Removing air dam for deep snow driving

[RichieRocket]

A couple weeks ago, we got a 8-10" snowstorm in the northeast. A couple of side streets were not plowed and I hit sections where the center row, between the tire tracks, was 6-7" high. The air dam plowed into this light fluffy snow, throwing it forward. The snow came around the nose and covered my windsheild. I had to quickly turn the wipers on to see...

I'm thinking for a 'normal' snow storm, where plow trucks are out, then it doesn't matter.

However, if the snow is really coming down and I want to head up to VT to snowboard, removing the air dam might give a bit more clearance to get thru bad roads heading up to the ski areas. Lookign at the the parts diagram, looks like only 6~8 screws hold it on. Should be easy off-on. Obviously, the air dam was designed for easy replacing due to scrap damage... I haven't been outside to peek under the car yet...

Comments?

 

[$ub$onic]

I prefer to keep the air dam that way Ik how deep its getting. I had my sonic on a foot of snow doing drifts and at that point snow just gets in so many places I want to have a belly pan for next year
Basicly I like to know when it getting deep before it hits my bumper

 

[pacman552]

the air dam is easy to remove, had to replace one of the 2 plastic holders that hold it in place after i bottomed out and broke it! removing the air dam will lower your gas milage a little probly but should give you another inch or so b4 you start bottoming out on the snow.

 

[$ub$onic]

I bottom out everyday and I've never broke mine......

 

[SonicBoy24]

A couple weeks ago, we got a 8-10" snowstorm in the northeast. A couple of side streets were not plowed and I hit sections where the center row, between the tire tracks, was 6-7" high. The air dam plowed into this light fluffy snow, throwing it forward. The snow came around the nose and covered my windsheild. I had to quickly turn the wipers on to see...

I'm thinking for a 'normal' snow storm, where plow trucks are out, then it doesn't matter.

However, if the snow is really coming down and I want to head up to VT to snowboard, removing the air dam might give a bit more clearance to get thru bad roads heading up to the ski areas. Lookign at the the parts diagram, looks like only 6~8 screws hold it on. Should be easy off-on. Obviously, the air dam was designed for easy replacing due to scrap damage... I haven't been outside to peek under the car yet...

Comments?

How would the air dam plow the snow? It's mostly horizontal? At least from what I remember (the stealership stole mine when I got my free oil change).

 

[$ub$onic]

Its a figure of speech ...... and you can plow with a horizontal surface it just builds up in front of you that's all

 

[Eric Smit]

How would the air dam plow the snow? It's mostly horizontal? At least from what I remember (the stealership stole mine when I got my free oil change).

you're thinking of the belly pan. he's talking about the rubber piece out front.


-Eric Smit

 

[mowcowbell]

I wonder how well that spoiler will hold up to frozen hard snow? Some of that stuff is like rock when it refreezes.

Darin

 

[SonicBoy24]

you're thinking of the belly pan. he's talking about the rubber piece out front.


-Eric Smit

oohhh, well in that case, hell yea.
I think that would def help with the snow situation.

 

[pacman552]

I bottom out everyday and I've never broke mine......

i didnt brake the actual air dam, just the hard plastic part that hold it up, was going down a pothole filled dirt road at about 10 mph and bottomed out when i hit a pot hole, the combination of a cold day and hitting the air dam in a downward direction instead of it just grazzing the road surface you get when you normally bottom out broke the holder for it

 

[Black Turbo LTZ]

We got 47cm(18.5") of snow in one day a few weeks ago and the sonic had no probs in the dept...my only issue was having to turn off the T/C so I could drive somewhat normal.

 

[CyberGreyTURBOZ]

I haven't had any problems yet besides being pushed around in slush or choppy roads. The wheel base is a bit narrower than other cars I think causing it to bob back and forth.

 

[SwampySonic]

Factory-style replacement black plastic air dam

I hit an armadillo the other night doing 115 and it pulled down what I would years ago have called a chin spoiler. Lowest thing under the nose of the car... black, nearly full-width, under red body panels. Middle is dragging... ends are still attached. Are there any aftermarket stock replacement parts for that yet or is dealer parts counter $80 piece all I will find other than fancy swoopy painted pseudo-aerodynamic stuff for hundreds of dollars?
I haven't gotten down and dirty for close inspection but did I likely just pop out plastic clips or have I likely torn out mounting screws and backing plates (needing major repair) also?
Thanx.

 

[Swordsmith]

That is the air dam we are talking about here. Easy to remove, I'd take it off and see if you can pop it back into shape, and also see if as you suggest theres been damage to the area holding it on. Fix might be free, or you may need the replacement part, or there could be actual body damage, no way to know until you look.

 

[laborsmith]

I have not had this happen to my Sonics tho both were lowered but did have it happen to my last Camaro. Fix was to use oversize washers. Did not seem to do undo damage but at least four bolts went missing and needed replacing, maybe five. My ends were attached and the middle sagging. About a couple of dollars and elbow grease.

Laborsmith

 

[HADES20]

I did and the crap stopped pilling up and the car stopped pushin the snow