What’s the verdict on MPG when removing front tire air dams-without changing tires and rims?

[McCloud_Rainbow]

I know a lot of folks who remove the front air dams are also changing tires, racks, wheels, etc. which all have an impact on noise and MPG. I would like to remove the front air dams, but keep my stock FE wheels, etc. My only concern is reduced MPG and/or increased noise for something that is a purely aesthetic decision.

Has anyone removed them and kept the rest of their LC stock and tracked the impact? What’s the verdict on this? Again…looking for data answers, not aesthetic preference.

Thanks!

 

[Nor Cal Cruiser]

I removed the air dams and did not notice any noise change nor do I notice a noise change with new 35's.

 

[shwazz714]

I did this…. Maybe a touch more noise on first drive or two (could have been placebo) but not noticeable since.

Mpg took a slight hit around 0.5-1 mpg. That could also be caused by me coming out of the break in period and doing a lot more of 75-85 mph on freeway va 65-70 during break in period.

 

[shwazz714]

Should have added - I think it looks much better and I don’t really mind the other stuff (drop in mpg namely).

 

[jmika003]

I didn't see really any drop in MPG after removing mine, and think it looks WAY better!

 

[LCOceans]

I removed air dams but left everything else same and notice no difference in anything - noise or MPG.
Caveat - my wife says I can't hear anyway. Well at least the MPGs have not changed.

 

[Captain Trips]

I removed air dams but left everything else same and notice no difference in anything - noise or MPG.
Caveat - my wife says I can't hear anyway. Well at least the MPGs have not changed.

Is it possible that you just can’t hear her? My hearing is near perfect, but I never heard anything my ex said according to her.

 

[HarvLC]

Only modification to my 1958 and I haven’t noticed any difference.

It’s a 6000lb box driving down the highway. Those little rubber pieces could only do so much

 

[Bigfoot]

The air dam would not be there if it didn't make a difference. Drag reduction is part of intelligent vehicle design where engineers fight for every fraction of an mpg gain. User data and impressions are largely subjective. If you don't like it then remove it but expect a small hit on economy and noise. Personally I don't understand the aversion to air dams other than for extreme off-roading which few actually do.

 

[HarvLC]

I don’t doubt there is some effect but it’s not significant enough to warrant leaving them in place.

The lipstick might slightly improve the pig’s appearance but it doesn’t hide the fact that it’s a pig.

Again, it’s a 6000lb box…

 

[Colonel Mustard]

I tested this with precision and found zero difference in mileage much to my surprise. No difference in noise either. Then months later added 275 70 18 KO3’s and lost 2 mpg also much to my surprise and dismay.

 

[fatfish]

I'd say take them and see for yourself. It's only 15min for both sides at the most.

 

[zulunet]

I tested this with precision and found zero difference in mileage much to my surprise. No difference in noise either. Then months later added 275 70 18 KO3’s and lost 2 mpg also much to my surprise and dismay.

But look so nice

 

[bluebullet]

The air dam would not be there if it didn't make a difference. Drag reduction is part of intelligent vehicle design where engineers fight for every fraction of an mpg gain. User data and impressions are largely subjective. If you don't like it then remove it but expect a small hit on economy and noise. Personally I don't understand the aversion to air dams other than for extreme off-roading which few actually do.

They should do quite nicely driving in 12" of new snow... We'll see.

 

[TrailWhale]

I left mine on and my MPG dropped by 2. So you guys might be onto something!

 

[Bigfoot]

I don’t doubt there is some effect but it’s not significant enough to warrant leaving them in place.

The lipstick might slightly improve the pig’s appearance but it doesn’t hide the fact that it’s a pig.

Again, it’s a 6000lb box…

Are you also going to remove the rear wing and splash guards because they are just "lipstick?"

 

[Bigfoot]

They should do quite nicely driving in 12" of new snow... We'll see.

You drive a lot in a foot of untracked snow? Lucky you. Air dams are made to give a little so should not be affected unless you ram into something. Note that besides fuel economy air dams also help with handling by keeping downward pressure on the steering wheels and with cooling by deflecting air into the engine bay.