A small annoyance to endure to get stability over 150 mph!

I disagree - poor engineering by GM - who goes 150 mph - come on that is no excuse.

[NORTY]

Originally Posted by Sparki

I disagree - poor engineering by GM - who goes 150 mph - come on that is no excuse.

I wouldn't call it "poor engineering" as much as I would call it "a compromise." The airdam is more than 3" from the ground. (Z06's are 3.5".)
Oh, and some do 150mph or better on occasion.

[LLC5]

Originally Posted by Sparki

I disagree - poor engineering by GM - who goes 150 mph - come on that is no excuse.

Poor engineering? Your kidding, right? I dare you to design and engineer a vehicle that will exceed 150 mph, and then not make it safe to run that fast, and then sell it to the puiblic. And yes, there are a LOT of owners that exceed 150 mph in their Vett's. Many owners purchase these vehicles because they do run that fast.

This is a serious sports car that customers wanted, and demanded, certain perfomance critera (0-60, top speed, handling,etc) be obtained. GM did an excellent job in engineering, and one of those is the front air dam. It folds brilliantly when contact is made, and springs right back into place ready to be used again. It makes a little noise, but at least it still functions properly. Not sure you can ask for much more than that.

[froggy47]

Originally Posted by Sparki

I disagree - poor engineering by GM - who goes 150 mph - come on that is no excuse.

I have a few issues with my C5Z, but the front air dam is NOT one. It's a great design compared to most other low to the ground sports cars.

One encounter with a parking "block" on some other cars & it's $$$ to get the damage repaired.

It folds out of the way, it pops back, directs air to the radiator & helps keep the front stuck down at speed.

BTW, I like to see 3 digits on the HUD as often as I safely can.

It's not expensive to replace when needed.

Maybe you bought the wrong car is all I can think.

You post sort of reminds me of a guy on the Corvette Forum several years ago who was irate about his Corvette not having a rear windshield wiper like an SUV & he wanted to install one.

[Sparki]

Originally Posted by froggy47

I have a few issues with my C5Z, but the front air dam is NOT one. It's a great design compared to most other low to the ground sports cars.

One encounter with a parking "block" on some other cars & it's $$$ to get the damage repaired.

It folds out of the way, it pops back, directs air to the radiator & helps keep the front stuck down at speed.

BTW, I like to see 3 digits on the HUD as often as I safely can.

It's not expensive to replace when needed.

Maybe you bought the wrong car is all I can think.

You post sort of reminds me of a guy on the Corvette Forum several years ago who was irate about his Corvette not having a rear windshield wiper like an SUV & he wanted to install one.

I am happy for you - enjoy.

Sparki

[rocket8189]

I too dislike the scraping sound and try my best to avoid taking it there.

Been to 150 several times and once enjoyed the DIM saying Cruise Set 135 MPH. Hundreds of cars won't hit 135 much less happily cruise at that speed for miles without issue.

I love these cars. What a treat!