dckotwicki

I had my 2016 Z raised up the other day to clean the wheels and noticed a rubber flap / deflector forward of the engine compartment that was torn on the passenger side. The flap / air deflector extends down about 2 1/2 inches, is centered with what looks like 5 or 6 bolts holding it on. The rip extends about six inches in from the end.

Does anyone know what it is / what it's called?
What purpose it serves?
How much it costs to replace?
Should I replace?

Bill Dearborn

It is an air dam and it is part of the Aero package of the car. The air dams are subject to wear and tear due to being so low on the car and the tendency of drivers to run them over parking curbs. They are easily replaceable and fairly low cost. Replace it.

Some people say it doesn't do anything but given how cost driven auto manufacturers are why would GM pay money to install something on a car if it wasn't needed to perform some desired function? I think GM knows more about car design than the vast majority of street corner kibitzers. I bet if you could dig through the design data for the C7 and C7Z06 that GM has reams of test data showing the exact affects of having or not having the air dams.

Bill

sTz

It's called an air dam, Part #22799212. I've read that it helps with cooling & downward force. I've also read that the center portion is not suppose to be installed on C7s w/dry sump (Z06, Z51, & GS), and it can cause oversteering at high speeds. See below link regarding PDI information:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...6-air-dam.html

davepl

It definitely still comes on C7Zs w/dry sump and Stage 1, but should be removed when installing Stage 2 or 3, according to what I've read.

I've also heard, like sTz says, that it doesn't belong on dry sump cars, but then why does the factory ship it installed on Stage 1 Zs? That'd mean dealer prep for EVERY Z would require removing it, since they all have dry sump.

So I'm confused as to what the right answer on Stage 1 Zs is...

Steve Garrett

The first mod I did to my car was remove those things......

sTz

Yeah, it was installed on my Stage 1. I just left it on when I installed that Stage 3.

There really has been no definitive explanation, aside from Tadge, who informed that at 150 mph the extra downforce provided by the center section caused a tendency to oversteer.

I also have something similar installed on my Chevy truck, an its purpose was described as improving fuel economy.

To the OP, you can repair it, replace it, or remove it... and I doubt that you'll ever notice any difference in aerodynamics, downward force, cooling, or fuel economy. If it were me, I would probably replace it... just because it was something on the car that was damaged, and really no other reason, however, many removed them... just because they drag on their driveway, or they appear unsightly...

h3mpking

Mine ripped off and I never replace it. Not sure its intended purpose and I never read anything to convince me to put it back on.

diverman

dckotwicki

I bought a new one from amazon, around $38
Genuine GM I think.
I put some gorilla tape on the back for additional support.
Not sure if that's a good idea or not.
If it tears again I'll try something else.