OK maybe this can be added to the endless list of useless ideas that will never happen and solve problems that do not exist but here I go anyway... This would be well down my list BTW.

Seeing the commercials for some of the new cars a few are advertising front shutters (grills) that close at speed to lower drag. This got me thinking about our air damns...

Idea, create a new damn that is on a hinge and use a 12v actuator to move it up and down (open and close). The logic could be simple based on engine temp using a simple electric fan sensor/switch and a relay to have it drop down at a temp higher than the thermostat but lower than the fans. It would only be in place when actually needed.

This would lower drag some when not deployed, it would reduce the amount of air being forced into the engine compartment when not required. It would be up when the car is off (parked) improving the looks (if you care).

Adding a speed sensor (or manual switch) it could also be pulled up when the speeds are low enough for it not to be affective, improving ground clearance when you are most likely to hit a speed bump.

Downside, it still needs to take a hit if deployed and something hits it...

eBay has actuators with built in limit switches, that are IP65, have enough throw and power for well under $100. With the fan sensor and mods to the spoiler I can see this coming in under 200....

Any thoughts?

 

the air dam isn't just there for cooling- it also cleans up the aero under the car by pushing excess air out over the sides of the air dam and away from the car instead of letting it bounce around under the car to create lift and drag...