Does anyone know the purpose of the air dam (piece under the front bumper - that plastic bit that scrapes on tire stops, speed bumps, etc)?

Is it essential for air flow to the radiator?

Aerodynamics?

Chevy thought it looked good?

 

I’m thinking to control air flow under the car, and it looks good.
I’m not convinced it really does much for the air flow at only 1 1/2 inches
Now an old IMSA air dam, that’s for air control

 

It's for better aerodynamics. Keeping less air under the car for better mileage. Needed, not really IMO, but I'd still keep it. Might not seem like much, but it "could" get a little squirrelly at high speed without.

 

That looks like a fun ride.......

 

I copied this from another forum, definition of a air dam:
"It's main purposes are to reduce drag, and to lower the air pressure in the engine bay. Lowering the air pressure in the engine bay allows more air to flow through the radiator."
I have one on my 83 Monte Carlo that is stock. I was told it was there for the radiator cooling also.

 

Thanks for the replies. The reason for asking is that mine is getting pretty chewed up from rubbing/ striking stuff.

 

You can, if your handy, get some thin aluminum/plastic and pop rivet to the original to make it lower.

 

There are kits available, but I like the .125 inch thick x 3 inch plastic many race car shops have , I think Speedway Motors sell it by the roll.
I found this but it’s a bit wide at 22”

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Color...0-Ft,1557.html

 

What they sell on eBay is rubber flower bed edging.

 

I like the idea of the edging. Makes it more 'homey'.