Z06Vette.com - Corvette Z06 Forum

Andy2 · 08-09-2003, 04:24 PM

Looking at my side vents today, I was wondering what the purpose of those flaps that partially block the vents could be... if those vents should help in getting hot air out of the engine compartment, then why not remove those flaps?
Can anyone enlighten me about this?

Andy2 · 08-10-2003, 03:24 PM

Hmm, seems to be a dumb question... Somehow I still think: why block the vents? Shouldn't they work more efficiently when not obstructed by those flaps? Lowering underhood temperature is a good thing after all...Anyone?

CJS · 08-10-2003, 07:42 PM

I asked this question a year ago on the other forum. The answer was given that the side vents are for looks only and they are completely blocked off from any air flow function. I wish they could be made to work also. But I am sure that the GM engineers thought of this, so it must be unnecessary.

VettTheRipper · 08-11-2003, 07:44 AM

Having opened up that area to install screens it appears that the flaps are purely cosmetic. With them removed you can see the engine compartment and the ground. If you've ever put your hand there while the fans were running you'd find that there is hot air coming out of them and the shape of the ducts creates a low pressure area that helps draw hot air out of the engine compartment at speed. Removing the flaps should increase flow out of the ducts. Whether it was GM's intention for them to be functional is inconsequential....they ARE functional.

Andy2 · 08-11-2003, 10:08 AM

Thanks for your responses!
I am probably going to remove them. Maybe I will add some screens for looks... that should be much less restrictive than those flaps.

rwd · 08-11-2003, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by VettTheRipper
Whether it was GM's intention for them to be functional is inconsequential....they ARE functional.

Agreed. A lot of attention is paid to what happens to the air under the hood. Removing them may have some unintended consequences.

They could be there for something as simple as restricting the outflow of warm air to get the engine temp up more quickly on cold starts for emissions tests. Or they could be smoothing airflow into the engine. Or several purposes.

If you're going to do it, I'd suggest not doing anything irreversible and monitoring the results. The results may or may not be noticeable, but there will be a difference.

ROSSO Z · 08-11-2003, 11:01 AM

If air can get out with flaps removed, then perhaps the flaps are there to prevent dirt, etc. from being thrown all over the side panel.

Just a guess. I know diddley about these things.

Andy2 · 08-13-2003, 06:26 AM

I discussed it today with my mechanic and he said that the flaps are likely to hinder airflow at low speed but would probably guarantee airflow at higher speed. He advised to let them in place to assure the vents work when going fast. How it exactly works seems to be quite complicated though...

I was thinking that GM might have put the flaps there for cosmetic reasons but I am not sure anymore...

mwascom · 08-13-2003, 07:15 AM

Put the screens in, a much better (finished look). You'll like them. Easier on the drivers side than passenger side. I didn't jack up the car or take the tires off and it still only took an hour. Just have to pull the bottom half of the fender well and then position the screens.

Trust me with the wheels off it will be much easier. I got to buy me a jack !

[IMG]

[/IMG]

Jerry Velders · 08-13-2003, 07:22 AM

I suspect they're just baffles to prevent debris or water from getting thru the vents and all over the paint.

VettTheRipper · 08-13-2003, 09:55 AM

I'm very confident the flaps are cosmetic. Similar style ducts are used on aircraft. They probably flow much better with them removed. If I start tracking my car I'll yank them.