Front air dam

jjjaffo

Apprentice

Jul 2, 2022

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58

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51

Monroe Wisconsin

• Jun 1, 2024

• #1

Hey folks. I have a 1980 El Camino and was wondering if they ever came with an air dam under the front core support? Is this something I can add, and would it make a difference? My car tends to heat up a bit at highway speeds. I have a clutch fan and a one row plastic tank radiator in it. Cools just fine in town and does not overheat a speed, just tends to run about 210*. Wondering if putting in an air dam can help that at all?

 

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melloelky

Comic Book Super Hero

Supporting Member

Oct 22, 2017

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mass

• Jun 1, 2024

• #2

jjjaffo said:

Hey folks. I have a 1980 El Camino and was wondering if they ever came with an air dam under the front core support? Is this something I can add, and would it make a difference? My car tends to heat up a bit at highway speeds. I have a clutch fan and a one row plastic tank radiator in it. Cools just fine in town and does not overheat a speed, just tends to run about 210*. Wondering if putting in an air dam can help that at all?

Click to expand...

yes these rides did come with a plastic air dam attached to the bottom of the support and it does aid in forcing air into the radiator core.i don't have any experience running a car without one but i firmly believe it's an important part of the cooling system.

 

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B

bracketchev1221

Royal Smart Person

Jan 18, 2018

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• Jun 2, 2024

• #3

Yeah use the factory air dam or the factory el Camino front spoiler

 

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brrian

Master Mechanic

Jul 7, 2022

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Pittsburgh, PA

• Jun 2, 2024

• #4

I have an extra air dam if you're interested. It's off of an 81 Grand Prix.. I assume it's the same on all G-Bodies.

 

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pagrunt

Geezer

Supporting Member

Sep 14, 2014

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Elderton, Pa

• Jun 2, 2024

• #5

brrian said:

I have an extra air dam if you're interested. It's off of an 81 Grand Prix.. I assume it's the same on all G-Bodies.

Click to expand...

There's at least two, My '81 Monte & Jr.'s '79 have differents ones. His is taller(?) than mine & has a different shape. As long as it does the job I wouldn't see any issues using any one that as used on our cars.

 

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Longroof79

Rocket Powered Basset Hound

Oct 14, 2008

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Gainesville, Fl

• Jun 2, 2024

• #6

A few years back, I saw one that one our members posted that was actually longer than the typical air dam /deflector. Anyone will serve the purpose.
It is a necessary part to help direct air flow into your radiator,

 

Last edited: Jun 2, 2024

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melloelky

Comic Book Super Hero

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Oct 22, 2017

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• Jun 2, 2024

• #7

the bolt pattern on the bottom of the support/on the air dam is the same jjjaffo so don't let a BOP version that 's a little wider scare you away.

 

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64nailhead

Goat Herder

Dec 1, 2014

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Upstate NY

• Jun 3, 2024

• #8

I have a factory unit on one of our cars and I made one for another. Without them installed the temps climb by more than 20degrees while cruising. hey are an absolute must for highway driving in the heat.

 

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69hurstolds

I know nothing!

Supporting Member

Jan 2, 2006

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• Jun 3, 2024

• #9

Ensure you also have the rubber side flaps or whatever configuration from the factory that help direct air through the radiator.

 

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Sweet_Johnny

Has A Face For Radio

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Oct 4, 2022

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• Jun 3, 2024

• #10

The aforementioned side flaps or whatever:

GN Radiator Air Box Kit (NEW), GBodyParts.com

1981 - 1984 1985 1986 1987 Buick Grand National T Type GNX Turbo Regal Reproduction 3 PIECE BAFFLES SET

www.kirbanperformance.com

Or Scott W. of GNS Performance makes an aluminum version:

GNS Regal Radiator Box-in kit #20100GNS | GNS Performance

www.gnsperformance.com

Radiator Air Box-in Kit

This kit replaces those flimsy wore out factory rubber shroud around the radiator jsut behind the grill. This was designed to divert 100% of the air that travels through the grill to be forced to go through the radiator!! The results: Better / Faster Cooling! Our kit is made from 1/16" Aluminum...

turbobuick.com

 

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