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I took off the air dam several months ago. I noticed no difference. I was looking in to possible mods to get more air to the intercooler, and realized a few things.
If you have facts or links to creditable sources, I would love to hear them. If there is anything we can do to get more air to our intercooler (CAC) like cutting bumper, please advise.
First, here are three reasons to take off the air dam:
1. looks
2. Off roading
3. it was easier to change the oil without it.
I dont off road, I didnt mind the looks and i drive 60 miles a day.
I searched google and added -forums to remove the opinions and get facts.
Wind tunnel testing. All companies have tested in wind tunnels and why would they have the dam on there if it didnt help.
I couldnt find the exact statement specifically for ford, i did find GMC, but here are some examples.
Ford - Shows how detailed they are in testing.
https://media.ford.com/content/ford...ns-on-f-150-help-reduce-aerodynamic-drag.html
GMC
a new air dam below the 2014 Sierra’s front bumper successfully reduces drag because it directs air toward the ground and away from the truck’s rough underbody. And Sierra’s ducted flow path between the grille and radiator prevents air from swirling inside the truck’s front cavities.
GMC Pickups 101: Busting Myths of Truck Aerodynamics
INTERCOOLER DATA
However, contrary to what common sense might imply an opening larger then the internal flow area of the core is not the ideal size. Instead, the opening should be between 60 and 25% of the core area. This number is both a result of the fact that in a completely open situation, less then one forth of the area going towards the core would flow between its fins, and a smaller inlet tapering open towards the core will produce a low pressure area, sucking in more air and maximizing air flow.
Intercooling 101
Here is a forum, but it seems thorough.
Well, I finally got my air dam testing done. Six fill-ups over 2200 miles. thrre with air dam vs three without air dam.
Without air dam: 26.34 MPG
With air dam: 27.00 MPG
Effects Of Air Dam (Ford F350 pickup) - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com
Conclusion
I origianlly removed the dam thinking it would allow more air from the bottom, but I see now this forcing air into a smaller hole might be better. Possibly it was leaking out the bottom.
I personally blow up a swimming pool with an air compressor, for the kids, and have found that the ideal inflation position is actually several inches from the large opening. It sucks more air in to the hole with it further away.
Mayby you dont care about a few pennies a fill up... but if you do! (and i am hoping for more cooling to radiator and CAC)
Put the damn dam back on...lol
If you have facts or links to creditable sources, I would love to hear them. If there is anything we can do to get more air to our intercooler (CAC) like cutting bumper, please advise.
First, here are three reasons to take off the air dam:
1. looks
2. Off roading
3. it was easier to change the oil without it.
I dont off road, I didnt mind the looks and i drive 60 miles a day.
I searched google and added -forums to remove the opinions and get facts.
Wind tunnel testing. All companies have tested in wind tunnels and why would they have the dam on there if it didnt help.
I couldnt find the exact statement specifically for ford, i did find GMC, but here are some examples.
Ford - Shows how detailed they are in testing.
https://media.ford.com/content/ford...ns-on-f-150-help-reduce-aerodynamic-drag.html
GMC
a new air dam below the 2014 Sierra’s front bumper successfully reduces drag because it directs air toward the ground and away from the truck’s rough underbody. And Sierra’s ducted flow path between the grille and radiator prevents air from swirling inside the truck’s front cavities.
GMC Pickups 101: Busting Myths of Truck Aerodynamics
INTERCOOLER DATA
However, contrary to what common sense might imply an opening larger then the internal flow area of the core is not the ideal size. Instead, the opening should be between 60 and 25% of the core area. This number is both a result of the fact that in a completely open situation, less then one forth of the area going towards the core would flow between its fins, and a smaller inlet tapering open towards the core will produce a low pressure area, sucking in more air and maximizing air flow.
Intercooling 101
Here is a forum, but it seems thorough.
Well, I finally got my air dam testing done. Six fill-ups over 2200 miles. thrre with air dam vs three without air dam.
Without air dam: 26.34 MPG
With air dam: 27.00 MPG
Effects Of Air Dam (Ford F350 pickup) - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com
Conclusion
I origianlly removed the dam thinking it would allow more air from the bottom, but I see now this forcing air into a smaller hole might be better. Possibly it was leaking out the bottom.
I personally blow up a swimming pool with an air compressor, for the kids, and have found that the ideal inflation position is actually several inches from the large opening. It sucks more air in to the hole with it further away.
Mayby you dont care about a few pennies a fill up... but if you do! (and i am hoping for more cooling to radiator and CAC)
Put the damn dam back on...lol