Is this part important?

[rack]

Hi all,
Is the part on the picture important, what it is called, what is the role and where to buy it?
It is missing on my 78 Monte
I took the picture from member 87LS/88SS, very nice car, thanks for the pic

 

[LS1GN]

It is an air dam - GM prob has an official name for it. It works (when the car is moving) by creating high air pressure at the front of it and creating low air pressure behind it. The low pressure forces air through the radiator - which makes the radiator more efficient. At high speeds the radiator can sometimes act like a "wall" and receive less air flow.

I would not worry about it unless you are having overheating issues, particularly at when you are moving. Mine is gone.

 

[-83MONTESS-]

I would not worry about it unless you are having overheating issues, particularly at when you are moving. Mine is gone.

x2. Mine was cracked so I removed it when I bought the car 2 years ago. No problems here!

 

[Wile E]

Gm used a few different air dams on the G-bodys, one has curved edges (I think thats a later Monte) one is noticably shorter in length, thats commonly found on early Malibu's and early Montes, and one slightly longer that was found mostly on Cutlass's. Not sure what style the Gran Prix or Grand National had.

 

[85GPLef41]

IIRC the aluminum core supports also have a specific air dam could be wrong though...if your overheating though and it's missing the part then i would install one. Never seen a curved one though... :wink:

 

[rack]

Hi guys,

Thanks for reply.
I just ask of curiosity.
I don't think I am overheating. The gauge arrow stays in the center, pointing 220 and don't go further. Is it normal temp?
It is during the summer, at about 30 Celsius.

Thanks,
Ivo